Have you ever wondered how parents of children with special needs manage everything? The day to day tasks can be overwhelming, challenging, and exhausting.
Effie Parks from Once Upon a Gene joins us in the studio this week to share her positive, hopeful, and energetic outlook on life with her son, Ford. Her message is that it is your choice how you approach adversity. Hers is head-on with a smile. But that doesn't mean she neglects herself. Effie has some simple, doable ways for us to take care of ourselves, even if it means we make a Target run. (Disclaimer, she may not always go to Target!)
Frankly, I needed to hear her message and I know you will, too. She is amazing!
Effie Parks was born in the magical land of Montana, where she was raised with her 12 loving siblings. After moving to Washington and marrying her husband, they were blessed with the birth of their son, Ford Canon Parks. When she learned that Ford had been born with an extremely rare genetic condition – CTNNB1 syndrome – she dove into the world of advocacy. Now, she is the host of her own podcast, Once Upon a Gene, where she speaks to others about their journey through life with rare disease.
Contact Effie if you are wanting advice, resources, or even just an ear at www.effieparks.com.
Time Stamps:
0:52 - Effie Parks intro
2:25 - Once Upon a Gene
4:17 - Ford and his condition
8:46 - Effie Time
11:05 - Toothbrush Test
15:35 - You matter the most
18:23 - Target and margaritas
23:15 - Socializing with Ford
28:05 - Judging someone on their character
29:31 - Connect with Effie
31:01 - Effie's sage advice
