ryan haack- how to survive being stared at

Ryan Haa

Sometime ago, I came across a blog by Ryan Haack entitled, “Ryan Does Stuff.”  I love Ryan’s perspective on life and knew that his writing would encourage many others. So, let me introduce to you, Ryan Haack and share his blog … [Read more...]

through christina- a special mother is born

Leticia and Christina (425x640)

A beautiful reader submitted story about God's plan to use a daughter with Down Syndrome to opened the eyes of this mother's heart. Submitted by Leticia a special mother is born “God would never send us a special child,” I … [Read more...]

jonathan- a little extra

Jonny and Maddy

In February of 2010 on Season 9 of American Idol, it was hard to miss a young, 16 year old contestant with an incredible spark. But the moments when that spark really lit up was when Maddy Curtis spoke about her family. Maddy is from a family of 12 … [Read more...]

rebekah-from prison of pain to pulpit of praise

Rebekah

“Have you met Rebekah?” asked one of the campers to another. “Oh my gosh, have you seen her smile?” was the reply. During the first 24 hours of our Joni and Friends Family Retreat in Oregon this past August, the whispers … [Read more...]

sarah-dancing in the rain

sarah-kr

Like any other expectant parents, in the early morning hours of that April Spring day in 1983, Kathy and Terry were eagerly waiting the birth of their first child. In a very brief moment, their lives were changed forever. Little Sarah was born with … [Read more...]

cody-the overcomer

cody-mccasland

Seven year old, Cody McCasland has been on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Oprah, and Dateline, to name a few.  He has run in marathons and triathlons.  He's met people like astronauts, Olympic athletes, Paralympic athletes, professional football … [Read more...]

abby-beautiful butterfly

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abby's story Written by: Tammy (her lucky Mama) The doctor performing the routine ultra sound during my fifth pregnancy 7 years ago, was quietly studying the screen while I lay there watching his face and my husband sat eagerly … [Read more...]

deby hergenrader-breaking barriers

deby-h

In 2005, Break the Barriers came to perform at Joni and Friends Family Retreat at Mission Springs, CA.  Deby Hergenrader had previously served at camp for many years as the Short Term Missionary Coordinator, bringing groups of young people from her … [Read more...]

justin-a much needed reminder

walter-justin

When our families come to Joni and Friends camp, they are given a buddy for each person with a disability.  That buddy is called a, Short Term Missionary or STM for short.  The second time Justin, his mother and sister came, we partnered Justin … [Read more...]

Letter to the Father of a Baby with Down Syndrome

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Dearest Father of a Baby with Down Syndrome, I saw you go forward, holding your baby son as the pastor at church asked those with permanent conditions who needed healing to come forward. I wondered what it was that you prayed for. Perhaps he … [Read more...]