The Beauty of Friendship | Alycia and Kerri

Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast

The Beauty of Friendship

In this heartfelt episode of "Pushing Forward with Alycia | A Disability Podcast" join Alycia Anderson and her special guest, Kerri A. Vanderbom, Ph.D., for a touching exploration of the profound impact of friendship, advocacy, and inclusivity.

Alycia and Kerri's friendship has stood the test of time, beginning in their college days at California State University of Chico and continuing to thrive as they navigate life's challenges together. What makes their friendship truly unique is their shared experience as individuals with disabilities. Alycia, a disability advocate, and Kerri, a renowned figure in disability advocacy and public health, share their personal journeys and the role their friendship has played in shaping their lives.

Highlights of this episode include:

• College Days and Lifelong Friendship: Discover the serendipitous story of how Alycia and Kerri met during their college years and became inseparable roommates. Listen as they reminisce about their shared college adventures and the deep bond that formed.
• Beyond Disability: Explore the transformative power of friendship in overcoming life's obstacles. Alycia and Kerri delve into the challenges they've faced and conquered together, highlighting the incredible impact of their lifelong friendship.
• Advocacy and Inclusivity: Hear Kerri's remarkable journey in disability advocacy and public health. Alycia shares her advocacy efforts aimed at promoting inclusivity and diversity. Together, they discuss the importance of mutual support and championing inclusivity for all.

Join Alycia and Kerri as they celebrate the beauty of friendship, share their inspiring stories, and advocate for a more inclusive world. This episode is a testament to the lasting power of bonds formed through shared experiences and the impact of friendship in shaping lives.

Connect with Kerri:

For over 15 years, Kerri competed in water skiing at a regional, national, international, and collegiate level. She was on the 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2017 US Disabled Water Ski Teams. She has held the overall national champion title in the sit-ski category many times and in 2001 won the Overall World Champion title. She gives back to the sport that brought her so much by coaching for Abilities First, which provides opportunities in year round activities and summer camp programs for youth and adults with disabilities to participate in sports recreation and leisure activities.

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