In November 1992 a child was born forever altering the lives of a young couple and their son. That new baby, just days after being welcomed into the world, was diagnosed with a condition that would impact the lives of everyone around her. The very basics of raising a child, for this young couple, changed with the diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy for their second child, Linsey. Many questions were raised with very few meaningful answers available. In the next few years the parents would find a few individuals with special skills and knowledge that would make raising a child with a disability easier. With time comes the entry into the local educational system, the need for specialty physicians, surgeries, transportation, family support services and many more services necessary to raise a special needs child. Luckily, over the years, the parents were able to connect with some great local organizations that assist special needs families. Most importantly, Linsey was blessed with a family that would sacrifice for her, and give her every opportunity to develop and succeed. Throughout the amazing first 18 years of Linsey’s life she has maintained a true desire, and personal passion, to be treated as just another person. However, from a parenting view, the responsibility of raising a child with special needs has been much more overwhelming than it should be. This family experience is the true inspiration for Project Mindful.
