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160 Osman Arain – A Financial Advisor of Pakistani Descent Reflects on Raising a Child Who is a Spastic Quad with CP & Autism

Our guest this week is Osman Arain, who is the father of four including Sarina, his oldest, who is a spastic quadriplegic with Cerebral Palsy and Autism. Osman was born in Scotland, raised in England and moved to U.S. where he went to college at Dartmouth and graduate school at Columbia. He is a financial advisor with Romano Brothers & Co. Wealth Management in Evanston, IL. Osman reflects on his marriage to his lovely wife, Saba, being the father of four girls and the challenges of maintaining work-life and family balance We’ll hear Osman’s family story on this Special Fathers Network

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159 – Ray Arata Co-Founder of The Better Man Movement & Author, Helps Men & Fathers Embrace Their Role in Families & Society

Our guest this week is Ray Arata, co-founder of the Better Man Movement, whose mission is “to Transform Culture Through Heart-Based Leadership.” The Better Man Movement provides resources, support, and community to encourage the involvement of men in creating an inclusive culture. Through their workshops, training, and events, their programming shifts organizations from managing diversity as a necessity to leveraging differences for allyship, connection, and collaboration. We’ll hear all about Ray and his extraordinary life’s work on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Better Man Movement: www.bettermanconference.com Ray’s book, “Wake Up, Man Up, Step Up: Transforming Your Wake-Up Call into

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158 – Tom Hamilton’s Daughter, Betheny, Lost An Arm In A Shark Attack At 13 & Has Inspired Others Around The World To Overcome

Listen to “Dad to Dad 158 – Tom Hamilton’s Daughter, Betheny, Lost An Arm In A Shark Attack At 13 & Has Inspired Others Around The World To Overcome” on Spreaker. Our guest this week is Tom Hamilton. Tom has three children, one of whom, Bethany, is a champion surfer who lost an arm in a shark attack at age 13. But that didn’t stop Bethany! She still surfs, she’s had her story told in books and movies and has dedicated her life to helping others. Her Dad Tom is our guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad

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157 – Mary Anne Ehlert, Founder of Protected Tomorrows – Reflects On Life & Lessons Learned From Her Sister With Cerebral Palsy

Our guest this week is Mary Anne Ehlert, founder of Protected Tomorrows. Mary Anne reflects on the impact serving as a caregiver for her younger sister, Marsha, as well as her parents, on being a stepmother and raising three boys with a wide range of needs and her work helping and guiding special needs families via the Ehlert Financial Group and her website protectedtomorrows.com. She’s written numerous books on the subject and is a highly sought after public speaker and this week she’s talking with us on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Find about the Special Life Workbook

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156 – Kyle Malone of Indianapolis, Father of Two, Including A Son Who Is An Elite Track Star & Legally Blind

Our SFN Mentor Father this week is Kyle Malone of Indianapolis has two children: Zion (12) and Noah (19). We’ll hear about the Malone family and how Noah has overcome his inability to see and is setting records in track at Indiana State University, participating in the Paralympics and his TEDx Talk. It’s an uplifting and inspiring story and you’ll hear it on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Contact Kyle at: K.Malone@me.com Noah’s TEDx Talk – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQRxEkxhY7w WTHR 13 Video – https://www.wthr.com/video/news/local/the-amazing-noah-malone/531-6be42a1d-c32d-4580-a6ff-3e42900a241c Indiana School for the Blind & Visually Impaired – https://www.in.gov/isbvi/ Lebers – https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6870/leber-hereditary-optic-neuropathy Fishers Disability Council – https://fishers.in.us/999/March-Disability-Awareness Transcript: Coming Soon

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155 – Jeff Johnson of Anderson, SC, Father of Two, Including A Son With Hydrocephalus & Encephalocele

Our guest this week is Jeff Johnson of Anderson, SC. Jeff and his wife Michelle are parents of two boys, one of whom, Daniel, has hydrocephalus and encephalocele, and is unable to walk or talk. We’ll hear the Johnson family story, about their faith walk, Ainsley’s Angles and about how a new computer gives the family new hope. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. To find out more about Family Connections of South Carolina go to: https://www.familyconnectionsc.org To find out more about Ainsley’s Angels go to: https://www.ainsleysangels.org Eye Gaze – https://eyegaze.com Encephalocele – https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/encephalocele/ Hydrocephalous – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hydrocephalus/symptoms-causes/syc-20373604 Jeff email: mic1dan2@bellsouth.net Transcript:

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154 – Shane Madden of Collierville, TN – Works At Pfizer And Has A Son With Cerebral Palsy

Our guest this week is Shane Madden who works at Pfizer and is father to Marshall (6), who has Cerebral Palsy. We’ll hear how Shane and his wife, Emily, have raised young Marshall, about their aspirations and hopes for the future. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital – https://www.lebonheur.org The Therapy Hut – https://www.therapyhut.com Live It Up (formerly United CP of mid south) – https://www.livitupinc.org Katie Beckett Waiver – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katie_Beckett_Medicaid_waiver Shane’s email – dmadden79@aol.com Transcript: Coming Soon

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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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152 – Jeremy Meinhardt, A Financial Advisor With Edward Jones Has A Daughter With Spina Bifida Who Loves To Play Wheelchair Basketball

Our guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast is Jeremy Meinhardt. Jeremy and his wife Meg have two children, Beck, 15 and Nellie, 12, who has Spina Bifida. We’ll hear about Jeremy, his Dad, his family and how Nellie loves to play wheelchair basketball. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Illinois Spina Bifida Association: https://i-sba.org Synergy Special Recreation DuPage: https://www.nedsra.org/participate/synergy-adaptive-athletics/ … See More Transcript: Coming Soon

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151 – Rolando Lopez – On A Mission To Rescue Youth & Women From Sex & Human Trafficking

Our guest this week is Rolando ‘Ro’ Lopez. Ro is a retired FBI special agent who rescues victims of child sex trafficking through the Freedom Shield Foundation. He’s a man on a mission: to save as many of these youth and young adults as he can. It’s a truly inspiring story and you’ll hear it on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Freedom Shield Foundation – https://www.freedomshieldfoundation.com 1565 W. Main Street ,Suite 208-105, Lewisville, Texas 75067 YouTube List of Freedom Shield videos – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUXpLQKZywKwZ1Wg0QaepyQ/videos Alliance for Freedom, Restoration, & Justice (AFRJ) – https://www.afrj.com Engage Together – https://engagetogether.com Rescue Her – https://www.rescueher.org Hawkwood Group – https://www.hawkwoodgroupllc.com

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150 – Mitch Gardner of Jacksonville, FL Father of Four Including a Son With Autism

Our guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast is Mitch Gardner of Jacksonville, FL. Mitch and his wife Ellen have four children including 14-year-old Davis who has severe Autism and is non-verbal. We’ll hear Mitch’s story including his work with the Peace of Heart Autism Community and Ellen’s work with the Tim Tebow Foundation. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Tim Tebow Foundation; https://www.timtebowfoundation.org/ Special Nation: http://www.specialnation.org/ Peace of Heart: https://www.pohc.org/ Email Mitch at: mitchg@revmedgroup.com Transcript: Coming Soon

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149 – Felimon Hernandez of Olympia, WA Father Three Including Twins; One With Spina Bifida & The Other With Epilepsy

Our guest this week is Felimon Hernandez of Olympia, Washington. Felimon is a graphic designer and photographer. He and his wife Cecilia have three children including 8-year-old twins Lalo, has epipelsey and Adelina who has Spina Bifida. We’ll hear Felimon’s story and how he and his family have cared for the twins. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Check out Felimon’s website: https://felimonfoto.com Washington State Fathers Network: https://fathersnetwork.org South Sound Parent to Parent program: https://www.ssp2p.org Attend the May 15th SFN Dads Virtual Conference. Register for FREE at https://www.21stCenturyDads.org. About the Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad

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148 – Ruslan Vasyutin of Kiev, Ukraine Has A Daughter With Cerebral Palsy & Is An Outspoken Advocate For Special Needs

Our guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast is Ruslan Vasyutin, a native Ukrainian businessman who has a daughter with Cerebral Palsy. In his mission to provide support, Ruslan formed DCP Help, a country-wide NGO, to aid parents of kids with special needs. We’ll hear Ruslan’s life story and more on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Check out DCP Help’s website: https://www.dcp-help.com/en Find out about the Orange Penguin Foundation: https://www.orangepenguin.org/ Transcript: Coming Soon

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147 – Azim Khamisa – Lost His Son To Gun Violence & Through TKF.org Has Reached Millions About Forgiveness & Teaching Non-Violence

Our guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast is Azim Khamisa. Azim was born in Kenya and is a successful international businessman. In 1995, Azim’s world was turned upside down when his 20-year-old son Tariq was murdered by a 14-year-old gang member. Azim now dedicates his life on the concept of forgiveness and helping others to avoid similar violent tragedies. In fact, Azim has befriended his son’s killer and his grandfather. It’s an incredible story about a truly special man and it’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. CBS video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBDeFi-04VM NBC video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKJSOHigxhI Tariq Khamisa

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146 – Larry Kaufman, Author & LinkedIn Expert Sheds Light On Overcoming Bullying

Our guest this week on the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast is Larry Kaufman. Larry talks to us about an issue we haven’t discussed before, the problem of bullying. Larry grew up being bullied and coincidentally so has his son, Matt. We’ll hear their stories and how they deal with this difficult issue. Larry is also the author of the book “The NCG Factor: A Formula for Building Life-Changing Relationships from College to Retirement.” Larry is also a LinkedIn expert with 30,000 connections. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. To learn more about Larry

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145 – Jeremy Kredlo of Seattle, WA Is Raising His Two Granddaughters with Special Needs

Our guest this week on the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast is Jeremy Kredlo. Jeremy is single and has two granddaughters with special needs, making Jeremy a senior member of the Special Fathers Network, a Special Grandfather, if you will. He also spends a great deal of time helping other dads at the Washington State Fathers Network and Arc of King County. We’ll hear all about his life and what makes him tick on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Find out about the Washington State Fathers Network: https://fathersnetwork.org Find out about the Parent to Parent Program at the Arc

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144 – Andy McCall of Greeneville, TN, Father of Three, Lost His Oldest Child Before Her 2nd Birthday

Our guest this week is Andy McCall of Greenville, TN. Andy is a career teacher and coach who has three children, including daughter, Penelope, who, sadly, passed away at age two, due to severe special needs and cancer. Andy kept a blog during Penelope’s life, which he turned into a book entitled, Pigtails & Steel, which is available on Amazon. His experience has led to his dedication as a volunteer at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital as well as with Dads of Steele, a charity that supports dads who have lost a child. Andy credits his family, his faith and The

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143 – Warren Rustand: Husband, Father, Grandfather, Leader & Role Model To Countless Others – Part 2

This week we’ll hear the final installment of David Hirsch’s conversation with Warren Rustand. Warren has led an exemplary life. He’s been a serial entrepreneur, a former White House Fellow, former NBA player for the Golden State Warriors, past CEO of the World Presidents Organization, a frequent speaker, a grandfather of nineteen and a father of seven. This week, in part two, we’ll hear about Warren’s son, Scott, who has special needs. We’ll also hear tips on how to live a healthy productive life, with his five life principles. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. https://www.warrenrustand.com

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142 – Warren Rustand: Husband, Father, Grandfather, Leader & Role Model To Countless Others – Part 1

Our guest this week is legendary Warren Rustand. Warren’s career is as varied as it is interesting. He’s been a serial entrepreneur, served on 50 for-profit and non-profit boards, a former White House Fellow, former NBA player for the Golden State Warriors, past CEO of the World Presidents Organization, a frequent speaker, grandfather of nineteen, father of 7, including a son with special needs. and most recently author of the book: The Leader Within Us: Mindset, Principals & Tools for Life By Design. He and Carson, his wife of 56 years, have led an extraordinary life and we’ll hear all about

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141 – Rob Harris, Father Of Three, Two Who Passed At Birth – Advocates For ‘Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep’ A National Non-Profit

Our guest this week on the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast is Rob Harris of Littleton, CO. Rob tells the heartbreaking story of how he and his wife Gina lost two children at childbirth and the happy occurrence of the arrival of their third child, a bouncing baby boy named R.J. Their life experience propelled Gina to become involved with and now serves as CEO of Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, a national non-profit, whose mission is to introduce remembrance photography to parents suffering the loss of a baby with a free gift of professional portraiture. It’s

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140 – Young Girl With Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome Benefits From The Love Of Her Father & Mother’s Significant Other

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks to two Dads, Chris Wade and Travis Jorgensen. Chris is a divorced dad of three kids one of whom, Luca, has Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome, a rare congenital disease. Travis is a step-dad of sorts to Luca, though not married to Luca’s mom, Leah, he is a dedicated partner and caregiver of Luca and her siblings. Chris, Travis and Leah all take turns caring for those three kids. It’s a unique as well as beneficial situation and we’ll hear all about it in this Special Father Network Dad to

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139 – Lyle Liechty’s Daughter with Down Syndrome Inspired Him To Help Create DADS (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome)

Our guest this week is Lyle Liechty, a father of three including a daughter with Down Syndrome. We’ll hear Lyle’s family story, which includes being adopted, and about his work with DADS (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome), a group that offers support for dads of kids with Down Syndrome, now in dozens of communities across the country. We also learn how Lyle’s family and faith have shaped his journey as we’ll as his involvement with All Pro Dads. That’s’ all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. DADS National – https://dadsnational.org DSI (Down Syndrome Indiana) DADS – https://dsindiana.org All Pro Dads – https://www.allprodad.com

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138 Don Raineri – Father of Four Including Twins; One With Down Syndrome, The Other Who Passed Away At Childbirth

Our guest this week is Don Raineri, president of Dads of Steele. Don is the father of four children,, including twins; one with Down Syndrome and the other who, sadly, died at childbirth. We’ll hear Don’s family story, about his faith and Dads of Steele, a charity dedicated to strengthening dads to be more present in their children’s lives. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. Learn about Dads of Steele – https://dadsofsteele.org/mission-focus/ Contact Don at don@dadsofsteele.org Learn more about Special Fathers Network – https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/ Transcript: Coming Soon

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137 – Tony Gayle, A US Marine & Army Veteran, Lost His Wife Days After Delivering Their Son, Who Has Special Needs – Part 2

Our guest this week is Tony Gayle, a US Army and US Marine veteran as well as father of a son with special needs. He has an amazing story to tell and we’re hearing it in two parts. Last week we heard how Tony grew up on a US military base in Panama, then moved to NYC with his Panamanian mom only to end up in foster care before being raised by an elderly Jewish couple. He served in both the US Marines and US Army. Three years into marriage, he almost lost his Son, Hezekiah, at birth, only to have

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136 – Tony Gayle, A Marine & Army Veteran, Lost His Wife Days After Delivering Their Son, Who Has Special Needs – Part 1

Our guest this week on the Dad to Dad Podcast is Tony Gayle, an Army and Marine veteran whose son has special needs. He’s got an amazing story to tell and we’ll hear it in two parts. This week, we’ll hear how Tony almost lost his son when he was born, only to lose his wife from complications of that delivery. It’s an incredibly moving story from an incredibly powerful story teller. And it’s all in this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. Washington State Fathers Network – https://fathersnetwork.org Kindering Center – https://www.kindering.org Transcript: Coming Soon

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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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