Family Stories

Read or write and share with others. The stories shared in this space may be funny, heartbreaking, frustrating, or even ordinary. But they will all be real stories, from real families. Interested in contributing and sharing your story? Share A Story!

Two Bros

September 21, 2016 By Tory Shanklin Leave a Comment

David is a 25-year-old student at UAA who experiences bi-polar disorder as well as ADHD. Today he shares how these special needs and others have impacted his and his brother’s lives. My brother and I were born a year and a month apart. Early on we showed signs of being a little more Learn More

Q & A: Finding community with a rare diagnosis

July 22, 2016 By Sundog Media Leave a Comment

Jordyn Cleveland was born deaf. In 2013 her and her family found out why. At the age of 13, Jordyn was diagnosed with Usher syndrome a genetic condition that worsens over time and will further affect her vision. In an effort to expand their support, Jordyn and her mother Mandy recently attended the Usher Syndrome Learn More

Brittney’s Story Continued…

May 19, 2016 By Tory Shanklin Leave a Comment

The money: There are many factors that make living in Barrow with special needs unlike anywhere else. Basically, living here and having to seek medical professional help = EXPENSIVE and very nerve racking. We have been very lucky with my sister and her getting the medical help she’s needed. But we have also been Learn More

Brittney’s Story: Part 1

January 29, 2016 By Tory Shanklin 1 Comment

Brittney Toalston is sharing her family’s story with us about what it is like to have a family member with special needs in rural Alaska. This story will be delivered in four parts. My family has lived in Barrow, 320 miles north of the Arctic Circle, for the last 29 years. My sister who is Learn More

Happy Holidays?

November 16, 2015 By Tory Shanklin Leave a Comment

By Kate Sondgerath, Health Information Specialist, Family Voices Indiana Each year around this time, my husband and I get a little restless. While family and friends are excitedly planning for the upcoming holidays, we fret about them. Our parents may have had some inkling of anxiety about the holidays—but nothing like this. Having a child Learn More

SCHOOL YEAR RAMBLINGS OF A MOM

September 10, 2015 By Tory Shanklin 1 Comment

It’s that time of year again. The mad rush begins! … I would love to sit here and type a blog that reflects a perfect and peaceful life, but that is not my actual reality.

Rachel’s Story: Reflections from the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) Conference

May 8, 2015 By Tory Shanklin 1 Comment

This contribution is brought to you by Rachel Vandiver. Thank you for sharing your story. In order to fully understand my personal experience as an Advocate Leader at the ACMG Conference for 2015 I feel it is necessary to give a brief history of my personal experience with genetics. For me, genetics was just something I Learn More

“Happy!” – The story of one family, and one amazing volunteer

April 6, 2015 By Tory Shanklin Leave a Comment

“As parents of a special needs child, one frequently hears more about what the child can’t do rather than what he can do”

Barbe’s Story – Part II

February 3, 2015 By Tory Shanklin Leave a Comment

It was the holiday season of 1993 and Barbe was the single mother of 3 children, two daughters and a son, Christopher, who had Touretts, epilepsy, OCD, ADHD and Neurofibromatosis. Because of her son’s serious health care issues he received Social Security benefits and Medicaid. That was until 3 months after Barbe worked two hours Learn More

Sensory Modulation & Santa

December 22, 2014 By Tory Shanklin Leave a Comment

Smelling cookies baking in the oven. Hearing Christmas carols being sung. Seeing bright lights flicker and flash throughout the community. Everyone knows that it is time for the holiday season! However, for many children, the things that evoke warm holiday memories in many of us are overwhelming. In July 2014, 1% of children in the Learn More