Austin Carrigg Email & Phone Number

My journey has been shaped by personal trials and a deep commitment to advocacy, catching the attention of Norah O'Donnell, who featured me as a 'Modern Mom' on CBS Evening News. This recognition reflects my work as an active-duty Army spouse of 20 years and a mother of three, tirelessly supporting military families through their most challenging moments.2020 was both the most pivotal and most devastating year of my life. That year, I testified before Congress to shine a light on the challenges faced by military families living with disabilities and/or special needs. Shortly after terrifying the military moved us to a location that did not have all the medical care she needed, my daughter Melanie nearly lost her life due to a missed medical diagnosis. Instead of giving in to despair, I turned that pain into purpose, founding Exceptional Families of the Military (EFM). Today, EFM serves over 1,000 families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), offering them critical support and advocating for long-lasting systemic changes. My goal has always been to ensure that no other family endures the hardship mine faced.Beyond sharing my family’s story to inspire change, I've created videos and web content to help families navigate the complexities of military and civilian life. I speak at events about the trials families face. I also work closely with policymakers and the Department of Defense to craft solutions that will have a lasting impact on EFMP families, by families for families. My mission is to empower others to find their voices—and to speak for those who cannot.My advocacy extends beyond military families. After Melanie's diagnosis of Down syndrome and Ketotic Hypoglycemia, I dedicated myself to advocating for everyone affected by these conditions. Through my collaboration with Ketotic Hypoglycemia International, I helped drive patient-centered research and played a key role in a groundbreaking study linking hypoglycemia and the Down syndrome community. This research gained recognition from major outlets, including the Today Show, and earned praise from figures like Jacob Sten Petersen of Novo Nordisk.I am not defined by my accolades; I am driven by my desire to create change. My life's work is focused on building a more compassionate, inclusive world for all families by turning their pain into a passion and using the power of stories to change hearts and minds. It is my hope that my story serves as both a testament to strength and a rallying cry for others to join in this journey of advocacy and hope.

Listed skills include Analysis, Army, Communication, Customer Service, and 13 others.