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!
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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
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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!
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Facebook: @oxygenfitcoach
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theluckyfewpod/support175. Back to School Listener Q & A!
174. Learning About the Down Syndrome Learning Profile! (ft. Jessica Kuss from the National DS Society)
173. EVERYONE BELONGS by Heather Avis (Behind the Scenes of Her NEW Children's Book- Out NOW!)
172. Defining Ableism, Allyship & Advocacy + Redefining "Inclusion" - ft. Dr. Priya Lalvani
171. What does belonging actually mean? (Storytelling Tour Recap with Heather + Josh Avis!)
170. Why I Became A Pediatrician for Individuals with Down syndrome (ft. Dr. Kishore Vellody)
169. The Harm in Using People with Disabilities As "Inspiration" in Clickbait Viral Videos
168. When is it time to have "the talk" with your child with Down syndrome? (ft. Dr. Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L)
167. Raising A #BossLady (ft. Rebecca Kutcher)
166. An Interview with An #IronFamily - ft. Jazmine & Chad Faries + Patrick Longstreth
165. Delivering HOPE w/A New DS Diagnosis (ft. Rick Smith, father + advocate!)
164. Choosing Your (Summer) Battles
163. What does success mean to you?
162. What happens after high school? (Ft. Val - Recent OT Grad + TLFP Producer!)
161. Let's Talk About Abortion & Disability
160. Organ Transplant Discrimination Against People with Disabilities (ft. incredible advocates!)
159. The Trouble With Self-Care
158. Faith, Healing, & Disability, ft. Amy Julia Becker (Mother/Author)
157. Sibling Dynamics & Down Syndrome
156. From Special Educator to Education Advocate, ft. Markeisha Hall
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