ad·vo·cate

Noun

a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy

synonyms: champion, proponent, spokesperson, campaigner, fighter, crusader

Advocate is one of the many words that has been added to our vocabulary since Hannah’s birth. Like any parents, Pete and I will always be our child’s biggest supporters. Advocating, however, is not just supporting your child – it’s fighting for them. You don’t back down. You’re a gladiator.

We already had to try our hand at this advocating thing when we insisted that Hannah’s heart surgery needed to be sooner than planned, and thankfully that fight was pretty easy. There will be more to fight for as Hannah grows up. We will be on the front lines in the battle for what’s best for her and she will be there right along with us. I hope to raise her with enough empowerment to advocate for herself one day.