Embrace Abilities

02/14/2026

The crowns have been placed, the confetti has settled, and it’s time for the official introductions. Please welcome King Thaumus II, Elijah Robinson, and Queen Iris II, Brighton Price.

𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐮𝐬 𝐈𝐈: 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐣𝐚𝐡 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧

Elijah is 15 years old and the son of Monica and Michael Robinson. His favorite food is sushi, his favorite hobby is playing video games, and his favorite show is Jujutsu Kaisen. His favorite color is royal purple. Elijah enjoys volunteering at the Mississippi Aquarium and spending his free time gaming. He smiles when he sees his sister, who serves in the Army. Elijah is proud of how well he is doing in school, and he hopes to one day become a video game creator or work in the coding and animation field.

𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐈𝐈: 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞

Brighton is 4 years old and the daughter of Kelly Valoris and Josh Price. Her favorite snack is lime popsicles, and her favorite color is blue. She enjoys playing with her brother, dancing and listening to music, and of course, going to Disney World. Brighton’s favorites include The Eras Tour, Disney Zombies, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Bluey. She is a big Taylor Swift fan, and she also loves the Cha Cha Slide. Brighton’s mom describes her as their warrior princess. She adores Snow White and Donald Duck, but her most favorite of all is her big brother, Sullivan. Her family chose the name Brighton because it means “one who is loved.” Brighton’s smile can light up any room. Although Brighton has Leigh Syndrome, a rare and terminal mitochondrial disease, her life is overflowing with love, joy, and strength, and her family is endlessly proud of their girl, Bright.

Join us in congratulating King Thaumus II and Queen Iris II on their 2026 reign.

02/14/2026

🩷🩷🩷

02/13/2026

Heading into the busiest parade days of the season leading up to Fat Tuesday! 🎭

Our second line parade with the kiddos at our KOW ball was absolutely magical, and we're definitely bringing it back next year. If you've got extra beads or small throws you're looking to unload after the festivities, we'd love to take them off your hands! 💜💛💚

02/13/2026

Join us for the first official 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩, hosted by board member Maryjo Bullock. This group is for parents and caregivers of children with complex needs—a safe space where there’s no shame, no guilt, and no need to hide how hard things can be.

Maryjo will guide open and honest conversation, offering support and resources for those navigating grief and the tough moments that come with this journey. We’ll bring the tissues, light refreshments, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere—come as you are, whether you want to share or just listen.

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: Saturday, February 28, 2026
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 9:30–11:30 AM
𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The Arc, 3109 Gulf Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501

Childcare will be available, thanks to the generosity of Raising Babies Gulf Coast. We will be in rooms adjoined by an open hallway at The Arc. While we’re meeting and connecting, children who need to attend with their parent will have activities and care available in an adjoining space (rooms connected by a short open hallway).

Registration is required through Membership Toolkit so we can get an accurate headcount for refreshments (and childcare planning).

Sign up here: https://embraceabilitiesms.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/369706

You’re not alone here. This is your space to be seen, heard, and supported—just as you are.

02/13/2026

We’re excited to welcome MS LIFT Resource & Referral Mobile Unit as a Resource Vendor at Embrace Abilities’ 2nd Annual Inclusive Easter Egg Hunt!

The MSCCR&R Mobile Units travel to communities across Mississippi to help families and early care/education providers access developmentally appropriate learning materials at no cost, supporting learning and school readiness.

The MSCCR&R Mobile Unit includes a lending library with a variety of learning materials and toys for early childhood professionals, children, and families and items can be checked out free for up to 14 days.

Be sure to stop by their table/mobile unit to learn more.

If you’re a clinic or business that serves our families and you’re interested in setting up a Resource Vendor table at our 2nd Annual Inclusive Egg Hunt, please fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/nBR28oidd2qNhMJu7

02/13/2026

If you are registered for our Professional Crisis Management training next weekend, you should have received a text this morning with updated details, including a venue change.

Training will begin at 9 am. Lunch will be provided. If you have any questions, please respond to the text message or contact us directly.

We are grateful to USM's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory for hosting us at their beautiful Cedar Point location.

02/12/2026

We’re excited to welcome The Learning Hive, LLC as a Resource Vendor at Embrace Abilities’ 2nd Annual Inclusive Easter Egg Hunt!

The Learning Hive provides educational support and services including special education advocacy, academic tutoring, homeschool support, homework assistance, dyslexia tutoring, and social skills support ranging from early intervention aged children to adolescents.

Be sure to stop by their table to learn more about their services and how they can support your learner.

If you’re a clinic or business that serves our families and you’re interested in setting up a free Resource Vendor table at our 2nd Annual Inclusive Egg Hunt, please fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/nBR28oidd2qNhMJu7

02/12/2026

Join us for PJs and JA! 💙💛

Mark your calendar for March 7 and get ready for a sensory-themed, sleepover-style evening filled with relaxed fun, sensory-friendly activities, and cozy vibes. Pajamas encouraged!

We are so proud of our provisional class for planning and hosting this special event! We can’t wait to see you there for a fun and memorable night.

🚨 Spots are limited and registration is required.

Sign up now 👉 https://m.signupgenius.com/ #!/showSignUp/10C0845AFA829A5F4C52-62220423-pjs

02/12/2026

Last but certainly not least, we want to say thank you to the team behind the Krewe of Wonder Ball.

For the past year, this team has been the heart and the horsepower behind every detail: the planning meetings, the décor, the sponsorship drop-offs, the relationship building, the follow-ups, the problem-solving, and the last-minute runs when something was forgotten. They handled the parts nobody sees, and they did it with consistency, creativity, and so much care for our families.

What makes this team special is how well they work together. The vibe is like an old friend group. They feed off each other’s ideas and energy, and it shows in every corner of our events. KOW Ball felt joyful, welcoming, and intentional because of them.

If you were at KOW Ball, tell us what moment you’ll remember most. And if you’ve got a second, drop a quick “thank you” for the Krewe that made it happen.

02/12/2026

Here’s the full Krewe of Wonder album. Tag yourself, tag your people, and tell us your favorite moment.

If you were there, you already know the energy was unmatched. Thank you for showing up and making the night what it was. If you couldn’t make it this year, we’d love to have you join us next time.

Huge shoutout to Gulf Coast Content Studio for capturing these memories so we could stay present and soak it all in.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=embraceabilitiesms&set=a.122244014234259353

02/12/2026

Part 4 and the final photo drop. We made it.

Closing out Krewe of Wonder with the last batch of moments we couldn’t keep to ourselves. If you spot your crew, tag them. If you weren’t able to make it this year, we’d love to have you with us next time.

Thank you for helping us let the inclusive times roll. See y’all next year.

02/12/2026