Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Toronczak.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Julia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started my blog back in the summer of 2015 to provide a glimpse of what it’s like growing up with someone who has Down Syndrome. I was surprised by how many adults around me asked me what Down Syndrome was when I told them about Michael, and I knew that I needed to do something to change that.
Throughout the last four years, I’ve included numerous posts sharing my experiences and wisdom I’ve learned through growing up with Michael, along with sharing the stories of others who’ve grown up with loved ones who have different needs.
My mission has been to share with those who have never had any experience with those in the special needs community a glimpse into the life of someone with a disability. All in order to disband the negative image surrounding the disabled population in today’s society.
Last year I opened up a store on my blog selling handmade sea glass jewelry, inspired by Michael’s love of the ocean. Part of the proceeds gets donated towards Down Syndrome research, in order to find medical treatments to alleviate symptoms that are co-morbid with Down Syndrome, while providing a means of improved public health recommendations for these individuals. All in order to improve their quality of life.
Has it been a smooth road?
When I first left for college as a scholar-athlete at UC San Diego in the Fall of 2014, Michael was heartbroken that I had moved away from home. He didn’t understand that I had left for school, and was so sad every time we’d meet up on Sundays.
Since my dorm was so close to the beach, we would always have a beach trip whenever my mom and Michael would visit. Michael was entranced by the waves. The calm, steady rhythm of them crashing along the shore would calm him down and bring him at peace. And that’s what inspired my name for our blog, Beyond the Waves.
For those who have swum in the ocean– you know that waves can be rough. Being caught in a rip current with tall waves can be terrifying, especially if you can’t see the next wave coming.
But, if you look at the waves from afar, it’s easy to fall in love with the waves and become entranced with their beauty. And the same goes for growing up with someone who has Down Syndrome.
Every day won’t be easy. Sometimes tough situations or hospitalizations come in waves, with barely any room to simply breathe or relax to take care of yourself. But by looking beyond the waves, I’m blown away by how much Michael has enriched my life. I continue to be blown away by his genuine kindness.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
With a purpose of advocating for Self-Love and Down Syndrome awareness, my blog includes various posts from myself and others who have grown up with a loved one with different needs. We’ve become a source of inspiration and empowerment, disclosing the beauty behind living with someone who has Down Syndrome.
I’m excited to be shifting gears and share the lessons I’ve learned in Self-love through growing up with Michael. He’s taught me that your perspective can change your life. We all interpret the world in different ways, but we also have the power to control the way we take in the world around us.
I’m ecstatic to release some new products in our online store over the next few months to tie in Self-Love and Down Syndrome advocation together. To inspire and empower our customers to achieve what makes their heart sing, while showcasing the beauty of Down Syndrome.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
As someone who is born and raised in San Diego, I love my hometown. There are so many places to go and see, and each city within San Diego has something different to offer. There’s plenty of resources available to help start out, and lots of events to attend to showcase your products.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beyondthewavesblog.com
- Email: beyondthewavesblog@gmail.com
- Instagram: /beyondthewavesblog
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondthewavesblog/?eid=ARCHfZ5LsUyACCZOnCHnaag8NY3_4se3wwDrM2MRKUGKU2OSVG_fWhyStFeh1wFSLjX4wQD5UW-FSCj1
Image Credit:
White jewelry photo: Josh Lo Photography
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