Natalie and Gary Abbott were stunned to learn that their beautiful baby, Grant, had a rare genetic condition. No doctor could tell them what to expect. It was the most overwhelming news they had ever heard. Grant’s condition came with a lot of medical issues and developmental delays. Natalie and Gary were exhausted, broken-hearted and in a state of hopelessness. Fortunately, when Grant was two, Natalie attended a training at The Arc. It was both an orientation to the disability experience and an introduction to parent advocacy. For the first time, Natalie and Gary began to have hope for Grant’s future. Today, nearly 13 years after the training, the Abbotts are powerful and knowledgeable advocates for Grant, who is thriving. They are still involved with The Arc. They take every opportunity to support The Arc financially, and to help people learn what The Arc does and why it’s so critically important. We are thrilled to honor Natalie and her son Grant as two of our 60 Voices That Shine.