Advocating Mode and Medical Mom Mindset

Today, we're diving into the inspiring story of Courtney Morey, founder of the Annie Louise Foundation and mother to a child with Down syndrome. Courtney's path began four years ago when she received news that would change her life forever: her unborn daughter, Annie, had a 62% chance of having Down syndrome.

Courtney's experience as a mother, advocate, and nonprofit founder offers insights for parents facing similar challenges and for anyone looking to make a difference in the lives of others. In this blog post, we'll explore Courtney's journey, from the initial diagnosis to her current role as a powerful voice in the disability community. We'll dive into the importance of advocacy, the power of social media influence, the crucial role of support systems, and the importance of embracing our children exactly as they are.

Advocating for Your Child

For Courtney, what started as concern over her daughter's Down syndrome diagnosis quickly shifted to a laser focus on Annie's complex heart condition. This medical challenge catapulted Courtney into the world of medical advocacy, a role she hadn't anticipated but one she wholeheartedly chose to take on.

As Annie faced a complicated heart surgery, Courtney found herself navigating the complex world of pediatric healthcare. These experiences give her eyes to the challenges many families face when dealing with medical issues, especially those related to disabilities.

These new experiences lead Courtney to found the Annie Louise Foundation. The foundation serves as a resource hub for parents of children with medical needs and disabilities, filling a crucial gap in the support system for these families. Through her work, Courtney has connected with over a thousand families, offering support through various channels including their website, social media, and podcasts.

Using Influencing as a Tool for Change

Social media has become a powerful tool for advocacy, and Courtney has harnessed this power effectively. Her journey into social media influence wasn't planned; it began when her sister suggested making her account public to share Annie's story more easily. What followed was an unexpected surge of support and interest in Annie's journey.

Courtney chooses to focus on sharing the reality of raising a child with Down syndrome, including both the challenges and the joys. Her goal is to use her platform to educate, encourage, and connect with other parents facing similar situations.

The phrase "advocating is the new influencing" has become something of a mantra for Courtney. Using her influence on social media can make a real difference in people's lives, rather than simply gaining followers or likes. Through her social media presence, Courtney has been able to reach a wide audience, changing perceptions about Down syndrome and providing valuable information to families in need.

Finding Support in Unexpected Places

Finding and creating support systems can be essential for families new to the world of children with special abilities. When Annie was diagnosed with Down syndrome, Courtney found invaluable support through organizations like DSDN (Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network). This support played a crucial role in helping her navigate the early days of Annie’s diagnosis.

Recognizing the need for support, particularly in the medical realm, Courtney has worked to create innovative support systems through the Annie Louise Foundation. One of their notable projects is the adaptive onesie program. This program provides specially designed clothing for babies undergoing long hospital stays or recovering from surgery, addressing a need Courtney experienced firsthand with Annie.

The importance of emotional support and connection are essential. By sharing her experiences and creating platforms for others to do the same, she's helping build a community where parents can find encouragement, information, and understanding. This support network is crucial for families navigating the often challenging world of disability and medical needs.

Embracing Your Children as They Are

Perhaps the most powerful message from Courtney's story is the importance of embracing our children exactly as they are. This is illustrated through her experiences with her son, Wells, Annie's older brother.

Wells's relationship with Annie showcases the natural inclusivity and empathy children have when raised in an environment of acceptance. Courtney shares how Wells, demonstrates effortless inclusion and pride in his sister. This serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of our attitudes as parents can have on our children's perceptions.

Despite initial fears about how Annie's diagnosis would affect their family, Courtney now speaks of the beautiful connection and love between her children. This shift in perspective serves as an inspiring example for other parents facing unexpected diagnoses or challenges.

Think Before You Speak

We are all capable of making a difference, whether it's in our own families or in the wider community. Courtney shows us that by choosing to listen, learn, and act with kindness, we can create positive change in our communities and in the world.

As we go forward, let's challenge ourselves to be more open-minded, to listen to the stories of those who are navigating unexpected paths, and to look for ways to support and uplift one another. Whether it's educating ourselves about different disabilities, supporting organizations that provide resources to families in need, or simply being more inclusive in our daily lives, we all have the power to make a difference and support one another.

Remember, advocacy starts with a single voice. Your voice, your story, your actions matter. Let's work towards creating a more inclusive, understanding, and supportive world for everyone.

For more from Courtney Morey and the work she’s doing with the Annie Lousie Foundation, you can find her on Instagram @fancylikeannie