Crystal J. De la Cruz - Hopper
I am a Special Mother. I am an Advocate. I am a Concerned Voting Citizen of North Carolina.
I started this blog as a Voice for our children and an avenue to share information and resources with other parents, caregivers and confused, interested citizens of conscience regarding this ambiguously complex 1915(b)(c) Medicaid Innovations CAP Waiver in hopes of making your advocacy effects easier and less painful than mine have been at times.
I've spent many years learning various systems the hard way (7+ as a single parent). Prior to working in my husband's law firm, I spent numerous years employed at FPG Child Development Institute at UNC Chapel Hill both in IT and as a Project Assistant to Dr. Mary Ruth Coleman (one of the greatest souls I've ever been blessed to know). I have been a very active advocate for Bella and others in Special Education over the years and have served on various committees and boards for non-profit organizations. Though I'm no dummy, I am neither a 'specialist' in anything in particular by definition and frankly hold no degrees to speak of (unless you count the myriad of doctorates I have acquired through the university of LIFE); I fancy myself a Jack of All Trades and Master of None...
However, I am an expert in one thing - my children.
My 14 year old daughter, Isabel, was born with a one-of-a-kind genetic rearrangement never documented prior to her birth. She took her first independent steps at age 5 and was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes earlier this year. To date, she remains a non-verbal toddler, complete with pull-ups and tantrums, although at 5'1", she can reach more things to get into and destroy (which she does!)... she and her 5 year old "little big brother," Liam are the dynamic duo of mischief - and while there's certainly never a dull moment in our household, there's also little peace and quiet, and never any downtime. Trust me, I get it.
Though at the end of the day, when all is said and done, it is my special, chaotic little family who keeps it real and reminds me, without fail, what truly matters in life: love, compassion, humility, and humanity - and always, always doing what is right and just.
Though at the end of the day, when all is said and done, it is my special, chaotic little family who keeps it real and reminds me, without fail, what truly matters in life: love, compassion, humility, and humanity - and always, always doing what is right and just.
When I'm not working, advocating (to include, meetings, blogging, Facebook-ing and Tweeting), or generally 'stirring up trouble,' I'm a writer, reader, art hobbiest and photographer; I laugh, attempt to meditate, patronize Jubala Village Coffee, and continue strolling along my path questioning and learning what I can about the universe around me and beyond in an effort to leave this world in a slightly better state than when I found it.
If you have questions I can help answer, something to share or otherwise wish to contact me (and yes, I welcome any media outlet wishing to spotlight the humanity of these issues) I can be contacted via email: no2nchb916@gmail.com
Anna Cunningham
Anna is a fellow Special Mother, a very knowledgeable I/DD Advocate, and also a Concerned Voting Citizen of North Carolina.
A mother of three girls, two of whom are "on the spectrum," Anna believes strongly in the love of family, community, as well as the ideals of freedom and opportunity for everyone regardless of perceived ability.
Anna's family dynamic has taught her intimately the gifts and challenges that come from a full spectrum of special learners: from her Georgia Tech "gifted and talented" graduate to her Virginia Tech student on the spectrum to her middle child, Cassie, a young Autistic adult who requires 24/7 care to support challenges of both intellectual disabilities and a seizure disorder. --Never did she realize that her Industrial Distribution Degree (Specialized Engineering and Management) would come in handy managing the needs of her well-rounded family and navigating information and avenues as a Disability Advocate.
Please note: As a guest contributor, any information or commentary shared by Anna Cunningham on this blog is voiced entirely from Anna as a Mother and Concerned Citizen and is not reflective of any other representatives with whom she may be affiliated.
Anna Cunningham
Anna is a fellow Special Mother, a very knowledgeable I/DD Advocate, and also a Concerned Voting Citizen of North Carolina.
A mother of three girls, two of whom are "on the spectrum," Anna believes strongly in the love of family, community, as well as the ideals of freedom and opportunity for everyone regardless of perceived ability.
Anna's family dynamic has taught her intimately the gifts and challenges that come from a full spectrum of special learners: from her Georgia Tech "gifted and talented" graduate to her Virginia Tech student on the spectrum to her middle child, Cassie, a young Autistic adult who requires 24/7 care to support challenges of both intellectual disabilities and a seizure disorder. --Never did she realize that her Industrial Distribution Degree (Specialized Engineering and Management) would come in handy managing the needs of her well-rounded family and navigating information and avenues as a Disability Advocate.
Please note: As a guest contributor, any information or commentary shared by Anna Cunningham on this blog is voiced entirely from Anna as a Mother and Concerned Citizen and is not reflective of any other representatives with whom she may be affiliated.
