AN ‘Extra Special Mom’ has been gifted an all-inclusive family vacation at Beaches Resorts as its parent company, Sandals Resorts International, executed its 2022 Mother’s Day promotion, highlighting mothers with special needs children.

The initiative, which ran for two weeks in partnership with EDGE 105 FM and the Jamaica Observer, encouraged members of the public to nominate exemplary mothers with special needs children, for the chance to win a luxury-included weekend for a family of four at a Beaches Resort in Jamaica.

With over 20 nominations received, the top five were read on-air during the Ron Muschette Morning Show on EDGE 105 and published via social media for public voting.

At the end of the voting the mother of special needs twin boys, Kimona Brown copped the most votes and was declared this year’s extra special mom.

When asked how she felt about being nominated as an extra special mom, Brown said, “I was really surprised that I was voted as the winner of the promotion as I had no idea that I was being nominated for simply just being the best mother I can be to my children.

“There is absolutely nothing I would not do for my children. Being a mom is hard, and having children with special needs doesn’t make the role any easier, but motherhood is one of the most rewarding jobs. Just to see my kids happy brings me so much joy which inspires me to give them my all because they are depending on me,” Brown added.

She expressed gratitude to Sandals Resorts International, EDGE 105 FM and the Jamaica Observer for celebrating her and other mothers taking care of children with special needs.

“Thank you to Sandals! I’m truly grateful for the recognition for, not just my role as a mother with special needs children, but the recognition given to other mothers like me who selflessly care for their children, ensuring that all their needs are met including health care and schooling. This was a very special gesture and I am so excited and looking forward to relaxing with my children and partner at a Beaches Resort,” Kimona said.

Nominated by Simone McInnis, her nominator shared that Kimona Brown is a mother of three children, with twin boys who were born prematurely and are now experiencing developmental delays. Simone stated, “I watch her at such a young age, doing whatever she can to care for her children financially, mentally and emotionally. Since the boys were babies, she [Brown] has been taking the bus from the country [Brown’s Town, St Ann] into Kingston weekly for hospital check-ups. Now the boys have developed eye problems as both their eyes have been damaged. She’s a super mom with a big ‘S’ on her chest, and I admire her strength and passion for her kids. Her birthday is coming up and I would love for her to get a Mother’s Day/ birthday break as she is mentally exhausted and tired.”

Brown went on to share that it takes a village to raise any child and she is grateful to her family and friends for their support, especially her mother.

“I couldn’t do this without my family because they love and support the boys so much. That’s why I was moved emotionally to know that my friend thought to nominate me as an extra special mom. I don’t expect to be rewarded for being a mom because it’s my job and I want the best for all my children, however, gestures like this do make me feel special. I love my kids and I can’t stress that enough. I just want to shower them with love, care and ensure that they live up to their full potential despite any challenges they face,” Brown explained.

Beaches Resorts’s commitment to delivering a world-class family vacation includes special needs families. In fact, in 2017 Beaches entered into a partnership with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards to tailor vacation experiences at its resorts to include families with children on the autism spectrum. Special needs travel is one of the fastest-growing family travel sectors and one that is severely underserved.

On the note of the impact of the initiative, Brown’s sentiments were echoed by hundreds of EDGE 105 FM listeners who lauded the promotion as being impactful and well-received. One overseas listener was moved by the stories of each of the top five mothers and anonymously donated a cash consolation prize for the other four mothers.

“Keep up the good word and keep inspiring others,” he wrote.

Sandals Resorts International, EDGE 105 FM and the Jamaica Observer celebrate mothers, especially those who raise the future generation with grace, love and unwavering strength.