Suzanne Lezotte
Writing about family, Down Syndrome and reaching for the stars.
My Story
As a first-time mother receiving the unexpected diagnosis of Down syndrome when my son was seven days old, I was blindsided. I had to come to terms with a new reality. “Raising Owen” recounts my journey as I confronted my fears, examined old beliefs, and embraced an uncertain, but truly wonderful life ahead.
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IN STORES OCTOBER 21, 2023
What People Are Saying
“I found the book so deeply thoughtful, honest and personal. The vulnerable way the author articulated her story would resonate with anyone going through something unexpected. An emotional juggling of heartache, joy and surprise leading up to a story of unconditional love. Just wonderful!”
— Angela, California
“A powerful memoir with themes that transcend raising a child with a disability. Suzanne tells a story with a vulnerability that every parent can relate to. For those of us in this community, she gives voice to our innermost fears, challenges and triumphs. Her story is an example of how this journey often involves as much growth for us as it does for our kids.”
— Alison Swain, Head Coach Women’s Tennis, USC and mom to two girls with Down syndrome
“This book is a raw and engaging memoir. Despite the initial sadness, the reader is drawn into the beauty of the author’s world, and the fragility of us as humans. She is guided by her persistence that her son deserves all the magic in life and she conveys that brilliantly.”
- Anne, Michigan
Reviews
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A candid story of one mother’s rocky parenting journey.
When the author’s infant son, Owen, was 7 days old, doctors told her that he had Down syndrome. She quickly found that she was subtly distancing herself from her child, even in her choice of words when referring to him; for example, she told an old friend, “the baby has Down syndrome” instead of “my baby.”
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First time mother coming to terms with her son’s diagnosis of Down syndrome.
It has to be one of the most moving memoirs I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Suzanne poignantly shares her story and the result is a moving piece of literature that will charm, inform, and move its readers from beginning to end…
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Five star review
I found it interesting that as a coping mechanism, she would tell complete strangers about her son’s diagnosis while he was still a baby. Predictably, it exposes her to hurtful comments, one in particular driving her to tears. I understood that this was her way of trying to get it into her system that her child has Down…
Welcome.
It’s been 20 years since that early diagnosis of Down Syndrome and we’ve seen our share of challenges. Like so many in this community, the perspective our family gained through the journey is truly miraculous.
The topic I’ve grown most passionate about is full inclusion for children and people with special needs. I’m here to be a resource for you in that pursuit and I hope you’ll join me in the conversation.
It’s an
extra-ordinary
journey
Follow along and find your tribe!
Additional Resources
The Story Continues
Join me as I share insights and personal stories about parenting a child with special needs.
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I’m active on Instagram and Facebook and happy to connect with you there.
Available For Speaking
Have an event? Contact me about speaking engagements addressing a range of topics.