#076 The Bofenkamps: An FASD Family Divided Then United

Send us a text

Today I chat with my good friend, and Caregiver Kickstart Coaching program alumni, Christine and her daughter Angelina. Not only has their relationship improved in the last year, since getting real about FASD, and working through their grief and loss, they have emerged the other side and are kicking some advocacy ass right now in their home state of Kansas. 

Christine Bofenkamp is a freelance graphic designer and writer. She and her husband are raising Angelina who was adopted through kinship care. When not working or supporting her daughter with online studies, Christine is pushing to get her new home state of Kansas FASD informed. She is building a non-profit to bring FASD awareness and education to the forefront. Angelina is busy as well, maintaining a 4.2 GPA, writing, reading, playing the flute, piano, and piccolo, and excels at rolling her eyes at her parents.  

You know I always like to get the origin stories of my guests and we start off with the story of how they became a family – which like so many of our caregivers is never a straight line. It’s a path filled with twists and turns. This one is no different. We talk about their road to a diagnosis, the difference FASD informed professionals can make and how they ‘got real’ about FASD.

We also discuss aha moments, working as a team, the importance of community and Christine and Angelina’s involvement with the FASD Respect Act Bill in their state, hear what Angelina said that sealed the deal, what their plans for the future are, as well as advice Christine has for other moms and Angelina has for individuals on the Spectrum. 

The road wasn’t easy for the Bofenkamps. But they have emerged the other side. I hope this episode gives you hope, that while everything is not sunshine and rainbows, there can be success and growth. 

Show Notes: 

Kansas FASD Website: Welcome - Kansas FASD 

Email Christine: cb@kansasfasd.org 

For more information on the FASD Respect Act check out this video on our Facebook Page

If your family is divided and you want more success, then consider taking our next Caregiver Kickstart Coaching Program. Click here: CKS WAITLIST

Check out our blog at FASD Success

Support the Show.