T21Mom-A Down Syndrome Podcast

T21Mom - Episode 128 - Defying the Odds and Carving Her Own Path: A Down Syndrome Journey With Sabine Kussman

Mary sits down with Sabine Kussman, who recounts her poignant journey of her son Kian's diagnosis and her family's courageous path forward.  From a heart-wrenching beginning, where two weeks passed without a single medical professional congratulating her on son's birth, to facing discouragement about breastfeeding, Sabine learned to trust her instincts.  Despite therapists' negative predictions, Kian defied the odds, walking at 14 months , riding a bike and even mastering downhill skiing.  Sabine passionately shares how her family, guided by unwavering expectations and love for Kian, does everything they dream of.  In a deeply moving moment, Sabine remembers when her two year old son, with innocent wisdom, reassured her, "don't worry mommy, everything is going to be fine!" And indeed it has been-more than fine!

T21Mom - Episode 127: Dreams Come True: Shiloh Carte's Journey to Embracing Down Syndrome

Mary has an engaging and heartfelt conversation with Shiloh Carte who shares her not very typical, diagnosis story.  In fact, Shiloh predicted her child with Down syndrome! Over a year before she was even pregnant, Shiloh had a dream that was so vivid and so powerful that she knew with all her being that it had to be true-she dreamt that she was going to have a baby with Down syndrome and it would be a girl! Hear how Shiloh shares her vision with her husband, family and even medical professionals and how her dream came true!

T21Mom - Episode 126: Embracing the Heart: Stacey Herncane's Journey Through Diagnosis, Grief and Celebration of Down Syndrome

Mary chats with fellow Rockin' Mom Stacey Herncane who shares her diagnosis story.  Stacey waited in limbo for a week until she was given a definitive diagnosis for her son.  From grief of thinking "why her" and how this just wasn't a possibility in her and her husband's lives, to taking lessons from third graders and learning to celebrate Down syndrome, Stacey goes through all the emotions.  And sometimes the greatest lessons come from kids.  

T21Mom - Episode 125 - You Gotta Have Faith-From Heartbreak to Hope, Dorothy's Diagnosis Story

Mary's heart-to-heart with Dorothy reveals the power of faith and resilience in the face of life's challenges. Dorothy's journey from miscarriage to pregnancy is a testament to the human spirit and the importance of holding onto hope.  Twenty years later, she recalls receiving the diagnosis news of her daughter Faith with such vivid detail, showing how these moments shape our lives and stay with us forever.  

T21Mom - Episode 124 - Embracing Resilience and Hope: Kellie Anderson's Inspiring Down Syndrome Diagnosis Journey

Mary's conversation with Kellie Anderson reveals a powerful story of resilience and hope.  Despite Kellie's Rh factor creating obstacles during her pregnancy, she remained determined and inspired.  When her baby Raina was born with Down syndrome, Kellie's husband provided unwavering support and reassurance.  Kellie's message to new parents is one of positivity and courage, reminding them that everything will be alright.  

T21Mom-Episode 123: Down Syndrome Diaries: Shelli DeGroot's Story of Faith, Love and Resilience

Mary engages in a heartfelt conversation with Shelli DeGroot delving into her remarkable journey of diagnosis and resilience.  Shelli recounts the unexpected twist of a pregnancy even after having her tubes tied, followed by the surprising news of her baby having Down syndrome.  Through it all, Shelli finds solace in her faith, believing that her son is destined for great things.  She reflects on the impact of a book she read during pregnancy which unknowingly prepared her for her son's birth diagnosis.  Shelli's story is a testament to the transformative power of love and strength, as she shares how her son has not only enriched her life but also made her  a better, more compassionate individual. Through her journey, Shelli reminds us that we possess untapped resilience and love, far beyond what we may believe possible.   

T21Mom-Episode 122- Keller Kuhn's Diagnosis Story: "I prayed for a child with extra needs."

Mary chats with mom Keller Kuhn for the first episode in the diagnosis stories series.  Keller is Mom to Timmy, who is almost 22 years old, and she shares how she actually prayed for a child with extra needs, what prompted this and how she felt when her prayers were finally answered.  Keller raised five children, including Timmy who has Down syndrome and the dual diagnosis of autism, as a single parent.  She shares her wisdom from her journey and says she is not "super duper special" and that we have all been chosen because of what our kids have to offer us.  

T21Mom - Episode 121: Happy Post World Down Syndrome Day-do you love this day or does it cause you some grief and anxiety?

Mary shares her personal experience on this past World Down Syndrome Day and cool experience after wearing her "Love Down Syndrome" shirt.  She also shares that even though this day is important, that this year she didn't do a whole lot other than wearing mismatched socks and her Down syndrome shirt and her subsequent feelings about this.  And Mary also has some big news about her Haunted Rocking Moms and some exciting summer plans!

T21Mom-Episode 120 Identical Twins and Mosaic Down Syndrome With Lauren Zwick

Mary chats with Lauren Zwick, mom to Emma and Lily who are identical twins with mosaic Down syndrome-a true rarity! Lauren shares the uniqueness of her twins and how their mosaicism affects them differently.  It is a fascinating and intriguing conversation about twins, mosaic Down syndrome and Down syndrome.  Lauren's daughter Lily makes an appearance and shares what it means to have Down syndrome and being an identical twin to her sister, Emma.  

For more information on mosaic Down syndrome, visit imdsa.org

T21Mom - Episode 119 My Diagnosis Story-When I Learned My Baby Would Be Born With Down Syndrome.

Mary shares her personal story of being a single mom by choice and receiving a prenatal diagnosis that her baby would be born with Down Syndrome.  She talks of her intense feelings of grief and sadness upon learning of her baby's diagnosis, but also how she came to acceptance of the diagnosis and when her baby was born, it was a true celebration.