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This episode features storytellers sharing their experiences of overcoming challenges while thriving with disabilities. Cindy Massey, a photographer and artist, tells her story titled "Finding Family." She recounts her journey to Africa, facing various unexpected hurdles during a safari. Despite the obstacles, she finds strength through the support of fellow alcoholics in Africa, emphasizing the importance of resilience and overcoming challenges. In part two, Kamand Alaghehband, a Special Olympics athlete with Autism, shares her story of perseverance after a morning crisis before a track competition thanks to the support of her teammates, highlighting determination and teamwork. The episode explores the power of resilience, adaptability, and finding strength within a community.

Guest: Cynthia (Cindy) Massey is a photographer and artist. For more than 10 years, she built a successful career in weddings, sports, and animal photography. In 1992, her life changed forever, when she was in a near-fatal automobile accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury. The experience was a wake-up call and the road to recovery meant re-learning simple tasks like walking, talking, eating, reading, and even photography. It gave her the chance to take a long, hard look at who she was, and it led to a new direction in the way she approaches life. She believes she has been given a second chance to begin a new life with a greater appreciation of the beauty of our earth and its creatures. You can see and purchase her work on her website https://www.creativeimagesbycynthia.com/ and Fine Art America

Host Kaye Love - Kaye has over eight years of experience working with individuals with developmental and learning disabilities, including Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder, in Special Education and Vocational Rehabilitation. She has experience providing spiritually sensitive counseling to clients who identify with diverse belief systems. LinkedIn: J. Kaye Love, MSSW/MBA, LPC, Counseling on Thrive: Thriveworks Counseling - Janet Kaye Love
Guest Kamand Alaghehband: Kamand Alaghehband was born in Austin, TX, and has autism. Kamand has spent her life supporting all generations with disabilities. Kamand loves the Special Olympics; her favorite sports are swimming, basketball, and track. She is a member of the Executive Committee of Special Olympics Athletes Leadership in Texas. She creates podcasts, TikTok videos, video games, and health activities. Kamand’s mission within her population is to bring peace today and create a vision for tomorrow’s disabled population. Watch Kamand’s videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mespecial8588. 

Host Jennifer McKinney was born legally blind. She has always enjoyed reading and writing. Some of her work has been published in Soupstone Literary Anthology. Despite the challenge of being visually impaired, Jennifer graduated from American Broadcasting School. She went on to work for KOOP 91.7 FM, a community radio station in Austin. An active member of her community for the past nineteen years, Jennifer joined Art Spark Texas in the Spring of 2014. In her spare time, Jennifer loves traveling abroad and singing along with the radio poorly.

For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.