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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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076 – Talk Radio Host Jeff Katz Treasures His Daughter, Julia, Who Has Global Development Delays

On this Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch talks with special father Jeff Katz. Jeff is the afternoon host of The Jeff Katz Show at News Radio WRVA, in Richmond Virginia. He has three children including Julie who has global development delays and is non-verbal. Jeff tells his life story and why he truly treasures his daughter Julia. That’s all on this Dad to Dad podcast. To find out more about Jeff and WRVA go to Newsradiowrva.radio.com/shows/jeff-katz. Transcript: Dad to Dad 76 – Talk Radio Host Jeff Katz Treasures His Daughter, Julia, Who Has Global Development Delays Jeff Katz:

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075 – Mark Paterson Speaks About the Challenges of Raising a Son With Autism & Little City

That’s Mark Paterson, an executive in the industrial equipment industry, and father of a boy who is autistic. Mark speaks candidly with our host David Hirsch about some of the difficulties of raising a child with special needs. That’s on this Dad to Dad podcast. To find out about Little City go to www.littlecity.org. Transcript: Dad to Dad 75 – Mark Paterson Speaks About the Challenges of Raising a Son With Autism & Little City Mark Paterson: Tim’s gone to Hogwarts is what we would say. You know what? Tim’s going to boarding school, right? He’s in a house that is

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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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073 – Dr. Jim Rigg’s Son Daniel is Autistic and Diabetic

On this Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch talks to special father, Jim Rigg, the superintendent of catholic education at the Archdiocese of Chicago. Jim has four children including Daniel, who is autistic and diabetic. We’ll hear about the challenges of raising a son with multiple special needs and about Jim’s personal work in helping educate other kids with special needs. That’s all in this Dad to Dad Podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network. To find out more about the schools of the Archdioscese of Chicago click on schools.archchicago.org. Transcript: Dad to Dad 73 – Dr. Jim Rigg’s Son

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072 – Shane Sondergeld, A Doctor From Down Under Whose Son Has 4Q Deletion Syndrome

In this Dad to Dad podcast host David Hirsch talks to Shane Sondergeld, a doctor from Brisbane, Australia. Shane is a father of three children including William, who was diagnosed with 4Q deletion syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Shane tells the Sondergeld family story and how having a child with a disability is truly a wonder. That’s all on this Dad to Dad podcast.  Transcript: Dad to Dad 72 – Shane Sondergeld, A Doctor From Down Under Whose Son Has 4Q Deletion Syndrome Shane Sondergeld: Having a child with a disability is not a negative. There is just so much

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071 – John Crowley Saved His Kids’ Lives By Finding a Cure to Pompe Disease

Meet John Crowley, a special father of three kids with special needs. Two of those children have a rare genetic disorder called Pompe disease. John and his wife Aileen were told that Meghan and Patrick would not live very long. So, they took matters into their own hands and helped develop a drug that successfully treats the disorder. They formed a successful RX company, Amicus, whose mission is to find treatments for rare diseases. Their story was told in a book, a movie starring Harrison Ford and by the President of the United States in a joint session of congress. And

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070 – Dan Tepperman, Father of Two Including a Son with Autism Who is Thriving At Little City

Host David Hirsch talks to special father, Dan Tepperman. Dan has two boys including 20 year old Scott who is autistic. Dan talks about the challenges and rewards of raising a child with special needs and the family’s decision to use Little City (www.littlecity.org) to help Scott thrive and the family to regain its balance. That’s all in this Dad to Dad Podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network. Transcript: Dad to Dad 70 – Dan Tepperman, Father of Two Including a Son with Autism Who is Thriving At Little City Dan Tepperman: You got to live the moments, for

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069 – Tom Costello Is The Father Of Incredible Twin Boys With Autism.

Host David Hirsch talks to special father, Tom Costello. Tom has twin 17 year-old boys, both with Autism. Tom tells us their story and how they’re both are blessed with incredible empathy. It’s a great listen and it’s all in this Dad to Dad Podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network. Transcript: Dad to Dad 69 – Tom Costello Is The Father Of Incredible Twin Boys With Autism. Tom Costello: I’ll give you one quick story about our son, Mike, who over the last couple of years have seen both Irene, his grandmother and my grandfather passed away. And at

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068 – John Dodd, A Father of a Girl With Down Syndrome is Incredibly Upbeat!

John Dodd is our guest on this Dad to Dad podcast. John has a daughter with Down Syndrome. He’s also had some significant challenges in his life but has remained incredibly upbeat. He’s a model for us all. Hear John’s incredible story on this Dad to Dad podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network. Transcript: Dad to Dad 68 – John Dodd, A Father of a Girl With Down Syndrome is Incredibly Upbeat! John Dodd: I had some wisdom that people have shared from time to time that I kind of created a David Letterman top 10 list. So if

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067- Jim Abrahams found a miracle cure to stop his son’s seizures.

He’s written and directed some of the funniest movies to come out of Hollywood:Airplane and Naked Gun among them. He’s Jim Abrahams, and he’s our guest on this Dad to Dad Podcast. Jim has a son, Charlie, who at a young age was experiencing severe epileptic seizures. The medications prescribed and surgery performed by Charlie’s doctors weren’t effective, so Jim did his own research and found that a special high-fat diet might help. With the help of a dietician Charlie adopted the diet and miraculously, the seizures stopped. Hear the story of a dad taking matters into his own hands and

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066 – Jerry Castro’s son Jack made a profound impact on his family & others before passing away at 15, due to his premature birth.

On this Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Special Father Jerry Castro, a financial industry veteran and father of 8, including Jack who passed away from complications due to premature birth at age 15. Jerry tells how his son was a real positive influence on the Castro family and that his legacy lives on. That’s all on this Dad to Dad Podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network.  Transcript: Dad to Dad 66 – Jerry Castro’s son Jack made a profound impact on his family & others before passing away at 15, due to his premature birth.

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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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064 – Shane Lee, father of 5 children, 3 diagnosed with SMA including Jocelyn, who sadly passed away at age 4 1/2

On this Dad to Dad podcast host David Hirsch talks to Shane Lee, a systems administrator and a father of five, including Jocelyn, who sadly passed away at age 4 ½ from complications related to Spinal Muscular Atrophy. We’ll hear the amazing story of the Lee family and their travails and triumphs over SMA on this Dad to Dad Podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network. Transcript: Dad to Dad 64 – Shane Lee, father of 5 children, 3 diagnosed with SMA including Jocelyn, who sadly passed away at age 4 1/2 Shane Lee: She changed, not only our life,

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063 – Kelly Moynihan, special father of Nicki who has Down Syndrome with some great advice.

Meet Kelly Moynihan, a retired oil industry veteran and a father of three, including Nicki who has Down Syndrome. Kelly has some sage advice for fathers of kids with special needs and he’s our guest on this Dad to Dad podcast. Transcript: Dad to Dad 63 – Kelly Moynihan, special father of Nicki who has Down Syndrome with some great advice. Kelly Moynihan: The other thing about having a mentally disabled individual in your family, you know, they bring you down to earth every now and then our daughter enjoys the simple things in life. So to watch her have

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062 – Non-Profit Leader John Wagner wrote a book about his son David who has Down Syndrome.

On this Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch talks to John Wagner, a father of three, including David who has Down Syndrome. John has also written a book his about his family called “Perfect: Sacred Stories From The Heart of a Dad,” and he’s our guest on this Dad to Dad podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network. Transcript: Dad to Dad 62 – Non-Profit Leader John Wagner wrote a book about his son David who has Down Syndrome. John Wagner: Let me tell you what she did say in the hospital. Literally like the first words out of

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061 – Jason Lehmbeck’s son Noah has Fox-G1, a rare genetic disorder.

On this Dad to Dad podcast host David Hirsch talks to Jason Lehmbeck a father of three children, including Noah, who was diagnosed with Fox G1, a rare genetic disorder. We’ll hear about Jason’s family and his career, including the founding of team Special X, helping parents get the best care for their children with special needs. That’s all on this Dad to Dad podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network.  Transcript: Dad to Dad 61 – Jason Lehmbeck’s son Noah has Fox-G1, a rare genetic disorder. Jason Lehmbeck: Have a 911 call list when you’re going through these darker

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060 – Martin Cuevas: One of his 4 year old twin daughters has the rare Pitt Hopkins Syndrome

On this Dad to Dad podcast host David Hirsch talks to Martin Cuevas, father of twin 4-year-old girls, one of whom has the incredibly rare Pitt Hopkins syndrome. We’ll hear how Martin and his wife Amy dealt with this devastating news and how close family makes their life much easier. That’s all on this Dad to Dad podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network. Transcript: Dad to Dad 60 – Martin Cuevas: One of his 4 year old twin daughters has the rare Pitt Hopkins Syndrome Martin Cuevas: And that’s when life changes again. Cause I remember that I believe

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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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057 – Tim Kuck, co-founder of Nathaniel’s Hope, named after his son who passed away at age 4

In this Dad to Dad Podcast we talk with special father, Tim Kuck. Tim not only builds boats – he’s the COO of Regal Marine, but he’s also a special father to three children, including Nathanial who passed away at age 4, due to multiple birth anomalies. In this Dad to Dad podcast, Tim talks of the journey undertaken by he and his wife Marie, including the formation of Nathanial’s Hope, a charity that celebrates kids with special needs. Transcript: Dad to Dad 57 – Tim Kuck, co-founder of Nathaniel’s Hope, named after his son who passed away at age

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056 – Chicago singing legend Wayne Messmer, a special Grandfather and Grand “Dude”..

In this Dad to Dad Podcast we talk with the legendary Chicago voice, Wayne Messmer. For decades Wayne has sung the national anthem for every sports team in Chicago. He’s been on TV, the radio, the stage, the screen, and then it all stopped – when he was shot in the neck in a late night robbery attempt in April, 1994. But through grit and determination he came back. He came back to sing and he came back to be with his family, including his grand daughter, Jamie, who has special needs. And in this Dad to Dad podcast, Wayne

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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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