Connect What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

Seeing my daughter grow into the young woman she is today is the greatest reward. At birth, we were told she was “failure to thrive,” words that crushed me. In spite of her medical and physical challenges, she has done the opposite. She is resilient, determined, and full of personality, inspiring others every day. She communicates through technology after being told she’d never speak, and she defies odds every day. Having a front row seat to her life is the sweetest reward I could ever receive.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Motherhood has taught me that strength, resilience, and perseverance run deeper than I ever imagined. In the hardest, most exhausting moments, through advocacy, sleepless nights, and medical crises; you find the strength to keep going. A mother’s love pushes past every limit or doubt. I’ve learned that we can walk through the darkest valleys with our children and still rise. We are stronger than we think, and we can do the hardest things for those we love.

What would you do with $20,000?

Our family is in need of a mobility van so we can travel together and take family and friends with us on outings. Currently, we have a 2009 van that has over 175,000 miles and is breaking down, leaving us with unreliable transportation. With the $20,000 I would use the money to put a down payment toward a newer van. A newer van would provide reliable transportation and open opportunities for us to travel together as a family without worry or stress.