On the Friday before the 2025 NYC Marathon, John and I had the honor of speaking at a dinner hosted by Hope Story, where we met a remarkable group of people: the runners who wouldtake on 26.2 miles to raise funds and awareness for Hope Story’s mission. The dinner was about community, volunteers, families, and supporters all united around a shared purpose: giving hope to parents who receive a Down syndrome diagnosis.
When Rick Smith, the founder of Hope Story, invited us to speak, we didn’t hesitate. Hope Story is doing work that hits close to home. They’re changing how new parents hear the news that their child has Down syndrome. Many parents are told it is bad news, and we know this because that’s what we heard when John was born.
Doctors Should Celebrate with Parents the Birth of Their Child
The covering OB looked at us and said, “I’m so sorry. I have bad news. It appears that your son may have a slight case of Down syndrome.” That moment has stayed with my wife and me not because of John’s diagnosis, but because of the way it was delivered: with fear and sorrow, rather than hope and love.
Another doctor, this one a cardiologist, looked at us and said, “They try to save some of these babies nowadays.” We were stunned. Was this how the world viewed our son?
John faced immediate medical challenges: intestinal surgery on his third day of life, and open-heart surgery before he was three months old. In those early days, we were full of questions. What could become of this child?
But here’s the answer: He could grow up to change the world.
John is now the co-founder of an internationally known business, John’s Crazy Socks and Ability Rising. He’s spoken at the United Nations, testified twice before Congress, recorded TEDx Talks, and even been named an EY Entrepreneur of the Year. He’s the Chief Happiness Officer at John’s Crazy Socks, and he’s helped create jobs, raise over $800,000 for charity, and show the world what people with differing abilities can do.
And it all started with hope. With other parents who shared their stories with us. Who showed us what was possible. Who reminded us that this child of ours was a gift.
That’s what Hope Story does for new parents every single day. They connect families with others who have been through similar experiences. They equip medical professionals with better ways to deliver diagnoses. They change the narrative. And that’s why these runners run for more than a medal. They were running to deliver hope.
The Hope Story Dinner
At dinner, we shared our story and John’s story, and we made sure those runners knew just how much their support meant. They weren’t just running. They were changing lives.
We laughed, we cried, and we hugged. John took photos with runners, beaming from ear to ear. And every runner received a special pair of Hope Story socks, a reminder that they’re part of something bigger.
To the Hope Story team, the Smith family, and every runner: thank you. You made us feel like family. And to every parent receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome, know this: your child is not a burden. Your child is not broken. Your child is beautiful. And the future is full of possibilities.
Want to learn more about this incredible organization? Visit Hope Story to see how you can support their mission, become a Hope Advocate, or share in their powerful message.
Together, we can keep spreading hope one story, one step, and yes, one sock at a time.
