My Story
My name is Jackie Joy, and I am the Founder of Motivated Parents.
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I am a mother of five beautiful children, and two of them were born unexpectedly with birth defects. My daughter (third child) was born with Goldenhar Syndrome along with many complex issues. Our main priority at the time, were her seven congenital heart defects, two of them being critical. The doctors anticipated her needing at least three heart surgeries within her first year, but sadly she passed away at two months old. At the time, her diagnoses gave her a higher chance of developing a mental and/or physical handicap. This is where my passion comes from to educate on acceptance and inclusion. My youngest child is also a heart warrior. He was born with five heart defects and has stage two renal agenesis. He has had one surgery for his heart with an expectation of more to come.
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Through our journey over the last decade, I have come to know the medical life and the needs of other medically complex and special needs families pretty well. I personally became accustomed to the new normalcy of manipulating oxygen tanks, reading monitors, learning medical terminology, and administering feedings and medications through a g-tube. All the endless meetings with specialists, doctor checkups, procedures, surgeries, therapy appointments, and overwhelming medical bills had now become routine. We quickly learned how to juggle life with our other children especially during hospital stays. I've known isolation, exhaustion, and how chronic stress can take a tremendous toll on one's physical and mental health. I know I am not alone and although I suffered greatly, I remain thankful as one cannot truly understand something so profound unless they have been through it themselves. I have come to realize that it is not just about my family's journey, but about how we can love and serve others during theirs.
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From all my experiences in giving back to the community, I have found that there are still many needs going unmet. Through our Christian values and mission here at Motivated Parents, we strive to improve every family's overall quality of life. By taking action through our services, we are able to provide better awareness, education, and solutions for families internationally. Regardless of background or experience, our tribe of parents have united to empower and support one other to create a stronger and better tomorrow.
Will you join us in being a voice for the voiceless?
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 I would like my life to be a statement of love and compassion- and where it isn't, that's where my work lies. - Ram Dass |  Doing what we do best! Raising Awareness! Mark was so proud to be in the newspaper with his sister Abbigail. |
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 Advocating at DC for medical funding. |  Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?"- MLK ​Abbigail needed several blood transfusions during her short life. I am forever grateful for that extra time we were able to have with her. Now I make it a habit to donate on a regular basis, to be able to give that priceless gift back to other families in need. |
 |  Abbigail at home |
 My oldest boys Matthew (right) and Johnathan (left) meeting their sister Abbigial. |  Mark has never met his sister but that doesn't stop him from talking about her and showing his love and grief towards her. |
 Mark looking up at his older brother Lucas |  Incredibly grateful for the perspective they have given me. They taught me what life is all about. Family, health, serving others, and how to embrace and live each day in the moment. |
 Be the change, you wish to see in the world. - Mahatma Gandhi |  Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Â Wishing is not enough; we must do. - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe |
 Mark (3 yrs old) after his surgery. |  |
 Replacing my pain with purpose |  I am 1 out of 100 CHD- Congenital Heart Disease |
 One step closer to coming home! |  If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. |
 Getting an EKG done |  Surgery is NOT a cure. |
 |  Cardio check up. Getting an echocardiogram done. As a mom, these never get any easier. |
 This picture was taken the week of Abby's passing. I often look at it and wonder what signs I missed and if things would have been different. I will always wonder who you would be, but I know I am who I am because of you. Thank you. |  This little boy is a rock star and inspires me everyday! He makes his journey look so easy. He has taught me so much about being an advocate and perseverance. |
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