Testimonials
What our members and associates are saying about WABT and founder, Jessica Patay:
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As a mom of a child with special needs, I've often felt isolated and overwhelmed by all I long to give to my daughter; and all that she requires. With vision, passion, and understanding, WABT offers soul-deep refreshment in practical, beautiful ways. By creating a place where I can meet moms in similar circumstances, WABT has allowed me to experience shared stories, laughter, tears, (and the occasional glass of wine!) with women who "get it". WABT is a place where we can be heard. Where we can be held. And where we can be real.
--Melissa Maimone, Author, Inspirational Speaker, Retreat Leader/Speaker |
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It was amazing to discover We Are Brave Together. I am fortunate to work with a number of organizations whose focus is children and/or adults with special needs. I’ve learned how much parents—especially moms—put into supporting their children, no matter the child’s age. And, alas, how little support they often get from our society. This is such a huge need and I thank you and We Are Brave Together for providing that support. Applause to you and to the moms!
--Janet Levine, NPO Consultant, JanetLevineConsulting.com, |
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As the mother of a child with advanced and complicated medical needs, my life is an unpredictable variant of “normal” with little to no control over what/when/where/how every day will unfold. The need for daily high alert preparedness can be suffocating and lonely. Jessica has created a culture where everyone knows the uncertainty and fear associated with what I choose to call “heroic” parenting. The camaraderie and shared emotional experience is unlike anything I have ever seen before. I am proud to have spoken to, learned from, and been a part of this group of kickass mamas.
--JJ Hendershot, Philanthropist, Fitness Professional, Motivational Speaker, Member of WABT |
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WABT is a long-overdue, much-needed miracle of an organization for warrior mamas with children with special needs. It provides resources, respite, relaxation, support on all levels and in a wide variety of ways, an outlet nationwide for moms to vent, express, get recommendations, suggestions, and a helping hand, where applicable…all judgement-free because we all know. We KNOW. And that, in and of itself, is enough. In addition, WABT is a connection for women who so often feel alone and stuck. After in-person gatherings, we leave strengthened, empowered, loved, and armed with even more tools to help ourselves, our children, our families and our communities. WABT is the hand of an angel, lifting us from our darkness…even if sometimes just high enough to see the light coming through our own cracks. Every state, every country, every continent needs We Are Brave Together. If they did, the world would be a more accepting and understanding place for our children in need and their parents, too.
--Lora Ackermann, mother to daughter, age 14, with ADD, OCD, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder |
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WABT has become a part of my daily support system. 1) From Jessica helping me one-on-one at a monumentally high stress moment with a call or text, or 2) Posting in the private Facebook Group and receiving support through comments or likes, or 3) WABT community providing info or resources. Even having the opportunity to support someone else who is having a tough time is helpful making me feel part of a community of amazing moms where we “get” each other. This is all part of the puzzle in being the best mom possibly to a very special special needs child. Thank you for building this incredible safe space and community.
--Mother to 20 year-old daughter with Autism |
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I just want to say that We Are Brave Together has made a huge impact on my life. I have been praying about being part of a group of mothers that could see the positive side of this journey, that uplifted each other and encouraged each other.
I am grateful that this non-profit organization has been created for us moms that need a break and that we can learn from each other (regardless of our zip codes or financial statuses). This group allowed me to feel alive in some way! Meeting all kinds of moms from all walks of life and sharing their journeys with each other, and looking for that beautiful light through it all, was so cool. I need to be uplifted. I need We Are Brave Together. --Teresa Garcia, mother to son with Autism, age 6 |
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"Jessica is that rare woman who, after five minutes of meeting her for the first time, you feel like she is your best friend. She is passionate about her family, her friends, and her writing. She lives with one purpose: to inspire women and to connect--listen to stories, their dreams, and their wounds. Jessica is a proverbial "breath of fresh air" to all she meets."
-- Kimberly Kooy, Co-planner of past Girlfriends' Retreats, blogger |
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“WABT’s Palm Desert Retreat was amazing. Supportive, connecting, empowering. Jessica’s attention to detail ensured everyone felt pampered and special.” -- Lisa Graziano, Former Executive Director of the Prader-Willi California Foundation, and Mother to adult son with Prader-Willi syndrome. |
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“Words cannot express how powerful this group is. Many of us walk around thinking that we have to struggle with being a Special Needs Mom alone, but this group allows us to see we are NOT ALONE. No matter what our child’s diagnosis is, we can be brave together. Jessica, you are amazing, and a God-send. Thank you for providing this platform for us.”
-- Uzoamaka Ogbozor, Mother to two young children with Autism. |
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"Being a Special Needs Mom is a lifelong journey. WABT is a wonderful tool to make the journey easier.
You can share, commiserate, rejoice, restore and rejuvenate." -- Kathryn Sanders Platnick, Mother to son, age 19, with Autism and Seizure Disorder. |
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"Jessica has an unparalleled ability to connect with others and to connect other people. With an exquisite sense of insight, compassion, understanding and humor, she creates atmospheres of community, growth, and support. She is a gifted writer and communicator, and her heart radiates friendship and maternal love. Any time spent in her company is time well spent, because you leave her feeling stronger, braver, and more inspired to return to your "regular" life. It has been an honor to work with Jessica. An even bigger honor to call her my friend."
-- Kristin Armstrong Writer, Speaker, Author of seven books including Mile Markers: The 26.2 Most Important Reasons Why Women Run, Heart of my Heart, Happily Ever After, and Work in Progress: An Unfinished Woman's Guide to Grace. |
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"Jessica is full of life, insight and wisdom that is raw and in real time. Her heart to bring courage to Moms is evident in all she says and does. She will encourage you to be brave and strong in your desire to stand firm and flourish in the life you and your children have been given."
--Suzie Lind, Women's Speaker, Writer, Blogger |
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"WABT has already improved my life. The retreat was a gift. These women are a gift to me. We all understand each other."
--Cathy Abbasi, Mother to 17-year-old with intellectual difficulties. |
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"When I think of We Are Brave Together I think of a championship team, or an amazing band or better yet an epic choir with a variety of singers transforming different songs, and sounds, and stories into a focused tone of bravery and love. The community forged by WABT creates a safe space where other Moms actually "get it." Whatever that "it" is that often feels so elusive for Special Needs Moms is empathized and recognized by this vital organization.
I am grateful for its development and inspired by the brave women who comprise it." -- Ryane Nicole Granados, Wife, Mother, Special Needs Mother to young son, Writer, Teacher, Inappropriate Laughter and Awestruck spectator of the human race. |
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