This article was originally published on the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals' blog. It has been republished here with permission. To help children in need click here to donate to CMN Hospitals. It is as easy as giving five dollars a month.
With the new year comes new perspectives. If you're looking for positive inspiration, check out these five blogging parents who share the ups and downs of raising kids with all sorts of challenges:
That Dad Blog
With six kids and a camera, Utah dad Alan captures the rewards and challenges of parenting. His fifth child, Wil, has Down syndrome and can fly. Really: #wilcanfly. Unsure about what the future would hold after his birth, Alan and family have found new perspectives on life and are sharing stories of others blessed by Down syndrome. The latest addition to the family's fun: #rocktheelf, their youngest as a real-life Elf on the Shelf. His family is sure to inspire yours in 2016.
Against All Grain
This is one amazing mom of two boys. Danielle's journey to get here, however, hasn't been easy. After being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, she made dietary changes - big changes - to improve her health. A self-trained and accomplished chef, she shares her recipes and life lessons on her blog, social channels and television shows. She also shares the heartache of losing her daughter shortly after she was born. Danielle's advice is sure to improve your health, your heart and your style in 2016.
Perfectly Peyton
Stacey, a news anchor from Illinois, is a mom to a "surviving triplet and two angels." Pregnant with triplets, complications caused Stacey to go into labor at nearly 23 weeks, and each baby was born weighing just over a pound. Only Peyton survived. Stacey has documented their journey from the NICU to life with micro-preemie Peyton, a thriving 2-year-old with a big personality - Stacy's "Miracle Child." She is shining a national spotlight on child loss. Her story recently was told by People. With advice and laughs, Stacey and Peyton are sure to brighten your 2016.
Life with the Ferrells
As this mom so beautifully documents, raising a son with life-threatening mitochondrial disease is a rollercoaster ride. On good days, Nathan is a rambunctious 7-year-old. On bad days, he sleeps a lot and is exhausted when he wakes. Yet Amber's advocacy for children's hospitals has kept her and her family on the ups of the rollercoaster. They have traveled the country raising awareness for the charitable needs of children's hospitals. Most recently Nathan spoke at the Miss America pageant and danced with Dancing with the Stars' Peta Murgatroyd at a fundraising event in Los Angeles. This mom's unwavering positivity will brighten even your darkest days in 2016.
Tripp Halstead Updates
Looking for honesty and inspiration in 2016? You'll find it daily with Stacy. Since her son, Tripp, was seriously injured from a fallen tree branch in 2012, she has shared their journey - struggles and all - through a Facebook page. There, more than a million supporters offer encouragement as Stacy reflects daily on Tripp's progress and the challenges they face with his injuries and care. In the new year, Tripp will face more surgical procedures and Stacy will run her first half marathon to support Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
This article was originally published on the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals' blog. It has been republished here with permission. To help children in need click here to donate to CMN Hospitals. It is as easy as giving five dollars a month.
