What better way to kick off the new year than with this extraordinary self-advocate? She’s the first person with Down syndrome to swim across the English Channel, she’s spoken to crowds across the nation, she’s started a non-profit foundation, she’s earned an honorary doctorate degree, she’s been a hard working employee for several years and she hasn’t let this pandemic stop her. She’s Karen Gaffney. And today she’s telling us all about her motto: “Down syndrome is a life meant to be lived.”
From open water swims nearly 9 miles long (sometimes with no wetsuit!), to academic and employment success, and all the public speaking engagements in between, Karen is shifting the narrative in big ways. We are SO thankful she’s here with us to chat about a lifetime of self-advocacy, her non-profit foundation, and all the daily routines (including 2 mile swims before work) that keep her going! Plus, Karen’s mom jumps on the interview to share her perspective as Karen’s mother. You don’t want to miss this one, friends!
__
SHOW NOTES
Check out the Karen Gaffney Foundation website and Facebook page!
Watch Karen’s TedX Talk: I have one more chromosome than you. So what?
LET’S CHAT
Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News for future episodes.
HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE
Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!
EPISODE PARTNER: Oxygen Fitness Coaching
Check out fellow lucky mama Megan Libassi’s health and wellness business, Oxygen Fitness Coaching. Mention “the lucky few” and you get A FREE MONTH of coaching!
Instagram: @oxygenfitcoach
Facebook: @oxygenfitcoach
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theluckyfewpod/supportTHROWBACK: Defining Ableism, Allyship & Advocacy + Redefining "Inclusion" - ft. Dr. Priya Lalvani
THROWBACK: Organ Transplant Discrimination Against People with Disabilities (ft. incredible advocates!)
THROWBACK: Diversity in the Down Syndrome Community
192. Tis' the Season!
191. Future Planning for the WHOLE Family - ft. Phillip Clark, Enable SNP
190. Disability & The Church Pt 2
189. Motherhood, DS Advocacy, and Selling Funky Hawaiian Shirts (ft. Holly Simon, 21 Pineapples Shirt Co.)
188. Our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide!
187. Dental Anxiety & Down Syndrome (ft. Dr. Samantha Healy)
186. Our Response to the Ableist Comments on Netflix's "Love Is Blind"
185. What if my child with Down syndrome can't?
184. Busting Myths About Down Syndrome - ft. Madison Tevlin
183. Following the Lead of Self-Advocates (ft. Matthew Schwab)
182. A Day In the Life of Our Friend Jeremy (self-advocacy, independent living, + more)
181. How has your sibling changed your life? (ft. Dana & Anthony Sciullo from the NDSS team)
180. "You make me better" (An Interview with Carissa Carroll, Founder of Jack's Basket)
179. Disability & The Church
178. Healthy (and happy) Aging for Adults with DS - Ft. Margot & Bart from the National DS Society
177. Happiness IS Down Syndrome (ft. Misty Snyder)
176. The Ripple Effect (ft. Nancy & GiGi Gianni)
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
History Storytime - For Kids
Privacy Boys
Nonsensical Show
The Story of Mankind
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Dr. Laura Call of the Day
Focus on the Family with Jim Daly