Today we’d like to introduce you to Andria Mayberry.
Hi Andria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was a single mom raising two children and working two jobs. My hours consisted of 12 or 16 hours a day in order to provide for my children. My son was diagnosed at an early age with ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder). I was in my early 20’s when he was diagnosed, and I didn’t have a clue as to what to do next. At first, I was in denial because he was three years of age and I wanted to make sure that it was not terrible two’s or three’s causing him to behave that way. I decided to get a second opinion and educate myself on his diagnosis. Secondly, I also learn fast how important that it was for my son’s life to partner with the daycare provider, therapist, and psychologist. However, educating myself allowed me to better educate everyone around him. I learned about the side effects of the medication that was given to him. This allowed me to partner with his doctors to find the right medication for him. I was getting calls while I was at work almost every day. I was very hard. I never gave up. I kept educating myself. When he started school, I ask for an IEP (Individual Education Plan). This is a legal document between the school and myself that would ensure that he will get all the special services that he needed to thrive and achieve his full potential.
While being very present in his school and IEP meetings, I enrolled him in extracurricular activities such as football, track and basketball. He had other plans, he wanted to become a rap artist. I decided to support his dream and I became his manager and artist developed him. I’ve developed a lot of business relationships along the way and that is what lead to my son being on television. Finally, I started my foundation to help parents become better advocates with children that have intellectual disabilities by way of education, support and providing some resources. I know personally how it feels when you think that you’re all alone and nobody understands what you are going through. I didn’t have anyone at first to help me understand my son’s diagnosis. As a parent when you feel like you can’t help your child, it makes you depressed because you feel like a failure. Education yourself gives you power! We at Ms. Berry Cares Foundation has a focus on assisting parents in becoming champions in the lives, careers, and health of their children. Our children need their parents to advocate for them. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Hearing other parent’s stories sounds a lot like what I was going through. It’s hard hearing these stories. It’s hard on the parent or caregiver. With these diagnoses, it’s not a quick fix overnight. It takes a lot of time to get your child on a routine and to get everyone on the same page because not everyone believes the diagnosis. We are in need of donations so that we can continue to provide free support services.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ms. Berry Cares Foundation (MBCF). For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Ms. Berry Cares Foundation (MBCF) is a bridge of opportunity and support for families and their children’s health and careers. Ms. Berry Cares Foundation hopes to build a community of education, network, and resources for any family that entrusts us in being a part of their and their children’s journey of health, wellness, and success.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes, love your family and friends regardless of whatever is going on in your life. Life is so short. Never give up on your children, they need us. Stick together and be kind to one another, you never know when it will be the last time that you will speak to your loved one. Don’t take anything for granted.
Contact Info:
- Website: msberrycaresfoundation.org
