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BHS Alumna Amanda Cunningham is Nominated for National Down Syndrome Award; Votes Needed

By Trina Runner on July 14, 2019 via Connect-Bridgeport.com

Bridgeport High School Alumnus Amanda Cunningham gave birth to her daughter, Aurora, in 2017.  A surprise Down Syndrome diagnosis was made upon her arrival, launching the family into an adventure that has been full of both challenges and blessings.  
 
As Cunningham and her family navigated their way through therapy routines, intervention appointments, and the demands of being a mother of two, she was unable to find an organizational tool that catered to parents of special needs children.
 
Last fall, she created The Glory Days Daily Planner, an all-inclusive tool designed to aid families managing the challenges that accompany a child with special needs.  The planner emphasized the value of each day rather than simply time management, and was created to offer support and encouragement to the families.  
 
Cunningham created The Glory Days Company, an online source for products such as the planner, t-shirts, how-to booklets, and tracking sheets for feeding, medication, and therapy. All proceeds benefit the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network.  To date, over 1000 planners have been purchased, many of which were also donated to hospitals, NICUs, and therapy clinics.  
 
Her site, www.theglorydaysco.com, also features a blog that showcases daily life for families with special needs children. As interest increased, Cunningham grew from being a mom to also being an influencer on the internet for other families who have children with Down Syndrome.  A network of families formed and shared ideas and stories that led to support all across the globe.  By sharing experiences, the families felt less isolated and could help each other through the tough times and celebrate the successes.  
 
The Glory Days Company offers online support services, helps parents attend caregiver conferences and events and provides necessary resources for families.  Now on Instagram (roryblakeisgreat) and facebook (facebook.com/theglorydaysco,) Cunningham’s influence continues to grow, reaching families all over the world ranging from the underserved to the overwhelmed to those advocating for children with special needs.
 
In June, an anonymous nomination was made for Cunningham and her company to receive a WEGO Health Award, the only awards program that recognizes patient leaders across all condition areas and platforms.  The awards were created to honor patient leaders who have made positive impacts through online health communities.  
 
WEGO Health brings industry experts, influencers, advocates and consumers together to share experience, skills and insights, offering the latest in research, health care options, and resources.  The program provides a platform that promotes initiatives such as The Glory Days Company in order to celebrate their efforts in online communication regarding healthcare needs.
 
Those wishing to support Cunningham’s nomination can visit www.wegohealth.comand click on patient leaders.  From there, click View Nominee Directory and search using the word Amanda.  She is among those nominated in the Best Kept Secret Category.  Click on her name and enter your first and last name and email and click to add your endorsement.  The number of endorsements helps determine the finalists.  Voting is open throughout the month of July, with finalists being announced in early September.  At that point, judges will assess the online presences, relevance to category, and quality of initiative to award winners.  
 
“This would aid us in expanding our reach and help our future funding efforts,” said Cunningham.  “It’s been an exciting adventure for our family and we are so grateful to serve families in an uncertain time.”
 
 


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