Amy Tarpein is the bestselling author of Braver Together, an influential public speaker, and an inspiring travel blogger. With her professional photography and writing skills, she has amassed over half a million followers.
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My name is Amy, and I am the writer and devoted single mother behind Elijah’s Baby Bucket List. My youngest child, Elijah, was diagnosed with a rare terminal brain condition called Lissencephaly. When he was just eight months old, doctors informed us he might not survive to see his second birthday. In response, I gathered my kids for a road trip from Illinois to Florida. Standing by the ocean, we made a heartfelt promise: if Elijah’s time with us were limited, we would strive to show him as much of the world as possible. Through this journey, I discovered the essence of resilience and the power of a mother’s love, uncovering strength I never knew I possessed and nurturing an unwavering hope that guided us through our darkest days. The support we received from friends and strangers alike reminded us that we were not alone on our journey.
During our travels, I recognized a significant gap in information regarding planning wheelchair-accessible family adventures for those with complex medical needs. This realization ignited a new purpose within me: to gather and share resources that help others find accessible adventures that embrace the entire family, regardless of any diagnosis. And to encourage people to see as much of the world as possible.
I was a professional photographer before my son was diagnosed then I started traveling and writing our blog six years ago. We have half a million followers worldwide. I am a best-selling author. I have written for several organizations and been a ghostwriter for some New York Times best-selling authors. We currently travel and I write about accessible family activities, vacations, and our life.
Our journey has been one of discovery and growth, not just for Elijah and me, but for all those who follow our story. Each experience we share is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength found in community and love. Through our blog, I've had the privilege of connecting with families across the globe who face similar challenges, and together, we've forged a network of support and shared understanding.
In addition to chronicling our adventures, I am committed to advocating for greater accessibility in travel and leisure activities. I'm passionate about working with organizations to raise awareness and create more inclusive opportunities for families like ours. My hope is that by sharing our story, we inspire others to break down barriers and explore the beauty that the world has to offer, no matter the obstacles.
Every day brings new opportunities to learn and grow, to embrace each moment with gratitude and courage. Elijah continues to teach me the invaluable lesson that life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. This journey is not just about seeing the world; it's about living fully and finding joy in the journey, wherever it may lead us.
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