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
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/support155. A Candid Conversation About Raising a Child with A Dual Diagnosis
154. Community Over Competition, ft. Chantele Holm - Podcaster + Lucky Mama
153. It's World Down Syndrome Day!
152. Restoring the Down Syndrome Story - ft. Katie Quesada, Storytelling Coach & Speaker
151. Finding People That Don't Feel Sorry For You (ft. Jo Lopez)
150. Cole Sibus on Being An Actor w/Down Syndrome, Moving Away From Home, + SO Much More!
149. The Only Black Mama In The Room - ft. Ashley Dirks (mother/advocate)
148. Diversity in the Down Syndrome Community
147. Resources for Black History Month - Movies, Podcasts, Books, & More!
146. It's Black History Month! Let's Talk About It.
145. Just the Three of Us.. on Grief, New Year's Resolutions, & What's to Come in 2022
#THROWBACK: What do you wish you knew when you got your child's diagnosis?
#Throwback: Disability Representation In The Media w/Gail Williamson (Talent Agent & Mother)
#THROWBACK: Tell Me You're Raising A Child w/DS Without Telling Me You're Raising A Child w/DS
#THROWBACK: Discussing "Dignity Beyond Accomplishment," An Article by Justin Hawkins (ft. author, Justin Hawkins)
#THROWBACK: "More Than A Moment," w/Kelli Caughman
144. How To Keep The Holidays Happy
143. Our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide!
142. Our Kids are #WorthTheConversation (Sexual Abuse, Safety, & Body Autonomy in the DS Community)
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