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Posts by Cindy Kolbe

Cindy Kolbe has been a lifelong disability advocate, even before her daughter’s spinal cord injury. Cindy directed a nonprofit and managed group homes. She lives near Boston with her husband of 45 years. The second edition of her memoir launched in December of 2022, titled, Just Keep Swimming: a crash, a quest, and waves of hope. The book shares incredible adventures, from a small town in Ohio to Harvard and around the world! facebook.com/justkeepswimmingbook  www.cindykolbe.com #hopewins

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How I’ve Redefined Success Since ‘Failing’ by Traditional Standards

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“Once you choose hope, anything is possible.” ~Christopher Reeve

When I was a child, I wanted to save the world. My mom found me crying in my bedroom one day. She asked what was wrong, and I said, “I haven’t done anything yet!” I couldn’t wait to grow up so I could try to make a difference.

At fourteen, I joined a youth group that supported adults with disabilities. We hosted dances and ran a buddy program. I helped with projects at state institutions and left saddened by the conditions for the residents. I planned to work at a state …