“Stay home, wash your hands, don’t touch your face….” you’ve heard it all before. But now you can hear from pediatrician Dr. Noemi Spinazzi, who specializes in Down Syndrome. She works at a children’s hospital in Oakland, CA and is the medical director of Charlie’s Clinic - a Down Syndrome specific health care center! Today we’re asking her about all things health and Down Syndrome from special Covid-19 precautions, medical myths, speech, pneumonia, hearing, and more!
Read More“Our kids do not have to fit any measurement for their value or worth.” Micha said it here first but we’re pretty sure we all agree, right? That’s why today we’re discussing all things dual diagnosis with Micha Boyett, who’s son Ace recently received an Autism diagnosis. We’re also diving deep into societal expectations of people with other types of disabilities and how those impact our goals for children, all the supplements and sensory tools Micha is using with Ace, and perhaps most importantly— sleep! This is a good one, friends. Thank you for joining us.
Read MoreHappy World Down Syndrome Day! Down Syndrome has taught us how to come together as a community to support one another. So today, we’re chatting all about a few of our favorite podcasts/non-profits/accounts that are shifting the narrative all year long. Check out our show notes for all the links you’ll need to keep you busy during these uncertain times! Then, tag us in your World Down Syndrome Day posts (@theluckyfewpod) and use hashtag #THELUCKYFEW.
Read MoreBryan Russell is the first person with Down Syndrome to ever run for political office anywhere in the world, and we are here for it! This past January, Bryan showed Peru (and the world) what he’s made of, earning over 13,000 votes in his efforts to earn a congressional position. And thankfully, Katie and Ryan Marley followed his journey every step of the way. Their upcoming documentary, “El Candidato” explores some pretty big questions about this election. Join us for a chat with Bryan Russell, his parents, and Katie + Ryan for all things changing perceptions, navigating politics, and living in Peru!
Read MoreAnyone else ever questioned how much you share about your child or loved one with Down Syndrome on social media? We sure have! There is so much pressure to share (or not share) about your loved one with Down Syndrome and we feel it too! So friends, let’s all agree to be intentional on Instagram, to honor our kiddos, and most importantly, to keep shouting the worth and shifting the narrative together!
Read MoreThis week on The Lucky Few Podcast, we are remembering James Eugene Lanto, better known as Jimbo, and even better known as Jimbo_Is_The_Man on Instagram. For many of us in the online Down Syndrome world, Jimbo’s Instagram account was the first glimpse of what an adult life could look like for our little ones with extra chromosomes. Jimbo’s spirit seen through those little squares on our phones gave us immense hope and great joy for our child’s future. And for those of us who have other children without Down Syndrome, the loving actions of Jimbo’s sisters erased our fears that our children’s siblings might one day grow bitter or resentful against their brother or sister with Down Syndrome. In the eyes of Jimbo’s sisters (and all of his 10 other siblings), Jimbo was more than enough just as he was, never a burden, and always a blessing. Hear more from two of Jimbo’s sisters, Pam and Julie, about life with their extraordinary brother and help us pay tribute to the man that showed us what it means to be part of #TheLuckyFew.
Read More“This is a complicated issue, but I truly believe that the Down Syndrome community is powerful enough to tackle this,” Lindsey Strickland on sexual abuse against children with Down Syndrome. We know sexual abuse is tough to talk about, but our kids are #WorthTheConversation. Lindsey, today’s guest, has spent many years working for Child Protective Services as a case manager for at-risk families, and she also grew up with foster siblings who had experienced abuse. After working as a child advocate in a sexual assault clinic, Lindsey began to educate her community about the realities of child sexual abuse. Her extensive background, heart for outreach, and 6 year-old-son with Down Syndrome all lead her to create Worth The Conversation. Lindsey’s online platform serves to empower parents to protect their children with different abilities. She acknowledges the many risk factors for our kids and encourages families to combat those dangers with fierce advocacy and clear communication. Let’s shout their worth and protect our kiddos, it’s definitely #WorthTheConversation.
Read MoreHi friends- Mercedes & Andy Lara (@hooray4sunny) here! We’ve been traveling with our three kiddos all summer long and you wouldn’t believe the stories we have for you! Between all of our crazy fun adventures, we’ve picked up on quite a few #TravelHacks along the way, especially for children with different abilities! Snacks, sunscreen, and no screen time are just a few of our keys to a fun vacation. But we get it, traveling with kids isn’t always easy, especially if you’re traveling with people who don’t quite understand why your child responds a little differently to the world. It’s okay to wonder why on earth you left the house in the first place when your child refuses to walk back to the car or stand in line. And it’s okay to pack an entire pantry full of snacks to get you through the day. What matters most is that you keep showing up. The world needs to see your beautiful family and interact with your extraordinary children.
Read MoreWhat happens when five married couples get together to talk about raising kids who have Down Syndrome? Join us around the campfire for this episode to find out! We’re talking all about growing stronger through tough seasons, splitting therapy responsibilities, and still making time to enjoy date night! Marriage and raising kids with Down Syndrome can be tricky, but these couples prove that it is definitely possible, and always worth it. Listen along for the ultimate insider’s perspective.
Read MoreThis week on The Lucky Few Podcast, we’re breaking through cultural and religious stereotypes that discriminate against people with Down Syndrome, with the help of none other than Jamie Lee! Her educational background includes a MA in Secondary Education with emphasis, English (USC), post graduate work in Paralegal studies (NYU), and a BA in Psychology with a Minor in English (UCSB).
Read MoreThis week on The Lucky Few Podcast we’re talking all about education! And we’re learning from none other than Mrs. Terry Brown, the creator of the “So Happy to Learn” program. She is passionate and gifted at teaching individuals with Down syndrome for over 20 years, and has developed an innovative program called “So Happy to Learn” that teaches reading, writing and math to children and adults with with Down Syndrome.
Read MoreFor our first two episodes of this second season, we’re chatting with Kristin Enriquez, an inclusion expert and educational consultant, who has the unique perspective of both an educator and mom, with a long career in the field of special education, and a ten year old son with Down syndrome.
Read MoreFor our first two episodes of this second season, we’re chatting with Kristin Enriquez, an inclusion expert and educational consultant, who has the unique perspective of both an educator and mom, with a long career in the field of special education, and a ten year old son with Down syndrome.
Read MoreIt’s our Season One finale! And we’re celebrating by taking your questions! From adoption to social media to navigating extracurricular activities, Heather, Mercedes and Micha are here to answer your deepest questions (or maybe just the first questions that came to your mind).
Read MoreIt is finally here! Welcome to the episode where we talk about all things therapy, and trust us… you won’t want to miss this one. What do you do when it feels like therapies are taking over? How much therapy should your child be receiving? How do you balance therapies with everything else of life? We cover it all…
Read More
