|
She’s Got Her Sights Set on the LA 2028 Paralympics!
A Conversation with Para Swimmer, Abby Kershaw - ACC
By Miriam Bernard
| |
|
This week falls exactly between the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympiad and the start of the 2024 Paris Paralympics, which kick off August 28th. We at the NODCC felt it was the perfect week to share a conversation we recently had with 19-year-old Maryland resident, competitive para swimmer, and 2028 Olympic hopeful Abby Kershaw, and her mother Mary.
Abby was diagnosed with ACC in utero, and her parents Mary and Dale Kershaw, who adopted Abby when she was a baby, call her their “miracle girl”. When she was young, Mary and Dale encouraged Abby to try different athletic activities such as team sports, ballet, and running, but swimming seemed to be the activity Abby gravitated toward and excelled at. Abby began learning swim techniques from a young age, but the desire to swim in a competition setting was built slowly over time, and she felt ready to enter her first competition at the age of 12. In spite of her intellectual challenges and neurodiversity, Abby has harnessed her goals and has made her mark as a competitive para swimmer in the US and even across the world. This year, seven years after that first competition, Abby and her relay swim team achieved a 2024 American Para Swimming Record and are currently considered the fifth fastest relay team in the world.
| |
|
Abby’s mother Mary shared that when she was little, teachers told Abby she’d never be able to write and that she’d need to use a typewriter. They said she’d never be able to do math, and that she’d need to use a calculator. They told her parents she would have a very hard time walking, and that she’d likely never ride a bike. Abby has blown past these expectations over and over again. During Covid while the family was stuck at home, Abby’s mom suggested she try once more to ride a bike, despite previous attempts resulting in a lack of balance and occasional scrapes. Now, not only is Abby proficient at riding her bike, but she has completed multiple triathlons in solidarity with a good friend of hers who has Down syndrome.
| |
|
In November 2023, Abby traveled to Santiago, Chile for the Parapan American Games, as one of just 33 athletes representing the United States. The very next month in December 2023, Abby competed in her first U.S. Para Nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina. She made it to the finals in nearly every race, even placing third in the 200-meter freestyle with a time of 2:37.82.
When asked what she might say to any NODCC community member considering starting a new sport, Abby states, “Joining a sport keeps you healthy and allows you to meet new friends. Never give up on anything. Keep trying until you can! Set short goals AND long goals.” Abby’s personal long-term goals are making it to the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. As for short-term goals, it’s as simple as what she just heard from her coach this week: “Kick harder and drop time.”
| |
|
When not kicking harder and dropping time in the pool, Abby enjoys reading books, and even started a book club with a fellow swim friend, in which they’re currently reading Katie Ledecky’s biography, “Just Add Water”. She also enjoys shopping, hanging out with her friends, painting, and drawing. She loves spending quality time with her dog, Frodo, and her bird, Pickles. Abby and her family have been connected with the NODCC since 2022. If the 2024 conference in Chicago had not interfered with an important swim meet, they would have been part of the conference festivities in Chicago. They’re hoping to attend the 2026 NODCC conference but if you don’t meet Abby and her family in person in 2026, keep your eyes peeled during the 2028 Paralympics, where you might see Abby tearing through the water with gold in her sights!
| |
|
We are thrilled to announce the publication of a groundbreaking paper from the ACC Infant and Child Study. This is the first long-term study looking at the early development of infants with isolated Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC). The study compared the development of social behaviors, communication, and emotional regulation in infants with complete and partial ACC to typically developing infants. The researchers found that infants with ACC spoke fewer words and used fewer gestures at 12, 18, and 24 months old. They also showed delays in social behaviors and social competence at 12 and 18 months old. However, social behavior in toddlers with ACC seemed to catch up by 24 months, and there were no issues with emotional regulation or repetitive behaviors.
This study is essential because it provides new insights into how infants with ACC develop in their early years. The findings highlight the need to closely monitor social and communication skills in these infants to provide timely support. Watch for notices of our upcoming publications on emotion regulation in the first year of life, additional aspects of language development up to age 2, and adaptive skills from ages 2 to 4 years.
The ACC Infant and Child Study is ongoing — it includes children with all forms of Dysgenesis of the Corpus Callosum (DCC) and extends through age 17. We are looking for more parents of children with DCC to join us in this important research. By enrolling, you can help us learn more about DCC and improve support and interventions for these children. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to our team for more information (www.accinfantstudy.com). Your involvement could make a significant difference in the lives of many families.
| |
NODCC Run, Walk & Roll
September 18 - October 9, 2024
Stay tuned for more details and ways to get involved! 👟 🚴♂️ 🛼
| |
|
Join Our Community Facebook Groups
We offer groups designed for regions across the United States and globally, as well as groups tailored for parents, adults, siblings, grandparents, and extended family members.
Our groups are a safe space where you can find support, share challenges, and celebrate successes.
Click HERE to join today!
| |
|
Fundraisers & Donations
Show Your Support for the NODCC Through Annual Membership
The NODCC was founded to help those who are caring for someone with a disorder of the corpus callosum (DCC) or an individual living with a DCC by providing information, resources, and facilitating connections between members. Memberships help keep our operations and programs going – but most important, memberships ensure we can serve those living with a DCC in the future.
When you join or renew your dues for membership with the NODCC, you are investing in the future of the organization and ensuring we have the resources to help others for years to come.
Please consider becoming a member of the NODCC to pay it forward!
Click Here to Become a Member
Matching Gifts
Don’t forget to check for matching funds from your employer. Many companies have matching gift programs that will equal or exceed employees’ charitable donation amounts.
Facebook Fundraisers
Fundraising for charities on Facebook is an easy way to help raise money for the NODCC. Simply click on the “Support Nonprofit” option when creating a new Facebook post and select the NODCC as the recipient. Birthdays, memorials, remembrances, and celebrations are great events to encourage giving from your family and friends.
Looking for other ways to support? The NODCC is searching for sponsors and partners who want to support our organization. We encourage all readers of the newsletter to send company names or potential company contact information to info@nodcc.org.
Donate to keep our community thriving!
| |
|
Contact Us
(714) 747-0063 I info@nodcc.org I nodcc.org
| | |
Click on the icons to follow us! | | | | |
