Author Cindi Rogers

Cindi is the mother of 2 boys affected with fragile X syndrome and Autism, ages 23 and 25. In the mid- 90’s Cindi served as Family Liaison for the Fragile X Treatment and Research Center at Children’s Hospital in Denver, CO. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Developmental FX in Denver, CO. She has presented her innovative strategies to families all over the world and especially in the U.S. It is her personal mission to share these strategies in hopes of generating ideas that families can implement in their own lives, while living with Fragile X Syndrome. She and her husband live and run a business in Littleton, CO. The four of them enjoy travelling the U.S. in their RV named “Rocket”.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Won't you be my neighbor?

I remember the day well.  I don’t remember the exact date, but it was in early 1991.  That is the day we got our diagnosis of Fragile X Syndrome.  It was a sad day for our family, but I really didn’t know why it was sad.  I knew nothing about fragile X.  After 23 years, I now know what it’s about.  

Together, Chris and I have faced some of the toughest challenges of our life, and we’ve emerged as stronger parents.  Some of the lessons we’ve learned are ones that we never asked to learn, they were just thrust upon us.  Some things we felt were necessary to learn in order to survive.  Through all of these trials and tribulations, we have persevered, but not without tears, frustration and growth.  

We’ve been fortunate enough to have our family and friends to help us through.  Many of the friends we have we would not have had but for fragile X syndrome.  It is a family obtained only through a genetic commonality.  Some of the other relationships we have valued so much are those of the professionals that have guided us with careful hands.  They have taught us, listened to us, and fought right along with us to arrive at this point in time.  We know that without all of these elements, none of today would be possible.

Some years ago, Chris and I realized the value of these precious relationships, and we knew we had to find a way to pay it forward to all of the families that were yet to come into this world of fragile x syndrome.  I had an idea!  About 9 months ago, I started to compile many of the notes I had made throughout the years of our boys lives, and think about writing a book.  Then, fate stepped in, and I met a wonderful woman who had done just that, and she offered her help to me.  And so, the work began, and 9 months later, I have a book.  It’s a story of our family’s life told by me, and written by me.  It is called “Becoming Mrs. Rogers”, and it is available on Amazon NOW! http://tiny.cc/BecomingMrsRogers
My hope is that it will help families to see the one thing that Chris and I had a very hard time seeing in the early years of diagnosis…..HOPE!  

If hope is something you can use then I want you to consider giving my book a read.  I ask this humbly, because it is my own personal story.  Writing this book was one of the most difficult experiences I have had, and I know the hard work is yet to come—sharing my life with the world.  It leaves me open to criticism, and judgment, and commentary.  But, knowing that my story is unique, just like every other wonderful family I have met, gives me comfort.  These families inspire me. Many of the little stories that I share are not so unique that others cannot relate, in fact, I hope that each reader will be able to shake their head in familiar recognition.  Whether you know someone that has been affected by fragile X syndrome, or it’s new to you, give me a chance.  All I want to do is offer hope.  

Could I humbly ask you to help me, too?  If you plan to read my book, would you be so kind as to share this post with others so that they might have the opportunity to experience it too?  Then, once you read it, would you go to Amazon and leave your comments and thoughts on your perception of my book?  Your help will be greatly appreciated!  In fact, it is bound to pay itself forward in ways you may not realize.  A portion of the proceeds from every book sold will go directly to the Rogers Neighborhood FX Family Fund, which is specifically created to help fund scholarships for families to be able to attend the bi-annual International Fragile X Conference.  This conference has been so helpful to our family, due to its ability to provide an immense amount of very helpful information in a short amount of time.  Won’t you be my neighbor in this journey?


        Buy Now: http://tiny.cc/BecomingMrsRogers






8 comments:

  1. I am so very proud of you! It is an honor to take this Fragile X journey together, your wisdom, experience and positive spirit have helped me through many, many days.

    Thank you for all you do, have done and will continue to do for our community. Lots of love to you, Chris, Jake and Joe... and many thanks for being a part of our lives.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Holly. It has been my awesome pleasure and privilege <3

      Delete
  2. The community of people affected by fragile x has not only been fortunate, but practically spoiled to have you to learn from & to share with. Thanks to your book countless others will now understand why. And on top of all the knowledge you're sharing, what a special gift that purchasing this book will also benefit the Rogers Neighborhood FX Family Fund. You're unstoppable, Mrs. Rogers-- family to some but a friend to all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Cara. I have been honored to have learned and shared with every single family. What a wonderful journey it has been.

      Delete
  3. Total newbie to FXS, in fact still waiting for the bloodwork to come back... I look forward to reading this..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Best wishes to you Jeannie as you await the results. The fragile X family is an awesome one if you happen to need them.

      Delete
  4. I can't wait to read this, Cindi! I have never met you, but just by being friends with you on facebook, these past few years, and seeing so many of your posts and comments...I have learned so much from your experiences and advice. I've also learned so much from your positive outlook and humor towards life! I'm so happy for you and so happy for all of the rest of us who get to benefit from this book! Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the very kind words, Mary. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed gaining inspiration from families to write it. It certainly wasn't the hardest thing I've ever done, but it was an emotional investment. I would do it all again :)

      Delete