In this episode, Ali and Kari are joined by Luis Schwab of Island Lake, IL. Luis brings a different perspective to our podcast in this episode where he talks with us about his identity development related to his lived experience as an individual and a parent with upper limb differences. Luis walks us through his childhood and adolescence, sharing that while he experienced some adversity growing up, he also built a strong sense of identity, strong bonds and a a solid sense of belonging within his own welcoming, home community. He goes on to share how he felt the push from organizations towards prosthetics was unhelpful for him. Luis also expresses how he does not identify as a disabled person and sees himself as any other typical, able-bodied individual.

Thanks for tuning into the Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast an initiative of the Limb Difference Collective Foundation. Follow us, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends and family.

Connect with Ali & Kari:

Website: limbdifferencecollective.org

Facebook: Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast and Limb Difference Collective

Instagram: @pcwldpodcast @limbdifferencecollective

Email: info@limbdifferencecollective.org

Kari and Ali are joined by David Harrell, actor, author, Camp No Limits leader, and an all around amazing human with an upper limb difference.

David takes us all on a journey of finding his identity, through the awkward childhood/adolescent years and into adulthood: where acting, writing and finding his community led him to his authentic self.

Thanks for tuning into the Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast an initiative of the Limb Difference Collective Foundation. Follow us, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Connect with Ali & Kari:
Website: limbdifferencecollective.org
Facebook: Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast and Limb Difference Collective
Instagram: @pcwldpodcast @limbdifferencecollective
Email: info@limbdifferencecollective.org

Join Kari and Ali as they dive into the real-world rollercoaster of potty training. From surprise puddles to breakthrough “I did it!” moments, they share adaptive tools, emotional highs and lows, and practical hacks that turned each setback into a celebration of independence. Tune in for candid laughs, heartfelt reflections, and tips you can start using today.
Thanks for tuning into the Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast an initiative of the Limb Difference Collective Foundation. Follow us, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Connect with Ali & Kari:
Website: limbdifferencecollective.org
Facebook: Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast and Limb Difference Collective
Instagram: @pcwldpodcast @limbdifferencecollective
Email: info@limbdifferencecollective.org

In this powerful episode, we spotlight EazyHold—a simple yet revolutionary adaptive tool that’s transforming lives by increasing accessibility to everyday activities. From holding utensils to gripping sports equipment, EazyHold empowers individuals with limb differences, limited mobility, or neurological challenges to reclaim independence and joy in movement.

Join us as Kerry Mellen (the founder) and Cierra Sterling share how this silicone strap is more than just a product—it’s a catalyst for inclusion, dignity, and creativity. You’ll hear inspiring stories from users, insights from occupational therapists, and reflections on how small innovations can make a big impact. Whether you're a caregiver, clinician, or advocate, this episode will leave you energized to champion tools that truly change lives.

Tune in and discover how accessibility starts with empathy—and how EazyHold is leading the way. For more information, check out: https://eazyhold.com/

Thanks for tuning into the Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast an initiative of the Limb Difference Collective Foundation. Follow us, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends and family.

Connect with Ali & Kari:

Website: limbdifferencecollective.org

Facebook: Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast and Limb Difference Collective

Instagram: @pcwldpodcast @limbdifferencecollective

Email: info@limbdifferencecollective.org

Join us for Season 3’s kickoff as we bring our husbands, Sean and Brian, back into the hot seat where we'll dive into the day-to-day of parenting children with limb differences. They share how they cheer their kids on at their various activities, navigate the triumphs and tribulations life, and dream big for the road ahead. Expect candid laughs, heartfelt reflections, and practical tips from two dads who lead with love, resilience, and partnership.

Thanks for tuning into the Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast an initiative of the Limb Difference Collective Foundation. Follow us, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends and family.

Connect with Ali & Kari:

Website: limbdifferencecollective.org

Facebook: Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast and Limb Difference Collective

Instagram: @pcwldpodcast @limbdifferencecollective

Email: info@limbdifferencecollective.org

Thank you to everyone who has listened to the Parenting Children with Limb Differences podcast the last two seasons! We are so grateful to see this community growing and to be a platform where we can bring you real, lived experiences through personal stories.

Special thanks this season to Katie and Tommy Dengel, Ryan Haack, Allie Redshaw, Allison Sweet Grant, Katie Mick, Gigi Verrey, Cindy Housner, Mary Leighton, Megan Craft, Lisa DeWeert, Megan Crummert, Maggie Baumer and Carrie Davis. And of course, a big thanks to our husbands, who have shown us vulnerability in sharing their own perspectives, as well as their unwavering support.  

We are also thankful to have connected with more organizations this Season, such as, the LimbBo Foundation, Camp No Limits, GLASA, Arm Dynamics, Mission: Inclusion, Moxie Adaptive, and the Hanger Foundation that are all providing invaluable resources to the community.

We are taking a break for the summer to spend quality time with our families. However, we’ve got a running list of people and organizations on the docket for season 3 and expect to return with the same energy for the podcast in the late summer/early fall. Don’t worry, we’re not going anywhere! Get in touch and we’ll get you on the list! 

We’ve always said that if we were able to reach just one person with these stories, that would be incredibly meaningful for us.  But what if we were to do even more for our community and our children’s future….? 

We are thrilled to share something so close to our hearts—a new endeavor we’ve been working on, inspired by all of our incredible kids, and the connections we’ve made since their birth.We want to highlight that light and positivity, and make it just a little bit easier for families navigating this journey to find connection, support, and resources. With these goals in mind, we have an EXCITING announcement: 

We’re thrilled to introduce the Limb Difference Collective!

Over the last few years, we have formed meaningful relationships with a collective of other families. We wanted to create a place to highlight those resources that we’re sending in our group chats and share it with the greater community.

Our website, limbdifferencecollective.org is expected to be a lifelong labor of our love. A “hub” designed to help families who are first learning about their child’s limb difference, as well as those looking for ways to connect their kids with activities, events, and more.

Our hope is to get these resources in front of medical professionals who support pregnant women, parents, and caregivers, allowing families access to information from the very beginning. We also plan to offer what we call a “hug in a box”, a support bundle filled with resources, stories that celebrate living with limb differences, and maybe some swag (because kids love that!).

We want families to know that while there may be challenges, there’s so much light, happiness, and joy ahead.

We’re in the process of obtaining our 501c3 non-profit status to accept charitable donations which will be tax-deductible. In the meantime, we welcome any contribution through the links on our website.

We’re looking for investors of impact to be a part of this journey with us. Whether it be $5 or $500, your contributions make a difference and show us our cause matters.

We believe in the power of community. Imagine if a few parents became a few hundred or even thousands, all ready to tell the next family, “You’re going to be okay. Your child is going to be okay. There’s so much light ahead.”

If you're interested in being a part of this journey, please visit limbdifferencecollective.org.

Connect with Ali & Kari: Website: pcwldpodcast.com; Facebook: Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast Instagram: @pcwldpodcast

Email: pcwldpodcast@gmail.com

In the final guest episode of season two, Carrie Davis, VP of Employee and Patient Experience with Hanger Clinic, boldly shares her journey from childhood to adulthood growing up with one hand. She shares with us the story of the evolution of her identity and how she became a two-time national paratriathalon champion. Carrie also shares with us how she became involved with Hanger and the amazing work they are doing there, along with other organizations that are championing movements and challenging legislation for the greater good of amputees and those born with limb difference. Learn more about Hanger and their mission at: https://hangerclinic.com/ Thanks for tuning into the Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast. Follow us, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Connect with Ali & Kari: Website: pcwldpodcast.com; Facebook: Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast Instagram: @pcwldpodcast Email: pcwldpodcast@cgmail.com

In this episode, Maggie Baumer, Leader of Enterprise Patient Advocacy with Hanger Clinic, takes us through her experience as an adult with losing her arm below the elbow after a scary and painful accident.

Maggie graciously shares with us the ways in which she navigated her recovery and how her identity evolved to embrace herself as a person with a disability and a disability advocate. Maggie also shares with us how she became involved with Hanger and the amazing work they are doing there, along with other organizations that are championing movements and challenging legislation for the greater good of amputees and those born with limb difference.

Learn more about Hanger and their mission at: https://hangerclinic.com/

Thanks for tuning into the Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast. Follow us, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Connect with Ali & Kari: Website: pcwldpodcast.com; Facebook: Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast Instagram: @pcwldpodcast Email: pcwldpodcast@cgmail.com

This episode features Moxie Adaptive, an organization focused on creating spaces to connect and empower those with limb differences. We had the pleasure of speaking with two of the founders, Lisa DeWeert and Megan Crummet, who share their own stories about finding their identity and their inspiration for creating Moxie. Learn more about Moxie Adaptive and their mission at: https://moxieadaptive.org/ Thanks for tuning into the Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast. Follow us, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Connect with Ali & Kari: Website: pcwldpodcast.com; Facebook: Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast Instagram: @pcwldpodcast Email: pcwldpodcast@cgmail.com

In this episode, we meet with Megan Craft, Speech Language Pathologist and creator of the children's disability book series: Mission Inclusion. Megan shares what inspired her to write this book series, and why mindfulness, kindness, and inclusion are important. She also talks with us about the importance of teaching our kids when they're young about differences and inclusion, so they can carry those lessons through their lifetime. Educating parents and the community is paramount to gain insight and understanding that disability connects us all. Learn more about Megan Craft and Mission Inclusion here: https://mission-inclusion.com/ Thanks for tuning into the Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast. Follow us, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Connect with Ali & Kari: Website: pcwldpodcast.com; Facebook: Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast Instagram: @pcwldpodcast Email: pcwldpodcast@cgmail.com

In this episode, Alexandra (Allie) Redshaw shares her experience of living her life to the fullest, despite losing her hand in a kitchen accident while pregnant with her second child. Allie takes us through the harrowing story of her injury and amputation. She emphatically shares how she believes in inclusion and accessibility for everyone: that every human being, regardless of how they show up or how they are shaped, deserves to be seen, felt and have their needs met. Now, an avid paraclimber and disability advocate, Allie is traveling the world, creating powerful change and impact in third world countries. It was an absolutely honor to hear her story filled with hope, resiliency, and rediscovering herself and her purpose. Learn more about her journey: @allie_redshaw

Thanks for tuning into the Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast. Follow us, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends and family.
Connect with Ali & Kari: Website: pcwldpodcast.com; Facebook: Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast Instagram: @pcwldpodcast Email: pcwldpodcast@cgmail.com

<!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->In this episode, we welcome Cindy Housner, Founder of Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) into the studio. Learn about the impact this Illinois-based organization is making to support athletes training and competing locally, nationally and internationally, with 20 different sports. We discuss the programs, camps and events they offer as well as the important role families and volunteers play in helping programs like these.
Thanks for tuning into the Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast. Follow us, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends and family. To learn more about GLASA, click here: https://glasa.org/.
Connect with Ali & Kari: Website: pcwldpodcast.com; Facebook: Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast Instagram: @pcwldpodcast Email: pcwldpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, Kari shares her experiences and insights as she explores the world of paraswimming. From learning about athlete classification to incorporating athletes with disabilities into events, she dives into the details of adaptive sports and the opportunities they create.
Discover valuable resources like usparaswimming.org, moveunitedsport.org, and swimangelfish.com to get started with adaptive swimming, and support athletes and families on their journey.
Thanks for tuning into the Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast. Follow us, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends and family. For questions regarding swimming, contact Kari at coachkaritreat@gmail.com.

Connect with Ali & Kari: Website: pcwldpodcast.com; Facebook: Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast Instagram: @pcwldpodcast

Email: pcwldpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we delve into the world of upper limb prosthetics with Mac Lang and Jamison Carroll from Arm Dynamics. We explore their unique approach to patient care, focusing on maximizing function and independence. Learn about the latest advancements in prosthetic technology, the rehabilitation process, and how Arm Dynamics is helping individuals with limb differences live fulfilling lives. Discover how they are truly "Redefining Possibility" for their patients.

Thanks for tuning into the Parenting Children with Limb Differences Podcast. Follow us, leave a review, and share this episode with your friends and family. Learn more about Arm Dynamics and how you can get involved by visiting https://www.armdynamics.com/

Connect with Ali & Kari: Website: pcwldpodcast.com;

In this episode, we're joined by Mary Leighton, Founder and Executive Director of Camp No Limits and the No Limits Foundation. We explore the inspiring mission of Camp No Limits, which is dedicated to empowering individuals with limb loss and limb differences. Learn about their diverse programs, from summer camps and adaptive opportunities to educational resources and advocacy initiatives. Discover how Camp No Limits is breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive world for people with limb loss or limb differences.

Join us for our conversation with Katie Dengel and her son, Tommy, the driving force behind the creation of the LimbBo Foundation which operates out of the UK, but has a global reach. Hear how Tommy's arrival into her family's world inspired Katie and her husband, Adam, to create a supportive community for children with limb differences and their families. Discover how LimbBo provides vital support, from 3D-printed tools and welcoming parent packs to social events and a strong sense of belonging. This episode offers a heartwarming glimpse into the power of community and as Tommy says, "Just Keep Going, You Can Do It"

Today's interview features Allison Sweet Grant! Allison is a writer published in the New York Times and The Atlantic; she holds dual master’s degrees from the University of Michigan. She is the author of I am the Cage, which will be released TOMORROW, February 18th.

I Am The Cage is a beautiful coming-of-age story that draws from the author's own adolescent experiences in the medical system undergoing a limb lengthening procedure. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

In part two of this two-part interview, Ryan Haack, author ofDifferent is Awesome!, discusses his role models, the advocacy organizations he is passionate about, and the connections he has formed across the U.S. Part two is especially raw as Ryan shares about the loss of his father. Disclaimer: we are inserting a trigger warning here, as a family member's death by suicide is briefly discussed.

In part one of this two-part interview, Ryan Haack, author of Different is Awesome!, shares the strength he's found in family, community, activities, and most of all, through self-reflection and sharing his emotions! Ryan is a motivational speaker, limb difference advocate, parent, and humanitarian. He is also an adult who was born with an upper limb difference! Stay tuned for part 2, which will be released on Wednesday, 2/12.

Today’s Interview is with Gigi Verrey, Vice President of a local wealth management company here in Illinois and is the Creator and she is the creator of Very Smart Ideas, LLC. Gigi is also an adult who was born with an upper limb difference - and she is an inspiration! We want to share her story with you, including the challenges she has faced, her successes, and the ways in which she has overcome adversity. We enjoyed Gigi's warm personality, sense of humor, and advice for parents and children in the limb difference community and we think you will too! And check out Very Smart Ideas, on Instagram!