Season 12 - Episode 1 - Finding Gratitude in Unexpected Places

This week, I speak with Annie Heathcote, a multi-business owner, social media influencer, author, Christian, and lifelong disability advocate whose life and work embody the belief that disability doesn’t mean inability. Diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder (S.M.A.) at 13 months and in a wheelchair by age 2, she has dedicated her life to breaking barriers, championing accessibility, and inspiring others with her message of resilience and faith. She was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin in 2023, using her platform Caring Is Caregiving to reach more than 100,000 people in 52 events that year, speaking at schools, conferences, organizations, and across media outlets statewide. Her advocacy took her to the Ms. Wheelchair America national competition, where she placed in the top five, earning Second Runner-Up and the Best Speech award. She has since been recognized as Woman of the Year for Dane County for her leadership and community impact. Beyond advocacy, Annie is the founder of Annie Designs and Annie Speaks, LLC, where she works as a freelance web and graphic designer and transformational speaker. She also brings creativity and joy into her everyday life through art, travel, music, and her achievements as a former elite athlete in the adaptive sport of Power Soccer. Annie’s mission is simple but powerful: love, serve God and others, work hard, and never give up! We look at her childhood up to the present to find the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life. You won't want to miss this inspiring episode!www.annieheathcotedesigns.com*Theme Music "Blessed Time" by Ketsa