Health & Fitness
Local Mom Rocks...Gains 421 Hadley Jr. High Student Pledges to Stop Using the R-Word!
Local Mom Lora Bak is a a rockstar in my opinion and very many others! Not only does Mrs. Bak have a brilliant child diagnosed with Downs Syndrome, but she also advocates passionately for respect, inclusion and equal opportunities for all children and young adults with Special Abilities.
I am honored to know Mrs. Bak and her daughter Sarah. I met the power duo 2 years ago when the vision of Kaitlin's Hideout came to be. My own daughter Kaitlin is severely impacted by Autism and i most appreciate and support all warrior parents out there that fight for our special ability community passionately.
Despite a hectic family life and full plate, Lora selflessly spearheaded the effort at Hadley Jr. High on Wednesday 3/5 to spread awareness and focus on ending the use of the R-Word in her community and beyond. Wednesday was the annual day of awareness for the organization and effort of families to Spread the word to End the Word, http://www.r-word.org/
As we sit and sip our gourmet coffee today how are we planning to continue this all important effort way beyond one awareness day? How are you and your very influential community contacts/leaders planning to forge ahead and make a difference to show Lora, Sarah and all others that fight daily to end the use of this derogatory term that you appreciate their efforts and support their mission? A good start would be to educate your children, extended family, coworkers and neighbors. Start your own effort at your school, community resource center, club and place of employment.
Sadly, having been a teen in the 80's, the R-Word was dropped by my generation and in the iconic Brat Pack movies all to frequently such as the F-Bomb is dropped today in many celebrity circles. Let's end the use of the R-Word TODAY!
Here is a generic definition of the R-Word, this does not describe my daughter whom is cognitively impaired. My daughter and all the others with special abilities are differently wired and many are also exhibiting a manifestation of medical issues that impact their functioning. Let's raise them up and help them, not break them down.
Won't you pledge right here to do one thing to continue the effort? Just a small amount of work and passion can make a big difference....the ripple effect people!
Be the change you want to see in the world
~Mahatma GandhiWay to go Lora and Sarah Bak, keep up the awesome work, you are an inspiration to all in our community Ladies! :)
Peace, Love and Happiness Always!
~Lisa
Lisa is the founder of Kaitlin's Hideout.
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