I/DD Advisory Group

Loretta, a Special Olympics athlete, is a gifted motivational speaker who shares her life story that carries a heart-felt message of acceptance and hope worldwide for all people with different abilities. Loretta was born in 1953 with physical and intellectual disabilities and did not walk or talk until four years old. Doctors told her mother that Loretta belonged in an institution because she would never survive in the "regular" world. Her mother refused and chose to raise her the same as her other children. Despite her [different] abilities, which led to years of being bullied, teased, and hostile retaliation, she credits Special Olympics as her positive force that turned her life around. Early on, Loretta discovered a passion for running and has completed 26 marathons; her PB is 3:03 in the 1982 Boston Marathon. She was awarded the ESPY Arthur Ashe Award for Courage. Her life's contributions are immeasurable. Loretta has shared her message with world leaders and influencers like Nelson Mandela, Pope Francis, The Royal Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Nations leaders, Presidents Reagan, George HW Bush, Clinton, George W Bush, and Obama, Warren Buffett, and Oprah Winfrey, to name a few.