Sometimes it’s not so special to be special Just like many others, as a mother of a son with complex disabilities, I had to learn a whole new language in order to navigate through the maze of special schools, special circumstances, and special services. Like many others, I found that being special is not so [...]
Be the spark that can ignite a nation. Newly made parents of a child born with special needs, quickly learn that navigating the world that has put up barriers to inclusion and general support can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. From the initial diagnosis to the ongoing search for the right resources and [...]
Happy Birthday Chris Today May 15 is the day my son Christopher was born. 5 year ago today, our family held a Celebration of his spectacular life. Christopher was a special young man. Sweet and kind, resilient and brave, he loved everyone he met. His work on earth was inspirational, as he fought through disability [...]
The Christopher Smith Foundation is pleased to announce our April Caregiver of the Month, Veronica Fiscus.She was nominated by Peter Wittingham of the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada. Here is what he had to say about her:Veronica, is the primary caregiver for her brother, Matt (diagnosed with Down syndrome), and also her aging dad, [...]
December Caregiver of the Month - Lucille Rogers Elementary School, Special Education Team "Thank you so much for recognizing the incredible Rogers Elementary School special education team with the honor of being the Christopher Smith Foundation December 2023 caregivers. Your story is an inspiration and we are so honored to be partners with you [...]
November Caregiver of the Month - Kim J. What do you want to be when you grow up? “A Mom,” I would always answer. I knew from a very young age that is what I wanted to be: a “Mom.” I thought I had Life all figured out… Tashina (‘Kitty’ is her preferred nickname) was [...]
October Caregiver of the Month - Margaret H. My name is Margaret Hines, and I am very honored to receive the Christopher Smith Foundation Caregiver Award for the month of October. I have been a caregiver for three years and truly love my job. For 22 years I was a teacher’s aide, and this [...]
Perspective of a sibling … with LOVE I have a friend whose remaining parent has recently passed away leaving him to look after his adult brother, a brother who is disabled. My heart goes out to him. My own brother Christopher passed away a few years ago but I clearly remember having the occasional thought [...]
July Caregiver of the Month – Nicole A. Hello my name is Nicole. I am a mother of 3 beautiful children. Kara who is 14 (soon to be 15) and twin boys Noah and Ryan who are 9 years old. Each of my children are diagnosed with Autism/ADHD and each at [...]
June Caregiver of the Month – Merissa N. Merissa with son, Isaiah (10) In 2015 my son was diagnosed with Autism; after his diagnosis, I knew I had to wipe my tears and be my son’s most prominent advocate. Caring for a loved one with special needs can profoundly impact caregivers, requiring significant [...]
