Dr. Karen Gaffney

Dr. Karen Gaffney is an inspiration to me. She is a very strong willed person who does anything she sets her mind to. She is the first person with Down syndrome to ever get their honorary doctorate. She has also helped in a relay to swim across the English Channel. She has also ‘escaped’ from Alcatraz 16 going on 17, she hopes, times. Among those things she is also a great speaker. She is an Amazing woman who has accomplished a lot and breaks down stereotypes for people with Down syndrome.

Dr. Gaffney received her honorary doctorate from the University of Portland. She said she was very excited and studied very hard to get it. She is so proud of herself and I am sure that most of the world would be amazed to hear that someone with Down syndrome actually has a doctorate, even if it is an honorary one. It is very impressive to me that she put forth that much work and got herself accepted into a University. I am sure this makes a lot of parents hopeful that their child will be able to become whatever they put their mind to because if she can do it so can their child.

Karen is also an amazing swimmer who has participated in many relays, marathons, and other swimming events. She not only raises awareness for Down syndrome but sets a great example for people with Down syndrome of what they can do if they stay focused and try their best. Some of her greatest accomplishments are escaping from Alcatraz not only once but 16 times. This means that she has swam from the island to the shore of California 16 times. This is very impressive because according to her it is not a short trip and there are waves and sharks in the ocean around her. She has also swam for 9 hours to raise awareness for Down syndrome. That is a long amount of time and one of her longest continuous swims. She also helped in a relay of people to swim across the English Channel.

Dr. Karen Gaffney is one of the best speakers I have ever heard. She makes the audience listen to every word she has to say and want her to continue after an hour. She spoke at our Leadership Conference in Indiana this past summer and it was one of the most memorable parts for everyone. She makes such an impact on her audience because her story is so unique and she is great at telling it. I encourage everyone to go listen to her speak if you get an opportunity.