The Hope Story Podcast

Hope Advocate Spotlight: Lauren Shelor

In this episode of The Hope Story Podcast we talk with Lauren Shelor, one of Hope Story's Hope Advocates, about being a mom of a son with Down syndrome. Check out this episode show notes at http://hopestory.org/lauren-shelor-episode-9

The Biggest Problem Facing People with Down syndrome and How Hope Story is Working to Solve It

In this episode of The Hope Story Podcast we talk about the biggest problem facing people with Down syndrome and how Hope Story is working to solve it. Be sure to check out the show notes by visiting https://hopestory.org/rick-smith-ep-8

Darla Lawrence on Her COVID-19 Recovery and Raising a Child With Down Syndrome

On this episode Darla Lawrence talks about her COVID-19 diagnosis and recovery as well as her story of raising a child with Down syndorme. Be sure to check out the show notes at https://hopestory.org/darla-lawrence-ep-7

Hope Advocate Spotlight: Sam Breithaupt

In this episode of the Hope Story Podcast we talk with Sam Breithaupt, one of our Hope Advocates, about her journey raising Emery, her daughter born with Down syndorme! Part of Emery's journey involves a tracheostomy and a surgery to repair an AVSD. Be sure to visit https://hopestory.org/sam-breithaupt to check out the show notes for this episode.

COVID-19 and Down Syndrome: What You Need to Know with Pediatrician, Dr. Abbie Smith

In this episode Dr. Abbie Smith (a pediatrician and mother of a child with Down syndrome) shares what parents need to know about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Down syndrome. Check out the show notes by visiting https://hopestory.org/covid-19-ep-5

Erin Book Mullen on Lobbying for Increased Down Syndrome Research Funding, Down Syndrome and Childhood Leukemia

In this episode we talk to Erin Book Mullen about being a DC Lobbyist who works to increase funding for Down syndrome research. Erin led the effort with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation to secure the first-ever Congressional hearing on Down syndrome research where Frank Stephens declared that his life was worth living.  That testimony, along with their work with Congressional Champions, resulted in a historic and significant 65% increase of Down syndrome research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from $35 million in FY2017 to $58 million in FY2018. In addition, we talk with Erin about raising two girls, one of whom has Down syndrome and has battled with childhood Leukemia. Check out the show notes by visiting https://hopestory.org/erin-book-mullen/ep-4

John’s Crazy Socks Co-Founder: Mark Cronin

In this episode we interview Mark Cronin, the co-founder of John's Crazy Socks. John's Crazy Socks is a multi-million dollar company sock ran by Mark and his son with Down syndrome, John. In this episode Mark talks about their business and about being the father of an adult with Down syndrome. Check out the show notes by visiting https://hopestory.org/johns-crazy-socks

The Father of the First Person With Down Syndrome to Run for Public Office: Michael Russell

In this episode we talk with Michael Russell, the father of the first person with Down syndrome (Bryan Russell) to run for public office. Learn more about about Hope Story at https://hopestory.org

"Noah's Mom," Co-Founder of Hope Story, and Pediatrician: Dr. Abbie Smith

In this episode we talk with Abbie Smith, a mother of three children (one of which who was born with Down syndrome,) a pediatrician, and the co-founder of Hope Story. Learn more about about Hope Story at https://hopestory.org