The Breaking Barriers Podcast

New DadPod Episode Released today - in Part 1, Angel dad Brandon tells Betty's story, walking us through pregnancy and the moments leading up to her birth. A beautiful beginning to a father's unforgettable journey.    Tune in now and listen wherever you stream your podcasts! https://edwardssyndrome.org/the-breaking-barriers-podcast/ https://youtube.com/@edwardssyndromeassociation... https://podcasts.apple.com/.../the-breaking.../id1797368655 https://open.spotify.com/show/6JjV2MS4hXESUi21xhRJy5 https://music.amazon.com/.../c878898d-f684-4db5-bbd4... https://www.podbean.com/wlpi/pbblog-vqs7h-1195013t

Every Voice Matters In this episode, we're joined by Speech-Language Pathologist Kaitlyn Shepherd, owner of bAAC Talk Speech Therapy, to dive into the beautiful world or communication. We explore how every child-whether through speech, sounds, gestures, or AAC devices-has a voice worth hearing. Kaitlyn shares insight on supporting communication and feeding skills for children with complex medical needs, and how families can build confidence in helping their little ones connect in their own unique way. Because no matter how our children express themselves-every voice truly matters.  

Join the moms as they share real conversations about therapy- where small steps turn into big wins for our kids with Edwards Syndrome.

In this Breaking Barriers episode, Beverly- mama to Warrior Verity and 8 other kids-shares how her daughter's legacy continues to shine through her journey as a mother and founder of Mama Bear Cares.

Join the moms as they share real conversations about therapy- where small steps turn into big wins for our kids with Edwards Syndrome.

In this episode of the Breaking Barriers Dadpod, four dads open up about their daughters' feeding journeys with Edwards Syndrome. From the earliest days in the NICU to navigation NG tubes, G-Tubes, GJ tubes-and even the challenges or triumphs of eating by mouth-these fathers share their real and raw experiences. It's an honest, heartfelt conversation about resilience, fatherhood, and the unique ways our children teach us strength

In this heartfelt episode, Angel Mom Robin opens up about her son Vinny's beautiful journey. Through love, loss, and resilience, Robin shares how Vinny's life continues to inspire and break barriers.

Breaking Barriers: Kelly shares her daughter Emma's inspiring journey with Edwards Syndrome. A story of Love + Strength you won't want to miss!!! 

In this heartfelt episode Jennifer shares the story of her beloved son Matthew, his life, and the love that lives on beyond his passing. Through her words, we hear a powerful journey of motherhood, loss, and the enduring strength it takes to carry grief with grace and purpose. 

In this powerful episode of Breaking Barriers, Jeanna shares the incredible journey of her daughter Mia, who was born with Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18). Told through the eyes of a devoted mothers, Mia's Story of Strength, Love, and Edwards Syndrome is a raw and inspiring look at love without limits, medical challenges, and the beauty found in every moment. Jeanna opens up about the diagnosis, the obstacles they've faces, and the unwavering strength Mia continues to show every day. This is a story of hope, advocacy, and a mother's unbreakable bond with her child.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, we welcome back Dr. Iverson, pediatric ENT specialist at the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital, for an in-depth conversation on tracheostomy and airway malacia. Dr. Iverson explains what these conditions mean, how they’re diagnosed, and what families can expect when navigating trach care. Whether your child has a tracheostomy or is being evaluated for airway issues like tracheomalacia or bronchomalacia, this episode offers expert insight and reassurance for parents on this journey.        

In this empowering episode, we sit down with pediatric nutritionist Betsy Hjelmgren to talk all things feeding, nutrition, and growth in children with Edwards Syndrome and complex medical needs. From NG and G-tube support to weaning strategies and blending real food for tube feeds, Betsy brings compassionate, evidence-based guidance for families navigating these unique journeys. Whether you’re new to tube feeding or exploring the next step, this conversation is full of support, hope, and practical tips for nourishing your child—body and soul.        

Breaking Barriers: Dad Edition- Hosted by Robert Polacek In this special Father’s Day episode, host Robert Polacek—proud dad of Mia—leads an honest and powerful conversation with two fellow fathers of children with Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18). Together, these three dads share their unique journeys, the highs and lows of navigating rare parenthood, and the strength it takes to advocate for their incredible kids.   From diagnosis to daily life, this episode offers a rare and moving glimpse into fatherhood through the eyes of men walking a path few truly understand. It’s a heartfelt reminder that dads are breaking barriers too—every single day.        

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Brandi, a courageous mother sharing her journey through one of the most challenging battles a parent can face—her daughter Faith’s diagnosis with Wilms Tumor. Born with Edwards Syndrome, Faith’s early life came with immense challenges, but nothing prepared their family for the fight against childhood cancer. Brandi opens up about the moments of fear, faith, and fierce determination that carried them through surgeries, treatments, and long hospital stays. Today, Faith is not only surviving—she’s thriving.   This episode is a tribute to resilience, hope, and the strength of a mother’s love. Tune in for an inspiring story of survival that sheds light on the unique intersection of rare genetic conditions and pediatric cancer, reminding us that miracles happen—one day, one breath, one heartbeat at a time.        

In this thoughtful and informative episode, we sit down with Dr. Raskin, a Pediatric Neurosurgeon, to talk about some of the conditions that affect children and families the most. Dr. Raskin helps us understand epilepsy and when surgery can be a life-changing option, movement disorders-especially in the context of rare conditions like Edwards Syndrome-and hydrocephalus, a condition that can sound scary but is often treatable. Whether you're a parent navigating a diagnosis or just want to better understand the brain, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and hope from someone who's spent his career helping families through some of their most difficult moments.

In this special Mother's Day episode, we honor the incredible strength, love and resilience of mothers raising- or who have raised-children with Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18). Join us as we sit down with a group of brave and compassionate moms who share their deeply personal journeys: the challenges, the beauty in the small moments, the advocacy, and the unbreakable bonds formed through love and loss. This heartfelt conversation sheds light on a rare condition while celebrating the powerful role of motherhood in all its forms. Whether you're familiar with Edwards Syndrome or just want to be inspired by real stories of courage and connection, this episode will leave a lasting impression. 

In this episode of The Breaking Barriers Podcast, we're joined by ENT specialist Dr. Iverson to dive into a condition that affects millions but is often misunderstood- sleep apena. From the warning signs to the latest treatment options, Dr. Iverson breaks down the science in a way that's both informative and empowering.    Tune in as we break down the barriers to better sleep, one breath at a time.  

Trisomy 18 and Cochlear Implants with Crystal Simpson sharing Gunnars Journey

Epilepsy impacts roughly 1/3rd of people with Edwards Syndrome. Some have controlled seizures and others do not.   We are excited to share with you the epilepsy journey of one of The ESA founding kiddos Mia through our Breaking Barriers Podcast

Our Second episode of our Hearing Loss series. In this episode us three moms within the ESA Board will be discussing our very own hearing loss journey with our children. 

Our first episode of our Hearing Loss Series with a T18 Advocate Doctor, Dr Kenneth Iverson, ENT at University of Kentucky Children's.  

Learn all about The Edwards Syndrome Association and the vision for The Breaking Barriers Podcast!