106. "A Life Meant to be Lived," w/Karen Gaffney (Self-Advocate & Open-Water Swimmer)

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?

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