The Power of a Mother's Love

Happy Mother's Day from Best Buddies! My mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, guided me in everything I did. She believed in the power of friendship. She would often ask, “Who in the world can get anything done or have a worthwhile life without friends?” Her answer was always the same: “Nobody.” Her efforts on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities inspired me to similarly devote my life to our shared mission. Through her unwavering faith in their abilities, she helped me – and countless others – appreciate the fact that everyone is capable of something exceptional; especially with the support and encouragement of friends and family. My mother made Best Buddies what it is today, and she fueled not only my self-confidence but that of millions of others. She helped create a society that learned to include individuals with disabilities who offer more gifts to us than we can ever imagine or repay. I thank her for her love, passion, leadership, and faith in our cause. I also thank her for her enduring spirit, which guides us and the work that we do today and will continue to do for the next 30 years --- and until I take my last breath. We celebrated mothers around the world and the incredibly strong and loving mothers who have been blessed with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Laura Feiler, a member of our Baltimore Advisory Board and an advocate for people of all abilities, shared her incredible testimony and example of a mother's love. I hope you take the time to read her story and be inspired by her courage. To all the moms around the world, Happy Mother's Day! In friendship,   Anthony K. Shriver Founder, Chairman & CEO Best Buddies International