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What happens when parents face the unexpected challenge of raising a child with different abilities? While some choose to run, others discover the most beautiful journey imaginable—one filled with unconditional love and unexpected lessons.
In this raw and honest conversation, Victoria and Michael tackle the painful reality of abandonment in families with medically complex children. Victoria doesn't mince words about fathers who leave when faced with a child's medical diagnosis: "You're beyond a coward, you're beyond a piece of shit for leaving that mother, your newborn baby, just because you don't want to deal with the challenges." Having experienced life with a daughter who required a tracheostomy, Victoria shares how she didn't hear her child's voice until she was two and a half years old—yet these moments became all the more precious because "we don't take one minute for granted."
The conversation takes a deeply personal turn when Victoria opens up about her own physical challenges, including significant hearing loss in both ears and adapting to life with one arm. Her perspective is powerful: "If anybody has the right to be absolutely bitter and nasty, I would hands down say me," yet she chooses resilience instead. From tying shoes to washing her waist-length hair one-handed, Victoria demonstrates how limitations can lead to innovation rather than defeat.
Between reflections on a joyful Father's Day celebration and exciting professional news about Victoria's upcoming speaking engagement for Roku television, the hosts share their passion for making trauma recovery resources accessible to everyone. Their academy offers affordable courses with a scholarship program that allows those in need to access healing resources for just $5—"not even the cost of a Starbucks coffee."
Every smile tells a story, and sometimes the most beautiful stories emerge from our greatest challenges. Join us in celebrating the courage of those who stay, adapt, and discover unconditional love against all odds.
Want to help someone access healing resources? Visit acontagioussmile.com to learn how you can contribute to our scholarship program and make a difference in someone's healing journey today.

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