How Finding Dory Is Changing Lives #FindingDoryEvent

The first Finding Nemo movie came out in 2003. Cameron was almost 14 months old, and we were focused on moving from Michigan to Missouri. But I made sure to see the movie. I was touched by the epic story and by the little fish who could do it all when he put his mind to it. Nemo’s “lucky fin” left a lasting mark on me.
Flash to the end of March 2006 when I was returning to work and transitioning Jordan into daycare. I remember sitting in a circle with Cameron and his friends at preschool along with little baby Jordan as we talked about her limb difference. I remember quickly recalling Nemo as a way to help kids better understand how limb differences are a natural occurrence. Smaller children often have a harder time understanding a physical difference because they hadn’t seen it before. But then there’s a moment when they realized they have seen it in the form of Nemo. (Some adults have a hard time with it too. So, thank you, Nemo, for helping adults who may not understand physical differences as well.)
We lost the ease of explaining limb differences with Nemo as Jordan and Cameron got older. The 3D re-release of the movie helped a bit. But Finding Dory is a real revival. Kids and adults of all ages will be reintroduced to Nemo and friends. I’m extremely excited. Our whole family is looking forward to the movie.
Starting on Monday I’ll be swimming with the fishes for my birthday as we take you live to the Monterey Bay Aquarium where we will be joining 24 other swimmingly fabulous bloggers for the #FindingDoryEvent. While we’re there we’ll be going behind the scenes to learn all about the research that went into the making of this latest adventures of everyone’s favorite fish Dory, which picks up six months after the first movie, with Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) living a quiet life among the clown fishes. After going with Nemo on a class trip to see manta rays migrate back home, her home sickness leads the forgetful Dory on a quest to find where she came from. But unlike the other media trips I’ve been so lucky to have been a part of with Disney, this trip will be just a little bit more special because in my heart, I’ll be smiling knowing I’m taking along the formidable spirit of Jen and Jordan Reeves, and the countless families just like her. Thank you Jen for allowing me the honor of sharing Jordan’s story with the world. Jordan’s strength and energy toward encouraging all kids to be proud of who they are makes an impact on each and every one of us and with your help and encouragement, she is showing the world that she was indeed Born Just Right– “Size doesn’t matter. Impact does!”
To find out more about Jordan’s journey and Jen, be sure to check out :
@jenleereeves
@bornjustright
Jen’s personal Facebook page
Born Just Right Facebook page
Get Into The Swim of Finding Dory:
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It all begins Monday, March 7! Grab your floaties and get ready for Finding Dory.
Finding Dory swims into theaters June 17
Disclosure: I have been invited by Disney to cover this media event. All material and expenses for this event have been provided courtesy of Walt Disney Studios but all opinions my own