In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson welcomes Cecilia Elizalde, a passionate advocate for disability inclusion. Cecilia shares her transformative journey from a successful TV producer to a dedicated advocate after her daughter, Valentina, was born with Down syndrome. She discusses her impactful work with Best Buddies International and the launch of Eunie's Buddies, a program offering support and mentorship to families receiving an intellectual or developmental disability diagnosis. Together, Alycia and Cecilia delve into the significance of delivering diagnoses compassionately, the power of community, and the importance of self-care for caregivers. Cecilia also shares inspiring success stories and valuable advice for new parents navigating similar experiences.

In-Depth Timeline of the Discussion

00:00 Introduction to Pushing Forward with Alycia

00:25 Meet Cecilia Elizalde: A Powerhouse Mama

02:04 The Life-Changing Birth of Valentina

04:39 Advice for Parents and Medical Providers

08:47 From TV Producer to Advocate

11:33 Eunie's Buddies: Building a Supportive Community

22:07 How to Get Involved with Eunie's Buddies

24:56 Final Thoughts and Pushing Forward Moment

A Quote from Cecilia Elizalde

“It's amazing with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, it's like a drop of water that just ripples, and everybody benefits from their presence.”  ~ Cecilia Elizalde

Core Ideas in Focus

🌍 From Personal Challenge to Global Advocate: Meet Cecilia Elizalde

💔 The Heart-Wrenching Birth of Valentina

🌪 A Doctor’s Foreboding Medical Diagnosis

🪞 A Call to Embrace Authenticity

👶 A Dream Realized: Holding Her Baby at Last

🎢 Life's Unexpected Plans 

🤝 Eunie's Buddies: Building Strong Communities

✨ Transformative Stories of Connection

🌊 The Ripple Effect of Inclusion

😊 Finding Joy Through Connection

👠 Breaking Barriers: First Model with Down Syndrome in High Fashion

🕊 Embracing Disability to Find Freedom

🙌 Get Involved

Connect with Best Buddies International

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Best Buddies LinkedIn | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Best Buddies Instagram | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Best Buddies YouTube | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Best Buddies TikTok | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Best Buddies on X | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Best Buddies Facebook

Connect with Cecilia Elizalde

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cecilia’s LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Eunie’s Buddies⁠

Follow Up with Alycia

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