For those who haven't seen you in the media, can you tell us what prompted you to start #Imperfectbypop? Raising a child with a disability comes with a range of ups and downs, challenges, heartaches, but most importantly... love! When your child is affected by a disability, everyone is impacted in some way. From siblings to grandparents, aunts, uncles... you name it... it definitely takes a village to raise a child. The responsibility of a parent of a child with special needs can be daunting and overwhelming... especially with the lack of resources available to help parents, family members or foster parents raising these children. After searching high and low, in state and out, my husband Carlos and I decided that as Jayden's parents, it was our responsibility to raise the bar when it came to special needs awareness. All children with special needs are a gift, but our Jayden is nothing short of our angel! He is so outgoing, funny and optimistic... and very very smart! Don’t ever underestimate him because he will prove you wrong every time. He never meets a stranger and people are just drawn to his personality, wit, and laugh! Jayden, also known as Pop, has been showered with love from the day he came into this world which contributes to his personality. He is so happy and loving, with not a care in the world, and we want every child, not just those with special needs to feel like Pop each and every day! We want them to embrace their imperfections, love themselves and know that no matter what imperfections they were born with, they can face the world and tell them ImPerfect! “IMPERFECT by Pop” is already a brand. We plan to introduce the program to schools, communities and other organizations to raise awareness and hopefully integrate programs. We believe that targeting youth, in their early years will be much easier to teach educate and mold. - Since The #imperfect movement began in February 2018, what has been the biggest lesson that you have learned as a family? The biggest lesson that we've have learned as a family is that "Love Wins", enjoy every moment, and continue to love your self despite your differences. Our family believes that “EVERYONE” is perfect, no matter who you are! - Do you have any future plans for expanding the #imperfectbypops into a brand and or introducing into the school system to teach children about the wide range of disabilities that are out there? “IMPERFECT by Pop” is already a brand. We plan to introduce the program to schools, communities and other organizations to raise awareness and hopefully integrate programs. We believe that targeting youth, in their early years will be much easier to teach educate and mold. - For anyone who may be interested in becoming more involved in the #Imperfect movement, how can they get started? They can contact us via the website or social media pages: Website: www.imperfectbypop.com IG: @imperfectbypop FB: @imperfectbypop - What do you hope society learns or from the #imperfect movement? Our goals, hopes, and dreams are that IMPERFECT becomes a movement. We would like IMPERFECT to represent everyone who is facing difference and challenges that society doesn't seem to be perfect, and see themselves as PERFECT! We live in an imperfect world, but our individuality and talents make us who we are. No matter what race, ethnicity, religion, disability or financial bracket you're in... we are all "PERFECT!"
- What do you say to people who are still misinformed about children/adults with disabilities? For those who are uneducated about children and people with disabilities must be educated. You'd think that in this day and age we would be much more evolved, but sadly we aren't! Many social stigmas come from a lack of education, moral and empathy. Most people who have good hearts and are educated in these areas or personally know someone which limitations typically raise their kids to love and respect all people no matter their physical limitations are. However, there are individuals who are very ignorant, who choose to make fun of physically disabled individuals, and raise their children to be just as ignorant, which is the reason that our fight for education and change will never stop! - For those that what to know where you can find and buy their own IMPerfect shirt can you tell us where we can purchase one? They can purchase apparel at www.imperfectbypop.com/shop