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409 – Nick Massie of Los Angeles, CA A Film Industry Veteran & Father To Son, Cole, An Actor With Cerebral Palsy

Description Our guest this week is Nick Massie of Los Angeles, CA, a film industry veteran and father of an adult son who is an actor with Cerebral Palsy.  Nick and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 29 years and are the proud parents of Cole (28), an actor and member of the Screen Actors Guild, who also has cerebral palsy.  Cole was feature in the highly acclaimed movie The Paper Bag Plan, which bebuted in 2024.  It’s a well told story and Cole gave a heartfelt performance as Billy, a young man with Cerebral Palsy.  The screen play was

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408 – Eric Freund of San Diego, CA A HS Teacher, Founder of Hope On The Hard Road, Podcast Host & Father Of Two With ASD

Description Our guest this week is Eric Freund of San Diego, CA who is a high school teacher, coach, co–founder of Hope On The Hard Road and father of two children who are both Autistic. Eric and his wife, Christen, have married for 27 years and are the proud parents of two: Abby (21) and Caleb (23), both who are on the Autism spectrum.  Christen & Eric are co-founders of Hope On The Hard Road, a non-profit organization whose mission is: helping connect and encourage families with children with special needs through programs designed to support the unique needs of the individual, the family,

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407 – Jeff Wallis of Valparaiso, IN A Veterinarian & Father Of A Son Who Had HADDTS Before Passing Away At 18

Description Our guest this week is Jeff Wallis, of Valparaiso, IN who is a veterinarian and father of who had a son with Hypotonia, Ataxia, Developmental Delay, and Tooth-Enamel Defects Syndrome (HADDTS) an extremely rare but serious genetic condition caused by a mutation in the CTBP1 gene. Jeff and his wife, Mindy, have married for 22 years and are the proud parents of Charles 18, who very sadly past away in May, who had Hypotonia, Ataxia, Developmental Delay, and Tooth-Enamel Defects Syndrome (HADDTS) an extremely rare but serious genetic condition caused by a mutation in the CTBP1 gene. We learn

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406 – Dave Tolmie With Tumsifu Munuo of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Director of Faraja School & Father Of A Child With Autism

Description Our guests this week are Dave Tolmie of Lake Forest IL and Tumsifu Munuo, of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. In 1999, Dave Tomlie’s parents, John and Joann, raised $250,000 and with the help of the Lutheran Church built Faraja School, a boarding school for one hundred K-7 youth with physical disabilities, where Tumsifu serves as director.   In addiiton to the Faraja School, the Tolmie family created the Faraja Fund Foundation where Dave and his brothers have been instramentally involved for decades.  John serves as vice-president, Paul is secretary/treasurer, and Dave is chairman of the board of directors. More recently the Faraja Fund Foundation created Faraja

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405 – JP Klop of Alberta, Canada, A Draftsman & Father Of Two Including One With Schwachman Diamond Syndrome

Description Our guest this week is John Peter (JP) Klop of Alberta, Canada who is a draftsman with JPR Industries and father of two young children including a son with Schwachman Diamond Syndrome. JP and his wife, Lianna, have married for three years and are the proud parents of two young children: Anna (1) and Isaac (2), who has Schwachman Diamond Syndrome, which is characterized by: inability to digest food due to missing digestive enzymes, low muscle tone, anemia, skeletal findings and intellectual disability.  JP is very open and authentic about the challenges related to SDS and his own brush

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404 – Tom Chibucos of Chicago, A Manager of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Services, Father Of Two Including One w ASD

Description Our guest this week is Tom Chibucos of Chicago, IL, who is a Related Service Provider Manager of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology services at Chicago Public Schools and father of two including one who is on the Autism spectrum.   Tom and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of two children; Sylvie (10) and Vincent (9), who is non-verbal and on the Autism spectrum. Tom is also a co-founder of Pediatric Therapy Network Chicago, started in 2010 to deliver highly skilled therapeutic support to young children and families in their homes

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403 – Swapna Sasidharan Of Schaumburg, IL Mother of 2 Including One With POGZ & Founder Of The Cure POGZ Disorder Foundation

Description Our guest this week is Swapna Sasidharan, of Schaumburg, IL, a Vice President of Technology at ABCO Holdings, mother of two children, incuding one with POGZ, and founder of the Cure POGZ Disorder Foundation.  Swapna and her husband Sandeep are the proud parents of twoi children,: daughter Sloka (12) and son Ved (10) who has POGZ a rare genetic disorder characterized by: developmental delays, cyclic vomiting, autism, microcephaly and gastrointestinal issues. Educated as an engineer, informed about the challenges about rare diseases and inspired to find a cure for POGZ, the rare disorder her son has, Swapna is dedicated

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402 – David Apple of San Francisco, CA, Founder & CEO Of Shark Tooth Bio & Father Of Two Including One With CMT1A

Description Our guest this week is David Apple of San Francisco, CA, a serial entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Shark Tooth Bio, and father of two, including a son with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease.  David and his wife, Cristina, have married for seven years and are the proud parents of two young children: Zoe (3) and Ari (5) who was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, AKA CMT1A, a rare mono genetic disease that impairs the signal from the brain to the muscles causing weakness, loss of sensation, pain, and atrophy.    David reflects on growing up in France and Israel.  In March 2024

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401 – Greg Corey of Highland Park, IL, A Wealth Manager & Father Of Three Including A Son With Down Syndrome

Description Our guest this week is Greg Corey of Highland Park, IL a wealth manager at Ameriprise Financial Services and father of three children including a son with Down Syndrome. Greg and his wife, Carly, have been married for 10 years and are the proud parents of three children: Ashton (4), Frankie (6) and Presley (8), who has Mosaic Down syndrome, which was not detected or diagnosed until he was four years old.   We also learn about a host of organizations that Presley has benefited from including:   Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) Kick Start Therapeutic Day Care,

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400 – David Hirsch, Founder Of 21st Century Dads Foundation & Podcast Host Reflects On The Past Nine Years

Description To celebrate the 400th episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast, David Hirsch, founder of 21st Century Dads Foundation and host of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast offers his heartfelt thanks to all those who have been involved with and supported 21CD & SFN.  He reflects on: addressing the issue of father absence in society, his journey as a fatherhood advocate, starting the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative,  making an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show,  starting the 21st Century Dads Foundation,  Dads Honor Ride 2015 from Santa Monica to Chicago, 2,325 miles in 21 days,  giving a TEDx

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399 – Casey Stubbs of Burlington, NC, Trading Strategist, Author, Podcast Host, Army Veteran & Father To Nine

Description Our guest this week is Casey Stubbs of Burlington, NC a trading specialist, author, podcast host and father to nine children. Casey and his wife, Deanna, have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of nine children: twins Andrea & Courtney (26), Casey Jr (19), Caleb (17), Abbey (16), Ellie (15), Austin (14), Danielle (12) and Ethan (12).  Ellie and Danielle were adopted at age 2/12 and as a newborn and are biological sisters. Casey has been a host of the Replace Your Income With Options Podcast and author of: The Complete Trading System: How to Develop

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398 – Luba Patlakh of Bucks County, PA Mother of Three & Founder Of Kidology Inc. Pediatric Therapy Center

Description Our guest this week Luba Patlakh of Bucks County, PA a mother of three children and founder of Kidology Inc., a pediatric practice specializing in speech, occupational, physical therapy, and ABA services. Luba and her husband, Boris, have married for 10 years and are the proud parents of three children ages 4 to 9 years old.  Founded in 2014, Kidology, Inc. a top-rated family friendly pediatric therapy and child development center in Pennsylvania, offering families and children the support and guidance they need to thrive. They provide educational services in special needs and tutoring capacities.  They offer pediatric therapy

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397 – Daryl Potter of Toronto, CA A TD Merchants Exec, A Prolific Author & Father of 2 Including A Daughter with CFC Syndrome

Our guest this week is Daryl Potter of Toronto, Canada who is an executive at TD Merchants, a prolific author and father of two including a daughter with profound disabilities. Daryl and his wife, Carolyn, have been married for 28 years and are the proud parents of two children, Jackson (21) and McKenzie (24) who was diagnosed with Cardio Facio Cutaneous (CFC) syndrome.  Some of the challenges include; intellectual disabilities, non-verbal since age 12, being tube fed, the need for a hospital bed and being wheelchair bound. Beyond work and being a vigilant caregiver, Daryl has nurtured his passion for

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396 – Olivier Cortambert, London, Head Of Solutions Architecture at Yospace & Father Of A Son With A Rare Undiagnosed Disease

Our guest this week is Olivier Cortambert of London, UK who is head of solutions architecture at Yospace and father of a son with a rare undiagnosed disease. Olivier and his wife, Feng, have been married for seven years and are the proud parents of Antoine (3) who has a genetically tested undiagnosed disease, which presents with; low muscle tone, hearing loss, non-verbal as well as difficulty swallowing and walking.      We learn about Small Steps, a UK based agency that provides free services to those who are unable to walk and the pros and cons of having an

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328 – Mastermind Group Monday With Tim Coughlin of London, England

This is part of a special series of interviews within the SFN Dad To Dad Podcasts known as the SFN Mastermind Group Monday Podcasts.  Each Monday host David Hirsch interviews one of the SFN Mastermind Group dads on the impact the mastermind group has had on him and the wellbeing of his family.   This Monday’s guest is Tim Coughlin of London, England who works for Morgan Stanley and is the father of two young daughters, one who has a rare genetic disease.  Tim and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 9 years and are the proud parents of two young girls:

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279 – Tim Coughlin A U.S. Xpat in London, England, An ED with Morgan Stanley & Father Of Two Including One Diagnosed With BBSOAS.

Our guest this week is Tim Coughlin a U.S. x-Pat in London, England who works at Morgan Stanley as head of the Commodity and Infrastructure Finance Group for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.Tim and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for eight years and are the proud parents of two young girls: Alice (4) and Edith (2), who was diagnosed with BBSOAS or Bosch-Boonstra-Schaff Optic Atrophy Syndrome, a very rare neurological disorder caused by a disruption in the NR2F1 gene.Tim was born and raised in Basking Ridge, NJ. Jennifer is from England and worked in the U.S. at UBS

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269 – Eric Jorgensen of Frederick, MD A Retired Navy Vet, Widower & Father Of A Son With Autism Offers Disability Planning Advice

Our guest this week is Eric Jorgensen of Frederick, MD a retired Navy veteran, widower, founder of True North Disability Planning, cancer survivor and father of two, including a son with Autism. Eric and his wife, Christine, were married for 12 years before, very sadly, she passed away in April 2012, after a short battle with HLH (Hemophagocytic Lympho Histiocystosis), a rare autoimmune disease. They are the proud parents of two; including William (23), who has Autism, is non-verbal with learning & intellectual disabilities, and mental health challenges. Eric reflects on his 20+ years in the Navy and work aboard

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257 – David Ross of Little Hampton, England, A Rare Disease Advocate Reflects On His Cowden Syndrome Diagnosis

Our guest this week is David Ross of Little Hampton, England. David is a rare disease advocate for mens mental health. He plans and hosts valuable international support calls focused on men in the rare disease community. David also has a rare disease himself called Cowden Syndrome, a rare genetic inherited condition. People with Cowden syndrome often have many noncancerous, tumor-like growths. They may also have an increased risk of developing certain cancers. Experts estimate it affects 1 in 200,000 people. The condition often goes underdiagnosed because some healthcare providers may not recognize its symptoms. David reflects on the relationship

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243 – Christian Paddock of Seattle, WA Reflects On The Loss Of His Daughter Who Had STXBP1, A Rare Neurological Disease

Our guest this week is Christian Paddock of Seattle, WA who is a coporate trainer for Audi of America. Christian and his wife, Megan, have been married for 10 years and are the proud parents of two girls, Addison (5) and Hazel, who was diagnosed with STXBP1, a rare neurological disease. Very sadly Hazel passed away at age six in 2021, as the result of a random accident. Christian reflects on the six year odyssey of raising a child with a complex medical condition, the highs as well as lows, and the tragic loss of their beautiful daughter. We’ll hear

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219 – Jessica & Chris Patay of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Parents of Three Including A Son With Prader-Willi Syndrome

Our guests this week on the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast are Jessica & Chris Patay of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. The Patays have been married for 25 years and are proud parents of three children: Luke (21), Kate (16), and middle child Ryan (18) who was born with a rare genetic disorder known as Prader-Willi Syndrome. We’ll learn about the Patay family journey, Prader-Willi Syndrome and how Jessica started We Are Better Together, a non profit organization that provides respite, community, and resources for mothers caring for children of any age with disabilities, unique needs, or other medical or mental

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216 – Sanath Kumar Ramesh of San Jose, CA Father of a Son With SSMD and Co-Founder of the Open Treatment Foundation

Our guest this week is Sanath Kumar Ramesh of San Jose, CA, IL, the father of a son with a super rare disease, a successful tech executive and co-founder of the Open Treatment Foundation. Sanath and his wife, Ramya, have been married for 7 years and are the proud parents of Raghav, who is 3 and was diagnosed with SSMD or Sedaghatiantype Spondylo Metaphyseal Dysplasia an extremely rare progressive disease. Sanath is very open and transparent about his early denial. And we learn about Sanath’s efforts to create the Open Treatment Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to creating a software platform that

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215 – Jim Mullen A Disabled Chicago Police Officer, Reflects On Being A Ventilator Dependent Quadriplegic The Past 25 Years

Our guest this week is Jim Mullen, a disabled Chicago Police Officer who was shot and catastrophically injured in the line of duty, leaving him a ventilator dependent quadriplegic. We’ll hear how Jim’s life has changed, how his injury has affected him, his wife and his daughter (who was only 7 months old at the time), about his hobby of buying and selling vintage muscle cars, how he has started marketing and selling his mother’s delicious apple sauce recipe through Mullen’s Food Company, now available at Amazon, Walmart and other national retailers. It’s a fascinating and uplifting story about gratitude and

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214 – Toby Brown & Jesse Hohn of Colorado Are Two Dads Who Each Have Children With Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome

Our guests this week are Toby Brown of Colorado Springs and Jesse Hohn of Littleton, CO. Toby and his wife, Angela Bird, have been married for 15 years and are the proud parents of two children; Kavan (19) and Anabelle (17). Jesse and his wife, Felima, have been married for 23 years and are the proud parents of three children: Ethan (21), Arianna (18) and Sadie (14). Four of their five children have Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (or SDS), a rare genetic disorder that affects many parts of the body, particularly the bone marrow, pancreas and skeletal system. We learn about how Toby

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206 – Chris Velona of North Los Angeles, Father of Two, Including a Son With Batten Disease & Founder of Project Sebastian

Our guest this week is Chris Velona of North Los Angeles, CA. Chris and his x-wife, Teresa, are the proud parents of two boys; Gage (16) and Sebastian (18), who was diagnosed with Batten Disease CLN8, a rare neurodegenerative disorder. We’ll learn about Chris’ journey, which includes his own battle with alcoholism, shouldering the Batten Disease diagnosis, and creating Project Sebastian, a non-profit to support families touched by Batten Disease and rare disease. We also learn about a number of organizations that have played an influential role in their lives, including: Charlotte & Gwyneth Gray Foundation, the Batten Disease Support &

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204 – Mike Graglia of Palo Alto, CA Father of Two & Co-Founder Of The SynGAP Research Foundation

Our guest this week is Mike Graglia of Palo Alto, CA. Mike and his wife, Ashley, are parents to two boys John (3) and Tony (8) who was diagnosed with SynGap 1, a rare genetic disorder. We’ll learn about Mike’s eclectic career including being a Peace Corps volunteer in Namibia, as well as working at: the World Bank, Boston Consulting Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, New America, and Emerson Collective before jumping in full-time at the SynGAP Research Foundation in a quest to find treatments and a cure for those who diagnosed with SynGap1. It’s a

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