The state of Mississippi’s youth football and cheerleading programs are referred to as “midgets”. I am hoping to remove this term from everyday life, but first I will start with sports. Many of you do not know, but “midget” is a derogatory, slur word used to belittle and degrade individuals with dwarfism. The little people community are in unison of wanting to terminate this word from everyday language. Some of you are probably thinking that it’s just “not that big of a deal”.

Think of it as referring to autistic or Down syndrome individuals as “ret*rds”.

Yes, it’s the same.

Yes, it’s a big deal now, right?

My oldest son has a rare type of dwarfism that resulted from a recessive gene passed from his father and I. This type of dwarfism has left him with missing bones, abnormal hands, abnormal feet, and short stature. He’s already undergone multiple, extensive surgeries to give him a better chance at life. He will continue to have surgeries for the rest of his life.

As a mother, it is my job to protect him. I believe that nullifying an insufferable word used to describe him and others like him, is a good start.

I will be going up against the state of Mississippi to advocate for change.

If you would like to sign my petition for change, please message me, I will drive to you.

If you want more details, please message me. I will talk to you until we are both blue in the face.

I will always advocate for my child.

I will always defend the special needs.

“I will always be on the side of those who have nothing, and who are not even allowed to enjoy the nothing they have in peace.” -Federico Garcia Lorca.

“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.” -Pastor Martin Niemöller