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Miracle of Life - How We Came To Be Believe Achieve Hugo and Roxanne

December 2, 2008

BELIEVE YOU Can Make A Difference Series - Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU) Part Two

Magic did happen!

In 1976, she brought the first four mothers together. They were able to share with one another things and experiences that they had not been able to share with anyone else, even friends and family.

Marion says, "When there's a problem with the baby, they don't know what to say, so they stay away...it can be an isolating experience."

Bringing the mothers together proved to be a wonderful way to provide support.

Hugo and I know first hand the importance of having support and staying connected with other parents of children with special needs. Our miracle daughter, Mia, was born at 28 weeks gestation, 3 months early. As grateful as we are for family and friends who expressed concerns and listened to our worries, only a few understood what it was like to be in our shoes. It was very isolating. I, personally, felt like I had no one to turn to except for the parents Hugo and I talked to while Mia was still in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).

Marion's support group grew to become something more incredible than she herself ever imagined. She admits, "I didn't even know what I was doing."

She gathered information from all over the country, spent time at the University of Washington and was learning so much each day from the children.

".....the babies taught us so much." she says.

She chose the name Exceptional Parents Unlimited because her inspiration came from the mothers she met in the support group.

Marion says, "It all starts with the parents and them wanting the very best for their children."

EPU has become a non-profit organization, which over the years has helped more than 3,000 families a year. They provide services for the parents of children with all kinds of special needs through their many special programs including Infant Family Program, Assessment Center for Children, Family Resource Center, Learning About Parenting (LAP) and the Play and Grow Program.

Marion and EPU's Mission states:

"The mission of Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU) is to strengthen and empower children and families facing extraordinary medical, developmental, and parenting challenges."

Marion's vision of empowering children and their families with the confidence in themselves is being seen everyday at any one of the 3 locations in the Central Valley (California).

Marion Karian and Exceptional Parents Unlimited is a prime inspirational example of how No one is too small to make a difference and how BELIEVING you can make a difference can lead to extraordinary results.

Many Blessings....

Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~


We'd sincerely like to thank Marion Karian for spending time with us to share her incredible story of how her wonderful organization came to life. We're ever so grateful for her, EPU, and it's staff for making a profound difference in lives of many families, including ours. We dedicate this entry to Marion, along with Mia's early intervention teachers, Stacey and Monica, and her occupational therapist, Libby. Thank you all for being in our lives.

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10 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing the amazing story of EPU. Its incredible to read what Marion has been able to accomplish and the positive impact she has brought to so many famalies. This is a prime example of "If the mind can concieve it, It can achieve it"

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  2. Telling this story helps so many people to see that they an make a difference. Thank you for sharing it.

    Renee Beauregard
    http://1specialplace.blogspot.com

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  3. Hi Jr,
    You're exactly right! It all began with her thoughts, then she manifested it into something more incredible! That also happens to be one of our favorite quotes :-) Thank you for reading Marion's incredible story.

    Many Blessings....
    Hugo and Roxanne
    ~ Believe Achieve ~

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  4. Hello Renee,
    We're so happy to have shared this story with you and everyone else!! Yes, NO One is too small to make a difference in the lives of others.

    Thank you for sharing your site with us and your comment. It's always a pleasure to meet others in the blogging community. We look forward to seeing our Friendship bloom.

    Many Blessings....
    Hugo and Roxanne
    ~ Believe Achieve ~

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  5. Wow, beautiful story. I really enjoy all your blog posts. It makes me feel good inside.

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  6. Very moving story. Your passion comes through in your blogs. Keep your messages coming. The world needs to hear your message.

    Regards, Jacques !

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  7. Hi KC,
    It brightens our day to hear how what we do so passionately makes others feel good as well. Thank you for your sincere comment. We look forward to hearing from you again. :-)

    Many Blessings....
    Hugo and Roxanne
    ~ Believe Achieve ~

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  8. Hi Jacques!!
    Thanks so much for the encouraging words. Spreading our message and helping others discover their true potential is our ultimate purpose and passion. Watch out world...it's time to BELIEVE ACHIEVE!! :-) Thanks for stopping by. We look forward to your next visit.

    Many Blessings....
    Hugo and Roxanne
    ~ Believe Achieve ~

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  9. Thank You for sharing this amazing story with us. Marion's believe help her Achieve her dream, and this dream of her now have a life of its own. EPU can live on forever and help endless amount of families.

    Thank for your inpsirational blog. I always enjoy reading them.

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  10. Hi Giovanna,

    It's truly amazing, when one brings their dreams to life. And now Marion's dream will live on forever. Thank you for stopping by.
    We look forward to your next visit.

    Many Blessings....
    Hugo and Roxanne
    ~ Believe Achieve ~

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