In today’s world, there’s often a stigma that the world of sports is closed to people with disabilities, but that is not the case. There are many organizations that support athletes with disabilities, such as USA Volleyball.
During this brand new episode of Family Comes First™, “Going for Gold”, we hear from Paralympic gold medalist, Lora Webster. Lora won her gold medal in Rio at the 2016 games for sitting volleyball.
Lora experienced some knee pain when she was younger and soon after, found out she had a tumor. At 11 years old, the doctors gave her the choice of which surgery she would like to get rid of the tumor and live with for the rest of her life.
Lora being an active child, never gave up on sports, even after the surgery. When she was scouted for sitting volleyball in high school, Lora was weary at first, then she realized how challenging the sport was and decided she was up for the task. “…people believe that it’s a watered-down version of the regular able-bodied sport when in fact, most adaptive sports are much harder than able-bodied sports.”
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We met with Sidiki Conde back in 2011 where he shared his story of his childhood in West Africa and how as a child, he suddenly and inexplicably lost the use of his legs. Despite such a life altering challenge, he is an accomplished dancer, singer, musician and songwriter.
Sidiki is an amazing person. His smile and bright outlook on life is contagious. He refuses to be labeled by his disability.
On this episode, Sidiki is joined by Susan Russo, the executive director of the Theresa Academy of Performing Arts for children with Special Needs. Sidiki is currently working at the Academy as a teacher of the performing arts. He helps to build the student’s self-confidence and self-esteem through example. He is able to show the children that they should be proud of what they can do and not to linger on the things they cannot.
He is also working to raise funds to build a school back in his hometown. Children do not have a lot of opportunities where he is from and are often subjected to begging in the streets. He hopes the school will be able to provide the children with better opportunities for them and their family.
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Jason Da Silva was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when he was just 25 years old. Jason is a filmmaker and was enjoying making documentaries and traveling the world prior to being diagnosed. Although, he has had to learn to make adjustments to continue pursuing his passion, he has not given up. Since being diagnosed, he has turned the camera on himself to allow viewers to get a glimpse into his daily life. His documentaries are stories that show triumph over tragedy.
Jason is now married, has a child and continues to pursue his dreams. He has also created an app called axsmap to help people who are handicapped navigate the world around them.
In this episode with Jason, he provides encouraging messages to people going through difficulties. He says, “I think the biggest thing is that people should, if they are going through a challenge, big or small be it MS or otherwise, just know there is a light at the end of the tunnel…” Jason is truly an inspiration.
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The Multiple Sclerosis Society’s mission is: We mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.
A special family update on past Family Comes First guests Michael Amoruso, Mark Haubner and Gary Carpenter, who are all living with a disability.
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Have you ever been told that you “can’t” do something for whatever reason? There is a misconception that because a person is disabled, a world of activities are closed to them, especially the performing arts. Join us as we visit with Sidiki Conde who was stricken with an illness that left him paralyzed and yet, he continues to dance.
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How would you & your family cope with a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis? Gary Carpenter is one remarkable man. Join us and learn for yourself how he would not allow this diagnosis slow him down.
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Michael Amoruso is a successful lawyer, practicing elder law, special needs, and estate planning and is someone who truly defines the word inspiration. He suffers from Usher Syndrome Type 2, lives with two hearing aids and a degenerative vision problem in which he will eventually lose all of his sight completely. Choosing to view himself as “differently-abled,” Michael has soared above the expectations and predictions of many doctors and teachers. With the love and support of his family and Canine Companions, Michael continues to win.
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Since 1929, The Seeing Eye has partnered with people who are blind who seek to enhance their independence, dignity, and self-confidence through the use of Seeing Eye dogs.
More than 15,000 of these specially bred and trained dogs have brought a new level of mobility, safety, and self-sufficiency to almost 8,000 men and women.
To improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or with other special needs. Since 1946, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. has provided guide dogs free of charge to blind people who seek enhanced mobility and independence.
Mark Haubner, who was severely-challenged by osteoarthritis at the age of forty-four, shares his story, his family and his advice for living with arthritis. Mr. Pat McAsey and Ms. Pat Brasley from the Arthritis Foundation, Long Island Chapter share insights, resources and news on the latest in treatment.
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The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases.
