
My Baby Has Down Syndrome – Nicole Pollastrini
10/10/19 • 30 min
In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Crystal is talking with Nicole Pollastrini, a wonderful mama to three kids. When Nicole and her husband first decided to grow their family, it wasn’t on their radar that their daughter Sage might be born with a disability. Listen as Nicole walks through the thoughts and emotions that she experienced following her daughter’s diagnosis of Down syndrome, and how her outlook has changed over the past three years. Don’t miss this open conversation about the real fears, challenges, and blessings of being a special needs mama.
See a photo of Sage at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast
Download the booklet My Baby Has a Disability: Life-Giving Questions and Answers
For questions, email [email protected]
*Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry began as Tada, joined by friends around her kitchen table, responded to letters she received from people with disabilities in search of support. Over the past 40 years, the ministry has grown to serve thousands of people impacted by disability worldwide: Joni and Friends has delivered more than 150,000 wheelchairs and Bibles through Wheels for the World and provided Christian care to 63,000 special needs family members through Family Retreats. The organization also equips individuals and churches with disability ministry training and provides higher education courses through the Christian Institute on Disability. For more encouragement, download the Joni and Friends radio podcast in English or Spanish, and view inspirational videos on the Joni and Friends website.
You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support.
Find all podcast resources and message our team.
Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.
Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.
In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Crystal is talking with Nicole Pollastrini, a wonderful mama to three kids. When Nicole and her husband first decided to grow their family, it wasn’t on their radar that their daughter Sage might be born with a disability. Listen as Nicole walks through the thoughts and emotions that she experienced following her daughter’s diagnosis of Down syndrome, and how her outlook has changed over the past three years. Don’t miss this open conversation about the real fears, challenges, and blessings of being a special needs mama.
See a photo of Sage at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast
Download the booklet My Baby Has a Disability: Life-Giving Questions and Answers
For questions, email [email protected]
*Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry began as Tada, joined by friends around her kitchen table, responded to letters she received from people with disabilities in search of support. Over the past 40 years, the ministry has grown to serve thousands of people impacted by disability worldwide: Joni and Friends has delivered more than 150,000 wheelchairs and Bibles through Wheels for the World and provided Christian care to 63,000 special needs family members through Family Retreats. The organization also equips individuals and churches with disability ministry training and provides higher education courses through the Christian Institute on Disability. For more encouragement, download the Joni and Friends radio podcast in English or Spanish, and view inspirational videos on the Joni and Friends website.
You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support.
Find all podcast resources and message our team.
Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.
Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.
Previous Episode

When You Hear the Words "You Have Cancer" – Amy Brands
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and according to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer sometime during her lifetime.* Today Crystal is talking with Amy Brands, a young woman for whom this topic hits very close to home. As a busy 34-year-old mother to a school-aged daughter, Amy was stunned to hear her doctor say the words, “You have cancer.” Listen as she shares her personal breast cancer journey and the advice she would offer to other women who are faced with a similar path.
Read more information at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast
*www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html
Find cancer-related resources from Joni Eareckson Tada
Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: Life After Shock
Facing Trials with Joy - Cancer and Beyond
*Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry began as Tada, joined by friends around her kitchen table, responded to letters she received from people with disabilities in search of support. Over the past 40 years, the ministry has grown to serve thousands of people impacted by disability worldwide: Joni and Friends has delivered more than 150,000 wheelchairs and Bibles through Wheels for the World and provided Christian care to 63,000 special needs family members through Family Retreats. The organization also equips individuals and churches with disability ministry training and provides higher education courses through the Christian Institute on Disability. For more encouragement, download the Joni and Friends radio podcast in English or Spanish, and view inspirational videos on the Joni and Friends website.
You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support.
Find all podcast resources and message our team.
Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.
Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.
Next Episode

Discovering a New Community Through Disability – Nicole Pollastrini
Nicole Pollastrini is back to the podcast! Last episode, Nicole shared how her daughter’s unexpected diagnosis of Down syndrome impacted her family. Today she’s talking about the community she found through her daughter’s special needs. The diagnosis of disability for Sage opened Nicole’s world to new people facing similar challenges. This community of other parents raising children with special needs gave Nicole and her husband the support they needed to parent Sage. Hear how her involvement in Buddy Break and other church outreaches has made all the difference.
If you know a mom whose world has recently been rocked by the diagnosis of Down syndrome for her baby, please share this podcast with her. Nicole’s tender advice would benefit any mom with questions or fears following an unexpected diagnosis for her baby.
See a photo of Sage at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast
Download the booklet My Baby Has a Disability: Life-Giving Questions and Answers
For questions, email [email protected]
*Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry began as Tada, joined by friends around her kitchen table, responded to letters she received from people with disabilities in search of support. Over the past 40 years, the ministry has grown to serve thousands of people impacted by disability worldwide: Joni and Friends has delivered more than 150,000 wheelchairs and Bibles through Wheels for the World and provided Christian care to 63,000 special needs family members through Family Retreats. The organization also equips individuals and churches with disability ministry training and provides higher education courses through the Christian Institute on Disability. For more encouragement, download the Joni and Friends radio podcast in English or Spanish, and view inspirational videos on the Joni and Friends website.
You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support.
Find all podcast resources and message our team.
Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.
Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.
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