When Nathan entered our lives, he changed our family's story in ways we never could have imagined.
Like many parents, we had dreams and plans for what the future might hold. But when Nathan was born with significant medical challenges and later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, we found ourselves navigating a world of specialists, therapies, educational systems, and decisions we never expected to face.
There were moments of fear and uncertainty. There were seasons when we felt overwhelmed and unprepared. But there were also moments of extraordinary joy, resilience, and growth.
Nathan taught us to celebrate progress over perfection, to find strength we didn't know we had, and to keep moving forward even when the path ahead wasn't clear.
Over the past two decades, our family has experienced many of the same challenges special needs families face every day—learning to advocate, navigating complex systems, planning for the future, and balancing the needs of the entire family while ensuring Nathan has every opportunity to thrive.
More than anything, Nathan inspired us to look beyond our own journey and find ways to support, encourage, and uplift other families walking a similar path.
I remember sitting in the doctor's office when Nathan was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He was just nine months old.
The diagnosis was all we got. No one told me what it really meant. No one showed me what life might look like. No one handed me a roadmap and said, 'Here's what you do next.'
I was afraid. Afraid for my son. Afraid for our future. Afraid because I didn't understand the diagnosis or what it would mean for our family. For a long time, I lived in that fear. There were many days (and nights) when I couldn't stop crying.
I didn't know who to turn to or what questions to ask the doctors we saw. I didn't know all of the services he needed, and when I did find out, I didn't know where to find them. I didn't understand developmental milestones or what I should be looking for. Like so many parents, I was trying to find my way through a world I had never expected to enter.
Everything changed the day Nathan nearly died from pneumonia while I was at work. He was in the care of a private nurse we had hired to help care for him at home. That was my wake-up call. I realized I couldn't afford to sit on the sidelines of my son's life waiting for someone else to have the answers. So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.
I leaned into my faith. I knew Nathan was a child of purpose. God had entrusted him to our family. My faith gave me the strength to keep going. I stopped asking why and started asking what I needed to do next.
Along the way, other parents began reaching out. They wanted to know how we were doing so well and how Nathan was beating the odds in so many areas. I shared what we were doing and what we were learning. Those conversations grew into a movement and eventually led to the creation of the Nathan Ebanks Foundation, which gave voice to parents and provided a platform to support and empower families navigating a similar journey.
That was nineteen years ago. Since then, I founded Raising Special Needs Inc., which provides learning support, training, and consultancy services to children, families, and organizations.
My son Nathan is 22 years old now, and I realize that raising a child with disabilities is a lifelong commitment for them and for us. That is why we need a community that understands the phases in this journey.
Since the day I got my breakthrough to acceptance of my son's reality, I have channeled every lesson, every hard-won breakthrough, and every moment of clarity into building a body of work designed to help families like yours.
I have written and published eight books—including the award-winning Raising Nathan Against All Odds: Discovering the Blessings, Joy, and Purpose Raising a Child with Disabilities—each one a roadmap for parents navigating the journey I once walked alone.
As a speaker, I have stood on national and international stages sharing our story and practical strategies with parents, educators, and organizations—inspiring action, building empathy, and equipping communities to better support families of children with disabilities.
As a trainer and consultant, I partner with organizations to develop and implement inclusive practices that create environments where every child and family can truly thrive.
Stepping fully into the role of The Special Needs Mama Bear® didn't just give me a platform — it gave me purpose. It empowered me to build the life I wanted for Nathan, for myself, and for our family. And it showed me that the greatest gift I could give another parent was the community, tools, and guidance I once desperately needed.
That's why I invite you to join The Special Needs Mama Bear® community — an ecosystem of resources, tools, training, and relationships designed to help you navigate your journey with greater confidence.
Whether you are just beginning this journey, finding your footing in the school years, navigating the transition to adulthood, or supporting an adult child with disabilities, you'll find resources, strategies, trusted guidance, and the company of parents and professionals who truly understand the road you're traveling.
Welcome to the den, Mama Bear, Papa Bear, friends, and allies. I'm glad you're here. Take a look around and let us know how we can help.
Warmest regards,
Christine E. Staple Ebanks
Author, Speaker, Parent-Advocate, The Special Needs Mama Bear®
To Empower Families, One Special Journey at a Time.
Core Values:
Love, Empathy, Family, Relationships, Advocacy, Empowerment, and Faith
Who We Serve:
Families of children with disabilities, educators, allies, and advocates who
believe in inclusion, representation, and resilience.
Visuals:
Include a photo of Christine and Nathan together—smiling, real, connected.
Every step of this journey matters, and no parent should walk it alone. At The Special Needs Mama Bear, we provide resources, support, and community to uplift and empower families. Join us, and be part of a movement where love, faith, and advocacy create lasting impact.
