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153 – Ray Morris, Former Firefighter, Father To A Son With Hemimegaloencephaly & Founder of Dads 4 Special Kids

Our guest this week is SFN Mentor Father Ray Morris, a former firefighter who does contract work for FEMA. Ray has two boys, including older son Zachary (32) who was diagnosed with Hemimegaloencephaly, a rare condition where one half of the brain is larger than the other. Ray shares how growing up with a dad who became a quadriplegic at 29 was foreshadowing for the experience he and his wife, Kelly, would have raising a son with severe special needs. Ray talks about his faith and in a very authentic way, how he grieved the loss of the life he anticipated

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114 – SEND International Missionary Nathan Woerner And His Daughter with Angelman Syndrome

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, we hear from Nathan Woerner, a missionary with SEND international and a father of two children including Ada. (2), who has Angelman Syndrome. Nathan tells of his family’s travels to Japan and the differences between American and Japanese healthcare. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast Show Links: SEND International – https://send.org/Angelman’s Syndrome – https://www.angelman.orgFAST (Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics – https://cureangelman.org Find out about the Special Fathers Network at: https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/ Sponsored by Rubin Law www.rubinlaw.com Transcript: Coming Soon. 

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107 – Mike Carmody Has A Brother With Down Syndrome & Is Co-Founder of Opportunity Knocks

Meet Mike Carmody whose brother John has Down syndrome. Mike has spent the last decade running Opportunity Knocks, a non profit that provides activities, programs and general kindness to young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mike’s our guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. To find out more about Opportunity Knocks go to: www.opportunityknocksnow.org Transcript: Dad to Dad 107 – Mike Carmody Has A Brother With Down Syndrome & Is Co-Founder of Opportunity Knocks Mike Carmody: He’s been like the guiding force in my life to help me learn who I am and what I need to

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106 – Meet Jose Velasco Who Has Two Kids On the Spectrum & Leads The SAP Autism At Work Program

In this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks to Jose Valesco, a VP at SAP Software Solutions and director of the SAP Autism at Work Program. Jose has two children who are on the Autism spectrum and he strives to get people with autism and other special needs hired at SAP. Show Links: Find out why diversity and inclusion is fundamental to SAP’s mission: https://www.sap.com/corporate/en/company/diversity.html?video=d40f384d-507d-0010-87a3-c30de2ffd8ff

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105 – Dr. Richard Shuster, a Clinical Psychologist, CEO of Your Success Insights & Every Kid Rocks

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Dr. Richard Shuster, a clinical psychologist, CEO of Your Success Insights, a psychological assessment company and host of the The Daily Helping Podcast. It’s a fascinating conversation filled with hope affirming insights. He is also founder of Every Kids Rocks a non-profit that helps students reach their full potential. Show Links: Visit Dr. Shusters website at: www.drrichardshuster.com Listen to The Daily Helping Podcast – https://www.thedailyhelping.com/podcast/ Hear Richard’s TEDx Talk at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44wBwSIsz5E Find out about Every Kid Rocks – http://everykidrocks.org/about/ And lastly check out Dr. Richard’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Thedailyhelping / And to

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104 – Dr. Stephen Grcevich, A Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist & Founder Of Key Ministry

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Dr. Stephen Grcevich, a child & adolescent psychiatrist and founder of Key Ministry, promoting meaningful connection between churches and families of kids with special needs. To find out Key Ministries go to: https://www.keyministry.org To find out about Dr, Grcevich’s book, Mental Health & The Church: A Ministry Handbook for Including Children and Adults with ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, and Other Common Mental Health Conditions, go to https://www.amazon.com/Mental-Health-Church-Including-Conditions/dp/031053481X Follow Stephen Grcevich on Facebook or Twitter: search Key Ministy. Transcript:  Dad to Dad 104 – Dr. Stephen Grcevich, A Child &

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103 – HopeAnew.com Co-Founder Jonathan McGuire Talks About Raising A Son With Autism & Advocating For Other Families

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Jonathan McGuire. Jonathan and his wife Sarah are parents to Josiah and Jordan who is autistic. Jonathan and Sarah formed HopeAnew.com; a laugh together, cry together, pray together community that helps parents of kids with special needs navigate their path to the future. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. To find out about Hope Anew, read the blog and listen to the podcast, go to http://hopeanew.com Check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hopeinthetrenches/ Transcript: Dad to Dad 103 – HopeAnew.com Co-Founder Jonathan

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028 – How Minister and Special Father Joe Butler formed Ability Tree

In This Special Fathers Network podcast, David Hirsch talks to special father and ordained minister, Joe Butler. Joe and his wife Jen are parents of three children, Clara, Hanna and Micah, who has multiple special needs. We’ll hear the story of Joe and Jen, how they found a new life in Arkansas with their family and how having a child with special needs has improved and enriched their lives. Joe and Jen formed Ability Tree, a not for profit organization that helps parents of special needs kids. Ability tree provides a safe nurturing environment for special needs kids so parents can

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030 – A conversation with special father Paul Miller, author of “Love Walked Among Us.”

In This Special Fathers Network podcast, David Hirsch talks to special father Paul Miller, an author of many books including, “Love Walked Among Us.” He’s also Executive Director of SEE JESUS, a global discipling mission that supports spiritual growth in more than 30 countries. Paul and his wife Jill are parents of 6 children, Courtney, Ashley, John, Andrew, Emily and Kim who has significant disabilities.We’ll hear the Miller family story including how Paul discovered that putting extra effort into loving your family pays off with huge dividends.He’s another amazing father, Paul Miller. And he’s David’s guest today on this Special Fathers

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032 – Special Father Bob Bjerkaas raises a child with Tourettes Syndrome and Rolandic Epilepsy

Special Father Bob Bjerkaas is David Hirsch’s guest in this Special Fathers Network Podcast. Bob and his wife Kerrie are parents of four children, Christopher, Maggie, Timmie and Nate. Christopher had previously been diagnosed with with Tourettes Syndrome at age four and Rolandic Epilepsy at age eight. Bob is a pastor at Church of the Canyon in Calabasas, California, he also has Retinitis Pigmentosa an eye disease that severely affects his vision. It’s the story of another amazing father and his family, Bob Bjerkass David Hirsch’s guest in this Special Fathers Network podcast. Transcript: Dad To Dad 32 – Special Father

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100 – IDF Ret. Major General Doron Almog: Lost His Son With Autism & Was The Force Behind Creating Aleh-Negev in Southern Israel

In this 100th episode of the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, we are both honored and pleased to welcome a truly exceptional father, Doron Almog, retired Major General, Israel Defense Forces. Doron is a truly heroic figure in his native Israel. During his 34-year military career he was involved in dozens of high level missions including the legendary rescue of the 105 Jewish Air France hostages from the Entebbe, Uganda airport in 1976. Doron and his wife Didi have been married 42 years and are the proud parents of three children: one of whom Eran, was born with Autism

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080 – Steve Mogul, Father of Two Daughters, Both with Very Rare Genetic Disorders

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch speaks with special father Steve Mogul, a financial advisor with UBS Financial Services and a father of two children who both have very rare developmental disorders. Hayley, is only one of 19 in the world who has a rare form of Smith–Magenis Syndrome. Bari, is one of only 19 in the world who have a mutated GRIN2B gene. It’s a very unique situation and Steve spells out the challenges that his family faces. He also offers other parents of kids with special needs some truly insightful advice. That’s all

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079 – John Kimec, Principal at St. John de Sales High School, Father of Five & Son Michael Who Has Pierpont Syndrome

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, Host David Hirsch speaks with special father John Kimec, principal of St. John De Sales, a Catholic High School in Chicago, Illinois. John and his wife Lindsay have five children including Michael who has Pierpont Syndrome and is non-verbal. John and host David Hirsch will talk about the challenges and joys of raising a son with special needs on this Dad to Dad podcast presented by The Special Fathers Network. To find out about the work being done on Pierpont Syndrome go to https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4495254.

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078 – Chad Johnson (ret. Army) Confronts PTSD With The Help Of Retrieving Freedom & His Oldest of Six Kids’ CHARGE Syndrome

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, Host David Hirsch speaks with Chad Johnson. Chad is a father of six children and a military veteran with three tours of duty. Chad talks frankly to David Hirsch about dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, while raising 6 kids including Cameron who was diagnosed with CHARGE Syndrome. Chad is also heavily involved with Retrieving Freedom a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that pairs military veterans and youth with Autism with service dogs. Chad also has his own service dog, who has really helped Chad deal with his PTSD. To see more on

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077 – Co-Founder/Owner Michael Kohler’s Special Kneads & Treats Bakery Employs Dozens with Special Needs Including Son w Fragile X

On this Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch talks to Special Kneads and Treats bakery co-founder/owner Michael Kohler. Michael is the father of two young adults, Ashley and Bradley, who at age 29, has Fragile X Syndrome. Michael talks of family, work and how he and his wife Tempa formed the Special Kneads and Treats bakery that employs young adults with special needs. They also provide free birthday cakes for kids whose families can’t afford them. Go to www.specialkneadsandtreats.org to find out more. Learn more about Fragile X syndrome at www.fragilex.org. Transcript: Dad to Dad 77 – Co-Founder/Owner Michael Kohler’s Special Kneads &

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074 – Pastor Cory Estby Adopted Two Brothers Who Both Have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

On this Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch talks to special father, Cory Estby, the pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Grant Park, Illinois. Cory and his wife Christena have four children including two adopted brothers who both have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Hear the fascinating story of how these two young boys became a part of the Estby family on this Dad to Dad podcast. Visit Giftofadoption.org to find out more, also check out parentprojectmd.org to find out about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Transcript: Dad to Dad 74 – Pastor Cory Estby Adopted Two Brothers Who Both Have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

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065 – John Felageller, Father of a Son With Autism, School Teacher, Blogger and Writer

On this Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Special Father John Felageller, a 4th grade teacher and father of 11-year-old Christopher, who is autistic. John and his wife Elizabeth have been through some challenging times but have emerged stronger thanks in part to their involvement an evangelical christian church. That’s all on this Dad to Dad Podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network.  Transcript: Dad to Dad 65 – John Felageller, Father of a Son With Autism, School Teacher, Blogger and Writer John Felageller: Being in the waiting room that they gave us and, and really just

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059 – Sean Farrell wouldn’t change a thing about his son with Down Syndrome.

On this Dad to Dad podcast we hear from a father who feels blessed to have a boy with Down Syndrome, saying families that have someone with Down Syndrome, are statistically happier and have a better life. Sean Farrell is David Hirsch’s guest on this Dad to Dad Podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network. Transcript: Dad to Dad 59 – Sean Farrell wouldn’t change a thing about his son with Down Syndrome. Sean Farrell: We had a nurse there who was the mother of a daughter with down syndrome and she pulled me aside and she said, listen, you

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058 – Bob Mendez’ son Robert was born with no arms and no legs and is a varsity high school football coach.

On this Dad to Dad podcast we hear the story of a boy who was born with no arms and no legs, who went on to become an inspiring and successful high school varsity football coach. Host David Hirsch talks with Coach Mendez’s father, Bob and hears the story of how young Robert was born with an extremely rare condition that currently affects around 100 people globally. Transcript: Dad to Dad 58 – Bob Mendez’ son Robert was born with no arms and no legs and is a varsity high school football coach. Bob Mendez: At this time, I just

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055 – Becky Davidson, a solo parent of a son with profound special needs.

In this Dad to Dad Podcast we talk with our first Mom. Becky Davidson is a podcaster, author and mother to Jon Alex, who has multiple special needs. Becky and her husband Jeff formed Rising Above Ministries.org, a national organization that helps families with children with special needs. Sadly, In 2017, Jeff passed away unexpectedly, leaving Becky an only parent. Becky talks to Host David Hirsch about her life, her husband and the new book she and Jeff wrote, “Common Man, Extraordinary Call, thriving as the Dad of a Child with special needs.” It’s a jam packed edition of the

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053 – Steve Duffley’s son Christopher is a blind & Autistic internet singing sensation

In this Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with special father, Steve Duffley. Steve’s son Chris, who is blind and autistic, is an internet singing sensation who has inspired millions with his voice and his message. Transcript: Dad to Dad 53 – Steve Duffley’s son Christopher is a blind & Autistic internet singing sensation Steven Duffley: Christopher definitely was born in may of 2001. He was totally blind. We didn’t get the autism diagnosis until he was like four and a half, five years old. Oh, wow. Dang. That fall opened the eyes of my heart at a

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Mission & Vision

Mission Statement
 Improving the lives of children by raising awareness and resources for greater father involvement; and inspiring dads to be present —physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually.

Vision Statement
That all children will grow up with a loving, caring and nurturing father and family.

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