✨ New Episode of Rockin’ the Difference ✨ Being a special needs parent means carrying an invisible load that most people never see. In this solo episode, I take you behind the scenes of my life as a single mom to my adult son—sharing the scheduling, the driving, the advocacy, and the emotional weight of planning for the future, all while balancing a full-time job and trying to care for myself, too. 💙

🎧 In this episode, I talk about:

• The hidden daily work of special needs parenting
• Navigating doctors, schools, and government agencies
• The long-term planning no parent wants to face, but has to

This one’s for every caregiver who feels unseen—you are not alone. 💙

In this episode of Rockin the Difference, host Chandra Neal shares the behind-the-scenes story of preparing for international travel with her adult son, Ryan, who is blind and autistic. From a frustrating passport battle that required the help of her congressman, to packing with intention and securing disability accommodations, Chandra walks listeners through the real challenges — and the powerful surprises — she encountered while traveling to Brazil.

This episode is a must-listen for any caregiver who’s ever wondered if big adventures are even possible. They are — and sometimes, they open doors to unexpected growth.

🎯 Topics Covered:

• Navigating the passport process with a special needs adult

• How to advocate with government agencies (and when to call your congressperson)

• Travel accommodations in Brazil for individuals with disabilities

• Emotional growth moments during long-distance travel

• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard and other helpful tools

• Encouragement for caregivers to embrace travel and dream bigger

🧳 You don’t have to keep life small just because it’s hard. Let this story encourage and equip you for your own adventures — near or far.

In this powerful episode of Rockin’ the Difference, I sit down with my dear friend Chris Velona — a devoted father, rare disease advocate, and founder of Project Sebastian, a nonprofit inspired by his son Sebastian, who was diagnosed with Batten disease, a rare and terminal neurodegenerative disorder.

Chris shares his family’s emotional journey, the heartbreaking diagnosis, and how he chose to turn pain into purpose by creating a platform for awareness, connection, and hope. We talk about the emotional toll of caregiving, and what it's like to live day by day when the future is uncertain — yet still filled with love.

Chris also introduces us to tools and communities that have been a source of support, including:

🔗 Project Sebastian: A nonprofit raising awareness and funding for Batten disease and other rare conditions 👉 www.projectsebastian.org

⚡️ BioRecharge Energy Enhancement Systems: Alternative wellness technology supporting cellular healing and energy 👉 www.biorecharge.net

💊 Mila’s Miracle Foundation: Advocating for individualized, gene-targeted medicine to treat rare genetic disorders 👉 www.milasmiracle.org

This episode is for any parent walking a rare or uncertain path — and for anyone who needs a reminder that purpose can rise from even the darkest days.

If this episode moved you, please rate, review, and share. You never know who needs to hear this story.