In 21st century of progressed human race, one can wonder how and when we started labelling among ourselves. How far has it helped us to separate some amongst us who are little bit different but think and feel like all of us. Karen, who is promoting the same fact that having an extra chromosome did not stop her from achieving what anyone else can. In fact, she has set incredible standards through hard work and dedication that can clearly declare her as a perfect role model for all of us who want to achieve what seems unreachable. She has participated in numerous swimming challenges and earned a name for herself in long-distance swimming. She is also a successful motivational speaker which is evident from watching her “All lives matter - Ted Talk”. Her long list of achievements include “first person with Down syndrome to receive a honorary doctorate”, “first person with Down syndrome to complete a relay swim of the English Channel”, “receiver of the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award from the Global Down Syndrome Foundation”. The “Karen Gaffney Foundation” is dedicated to full inclusion of people with Down syndrome or other developmental disabilities.

You are the first person with Down syndrome to complete a relay swim of the English Channel. What kind of challenges did you face? What motivated you to participate in this event?K: I swim with the Masters Swim club, and a few of those swimmers knew I had a dream to one day swim the English Channel. They believed in me and my dream and they helped organize a relay team to help me swim the English Channel. We trained for a whole year, and we all had to get “acclimated” to cold water. No wet suits are allowed for a Channel Swim! Also, I went to Dover England three weeks early and had a lot of practice in the Channel so that I would be ready on swim day.

Can you tell us more about the “Escape from Alcatraz” trilithon? What kind of quality is required for a swimmer to participate in this trilithon?K: I participated in the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon Relay. So we had one person ride the bike route, one person run the running route, and I did the swim. The Swimmers go first. We jumped off a Ferry Boat out at Alcatraz Island and swam to Chrissy Field. It is about a mile and a half. The bike rider on my team met me at the finish line and he took my race chip and hopped on the bike for his part. When he got back, our runner took the chip and ran off. One year my relay team came in second place for the relays!

How many swimming challenges have you done so far? Which one is the closest to your heart and why?K: I have done many open water swims including the English Channel. My longest swim was nine miles, non stop solo swim straight across the width of Lake Tahoe! It was very cold, and it took me 6 hours to complete that swim. I also swam the width of Lake Champlain in update New York. We swam from the Vermont side of the lake to the New York side. That was 8 and a half miles. The warmest swim I ever did was in Hawaii. We were raising funds for Best Buddies of Hawaii and I swam from Molokini to Wailea Beach in Maui. It was about a five mile swim because we had to swim over to the shore line and then down the shore line, instead of a diagonal line which would have been shorter. A strong current came in and held us up so we had to change course. But I got a lot of sympathy from people on the beach waiting for us to come in. They donated a lot more money because of that!

What inspired you to start the “Karen Gaffney Foundation”? How has this organization evolved over time?K: Well, I wanted to help people see that those of us with Down syndrome can learn in school, we can be good at sports, and that really we are more alike than we are different. I wanted people to see that we have a place in this world, we belong. People with Down syndrome are doing more all the time. Parents shouldn’t be afraid when they learn they will have a baby born with Down syndrome today. Parents can look up and see so many wonderful role models all over the world, people with Down syndrome who are learning and growing and being included in their communities.

You have received plenty of awards and recognition. Which award is closest to you heart and why?K: I was very honored to receive the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award from the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. GDSF is doing so much to help people with Down syndrome all over the world. In 2013 I was honored with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humane Letters from the University of Portland. I accepted this honor on behalf of ALL people with Down syndrome, because I think that the University of Portland was really making a statement about us, that we belong, that we have a place in this world, that we can live and grow and contribute along with everyone else.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you like about that place?K: My favorite place to visit is New York City. I love going to plays there and just walking around the city exploring new places.

What are your other hobbies?K: Well, swimming! I usually swim two miles a day. I also like to go bowling. And I like to read!

Who is your inspiration?K: Well, I would have to say my whole family is my inspiration. I come from a big family and they are big supporters of everything I try to do.

Any advice to special kids who are interested in becoming a swimmer?K: Swimming is one of the best exercises you can do. I have never been able to run because I have very bad hips. If you saw me walk, you probably wouldn’t believe I could swim as long and as far as I do, but I can. I am very free in the water. You have to have a plan and stick to it if you want to be a good swimmer!

Any special message for our community?K: I would just say that we all have to stand up for ourselves, we have to do our best to be a part of this world and to show others what can be done. I just happen to have one extra chromosome, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t get the chance to be the best that I can be!