Caily's World

Caily's World 16
Living it up with Down Syndrome
My mom runs this page but I’m around too!
“I love my family,I love G-D, and I love myself “

What a difference a year makes!Last year when we dropped you off at camp you were struggling with anxiety and a low self...
07/29/2025

What a difference a year makes!
Last year when we dropped you off at camp you were struggling with anxiety and a low self image.

This year you were relaxed, confident, super social and feeling good about yourself. We pray you will continue to grow and shine.

Have a ball my angel!

Loving the lazy summer days!!
07/24/2025

Loving the lazy summer days!!

As a mom of a daughter with special needs I was intrigued by the shoe love on the spectrum us netflixThe cutest and most...
07/24/2025

As a mom of a daughter with special needs I was intrigued by the shoe love on the spectrum us netflix

The cutest and most moving series I have watched in a long time. If you have watched it share your thoughts?

Central Park NY - always beautiful, always an adventure!
07/21/2025

Central Park NY - always beautiful, always an adventure!

I’ve had the honour of completing a few running events with my sister Hannah has Down syndrome, and I want to share a bi...
07/18/2025

I’ve had the honour of completing a few running events with my sister

Hannah has Down syndrome, and I want to share a bit about our journey.

Growing up, my family often did charity runs to support causes related to Hannah.

These runs were always meaningful, but in 2022, something special happened.

I said to Hannah, “Come on, I’ll push you, and together, we’ll cross the finish line.”

She was nervous at first, but I knew she would love it and she did.

We even got interviewed on TV that year!

Our first event was the Manchester Run, followed by a local event.

Both times, Hannah stole the show, lighting up the crowd and inspiring everyone there.

The cheers, the smiles, the support from strangers, all of it made these days unforgettable.

Watching her enjoy the event was something I’ll always remember.

I’m sharing this because I want to spread positive awareness about my sister.

Yes, she may need a bit of extra help, but she experiences and enjoys life just like anyone else.

She’s taught me that true strength is in embracing who you are and sharing joy with others

These moments aren’t just memories; they’re reminders of what’s possible when we approach life with love, courage, and an open heart.

And as we crossed those finish lines, hand in hand, it was clear that Hannah isn’t just part of my story

She’s a hero in her own

Source:Jewish Fitness Coach

All good things come to an end Sad to say goodbye to friends at the airport.. Now a few days at home before the next cam...
07/17/2025

All good things come to an end

Sad to say goodbye to friends at the airport..

Now a few days at home before the next camp

Caila is 17. She has Down syndrome. And far too often, she gives up before she even begins.Somewhere along the way, the ...
07/13/2025

Caila is 17. She has Down syndrome. And far too often, she gives up before she even begins.

Somewhere along the way, the push for inclusion—while well-intentioned—backfired. In theory, inclusion means everyone gets a seat at the table. In practice, it too often means “You can join us… if you can keep up.”

But Caila’s world doesn’t move that fast. And when she can’t keep pace with her typical peers—even with a shadow or support person by her side—she’s left feeling inadequate. Not because she is, but because she’s been made to feel that way.

That was our reality for years—until we finally found a school that saw her potential, not just her limitations. (Don’t even get me started on how hard it is to find an educational or social environment that truly gets our kids…)

And then we found Aryeh Adventures.

We took a leap last summer. Aryeh is an inclusive teen travel experience where about half the participants have disabilities. At first, I held my breath just hoping they would accept her. Then came the stress of sending her—praying she wouldn’t feel out of place, wouldn’t shrink under the weight of difference.

But what happened was extraordinary.

Aryeh Adventures doesn’t just include kids like Caila. They embrace them. They create space for everyone—not by lowering expectations, but by elevating humanity. They see each camper for who they are, and who they can become. They prove every single day that inclusion isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.

Their motto says it all: “Midot Matter Most.” Character. Kindness. Empathy. That’s what they value. And through travel and shared experience, they help teens see the world—and each other—in ways that change lives.

Caila came home with a light in her eyes. She made friends. She belonged. She felt proud of herself.

In a world where the doors so often slam shut, Aryeh Adventures opens them wide. They don’t just make room—they make magic. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.

In 1991, a shy young girl named Alexa stood behind the KFC counter for the very first time, her striped uniform just sli...
07/13/2025

In 1991, a shy young girl named Alexa stood behind the KFC counter for the very first time, her striped uniform just slightly too big and her name tag pinned with pride. She was just 18, quiet but determined. The monochrome photo on the left captures that moment — her first day — when the world didn’t quite know her yet, but she was ready to show it who she was.

Born with Down syndrome, Alexa faced more than her share of whispers and lowered expectations. But to her, KFC wasn’t just a job — it was a stage where she could prove that kindness, consistency, and hard work mattered far more than the labels people tried to place on her.

Over the years, Alexa became the heartbeat of the store. She remembered every regular’s name, every kid’s favorite meal, and had a smile that lit up even the hardest days. She mentored new hires, brought birthday cupcakes for coworkers, and gave hugs that somehow fixed more than any manager ever could.

Now, 33 years later, the photo on the right shows a woman who never let the world dim her light. Her name tag still reads “Alexa” — a name that became synonymous with loyalty, warmth, and resilience. In her hands, she holds a retirement award, but what she’s really holding is a legacy.

Alexa didn’t just work at KFC. She transformed it. And as she retires, it’s clear she didn’t just clock in for 33 years — she showed up, every day, to teach the world that greatness comes in many forms.

Alexa charted her journey — and in doing so, she helped pave the way for so many others to believe in their own.

Wow
07/04/2025

Wow

An awesome start to camp. Mount Rainer National Park. Summer snowball fights!!!
07/02/2025

An awesome start to camp. Mount Rainer National Park. Summer snowball fights!!!

The doctor walked into the room and said the five words that would change our lives:“Did you do genetic testing?”In thos...
06/27/2025

The doctor walked into the room and said the five words that would change our lives:

“Did you do genetic testing?”

In those five seconds, everything froze. My heart stopped. My mind raced. For about five minutes, I spiraled into terror as every hope, dream, and fear for our child’s future flashed before me. And then, something shifted.

Caila would be our princess. Nothing—no diagnosis, no uncertainty—would ever change that.

I did what I do best: I went into action mode. (That journey deserves its own chapter… another time.)

Years later, on the Thursday before Iran’s attacks on Israel began, I found myself asking a trusted friend, a senior officer in the U.S. Army, a chilling question:

“Will we live or die?”

He responded with calm urgency: “Find a place with a safe room. Prepare emergency bags.”

So I did. I went into action again.

My daughter and I packed food, water, medications, essentials. I had a checklist for the last-minute items. I mapped out who would shelter us. My husband didn’t quite believe it would come to that—but I couldn’t afford denial.

While most people carried on as usual, I stayed alert. I worked. I exercised. I supported my daughter’s learning. I sent updates to the hundreds on my broadcast list.

Then came Monday night.

The Australian government called—offering us a repatriation flight via Dubai. While I was on the phone, I saw breaking news: Qatar and the UAE had closed their airspace. Minutes later, warships and fighter jets were being scrambled. It felt like the world was tipping into World War III.

I thought about our future. Jobs. Stability. Would I even be able to reach my family abroad?

And then—suddenly—a ceasefire was announced.

Moments later, Israel was attacked again. We lost four precious souls. Then came word of a devastating explosion in Gaza. Seven of our young men were gone.

And just like that, we were told it was over. That we should return to “normal life.”

As if.

By Wednesday, I crashed.

The to-do lists stopped. The Type A disappeared. I wasn’t strong. I wasn’t composed. I wasn’t okay.

I just sat there—watching the world go by. Almost catatonic. Lost.

What is “normal” in a world where genocidal regimes seek your destruction, where people you know are being buried, and where even New York’s mayoral race stirs fresh fear for Jews?

You can’t just slam the brakes on a car going 180 km/h.
And you can’t slam the brakes on trauma either.

That afternoon, I asked a taxi driver if he ever wants to leave this crazy place.

His answer jolted me back:

“Israelis are my people. Israel is my land.”

Simple. Grounded. Defiant.

And somehow, his clarity gave me mine.

Shabbat Shalom.

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New York, NY

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