Suzanne Chen
Who’s in your family?
My husband Edward, Parker (my oldest) has CHARGE syndrome, Piper (second), and Pierson (youngest).
What do you want people to know about your family?
My husband’s family is from Taiwan, and my family is from Trinidad. My children are all 2-3 years apart. They are all very close. I am the oldest out of 4 children. We live in Queens, NY. I also work at the NY DeafBlind Collaborative, as the Family Engagement and Outreach Coordinator. We spend a lot of time with family and meeting up with friends on the weekends. Our house is full of laughter, loud talking & screaming, ASL, art on the walls, schedules & calendars!
What activities do you like to do?
My family (esp my kids) LOVE to go out and eat. Trying new foods & experiences. Parker is so animated and expressive, not only in the way he communicates (ASL), but also creatively through art – like drawing, hands on materials like playdoh, clay, etc. He also loves showing his personality through dressing. He loves shopping and buying new clothes, shoes, etc. Piper is very into art as well like Parker, she loves drawing and decorating things. She collects stationary and stickers, loves colored pencils and gel pens, and arts and crafts. Pierson loves basketball and is on the basketball team at school. Piper and Pierson both take kickboxing and jiu jitsu at least 3 times a week. We love to hang out with family and friends whenever we can. We have a great close knit family, and supportive friends.
Why do you volunteer with the Foundation?
I volunteer with the Foundation to give back to other families, the Foundation, networking with professionals. There is always room to learn, grow, connect, and share. I love meeting other families and sharing lived experiences and making a difference, no matter how large or small. Making an impact it’s what’s important, I can be one of those ripples in a pond contributing to a large wave. The Foundation has provided my family with so many opportunities, it’s become such an integral part of our lives.
To contact your state’s Family Liaison please email [email protected]