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March 4, 2025 35 mins

89 | Sending Kids with Down Syndrome to College with Ruby's Rainbow


Today, we are talking about an amazing organization that has become near and dear to my heart! My friend, Liz Plachta takes center stage to share her remarkable journey as the co-founder and executive director of Ruby's Rainbow, which raises money and provides scholarships to individuals with Down syndrome who are pursuing their higher education goals.

When my daughter was born in 2003, I would never have imagined that she and/or other individuals with Down Syndrome could pursue college dreams. But when Liz's daughter Ruby was born, she did! With over $3.2 million in scholarships awarded since 2011, Liz's mission is as inspiring as it is impactful. Listen as she recounts her personal experience as a mother navigating the unknowns of Down syndrome and her relentless pursuit to ensure her daughters, including Ruby, have equal opportunities. Liz's vision for Ruby's Rainbow emphasizes a community that celebrates the capabilities and dreams of those it serves.

Celebrate with us the milestones Ruby's Rainbow has achieved and the dreams it continues to fulfill. We highlight heartwarming stories of hope, like Ruby's aspiration inspired by attending a wedding, and explore the broader initiatives like the 321 Pledge that aim to raise $600,000 for scholarships.

Get ready to be inspired by how one mother's love and determination is creating ripples of change and opportunity.

I hope you will join me in contributing to this amazing cause. Just $21 can make a difference in the life of someone with Down Syndrome! My goal is to raise $3000 for Ruby's Rainbow so that someone with Down Syndrome can attend the college of their dreams!

AND -- For every dollar donated through this episode, I will match your donation up to $1000! So let's see what this community can do!

Click ⁠here ⁠to donate -- Just $21 can make a difference in the life of someone with Down Syndrome getting to live out their college dream!


(or click here...) ⁠https://321pledge.org/share/angela-obrien


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Hey! Are you a parent of a loved one with a disability? Have you ever wanted to be on a podcast? Then I want to hear from you! Literally! Send me an audio message that I can include in an upcoming special episode.

Just ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be directed to a website where you can record your response to the following question:

If you could go back in time to when your child was first diagnosed with a disability, what would you tell yourself?

I would LOVE to hear from you!! And finally, if you have been wondering how long you need to keep certain documents, whether its a utility bill, and IEP, medical records, or an insurance policy, I have a quick and accessible one-page document for you to download that shares exactly how long you should be holding on to these items and when you can let them go (e.g. shred and/or recycle.)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get on my email list and I will send this handy doc straight to your inbox.

And I promise I won't start bombarding your inbox with emails -- that is not my style! I just want to be able to stay in touch and keep you informed occasionally of resources to help you reclaim whatever it is YOU need!


Happy Organizing!

Are we friends? Connect with me:

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