Meet a quadriplegic mom raising twins

Dani Izzie and her husband, Rudy, insist there's nothing special about how they're raising their twin girls in rural Virginia. Except that in 2009 Dani slipped on a bathroom floor and snapped her neck, paralyzing almost everything from her chest down. But that did not stop her from getting married, and pregnant, and giving birth to Lavinia and Giorgiana during the pandemic. Correspondent Lee Cowan talks with an extraordinary woman, subject of the documentary "Dani's Twins," who just wants to be considered a normal mom.
@daniizzie #DisabilityAwareness #DisabledMom #WheelchairMom
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[@bonnieodonnell7454]

As the second child of a mom who was also quadraplegic, from the now unheard of results of polio, I just want to commend this couple for their pragmatic way of looking at life. I was a child of the 50s, when men didn't "help" their wives with childcare or cleaning and cooking. But, of course, my parents had some equal responsibilities in this department long before it was acceptable and because of that I grew up into a woman who has always been amazed at how limiting some people view their situations. My mom was creative and practical, and loving and responsive. Just like this woman. Congratulations to both of you; you make the world a better place.

[@YoutubeJust-md7pf]

man it was so tough for yall yall have it so rough not keeping them legs closed man its so hard to be a man

[@keli449]

@@KZbinJust-md7pf stupid remark!

[@alphamale-md7tj]

​@@KZbinJust-md7pf and this is exactly why the birth rates are increasing women are learning to keep there legs closed 😂 Soon enough humanity will end.

[@forestforthetrees1111]

Mad respect to Dani and her family. What a beautiful life❤️

[@laurad3107]

I just wanted to thank Dani and her family for allowing the public to see into their lives. It was very generous. I was so glad that she spoke about the movie million dollar baby. When I saw that film I had a similar reaction. Life is still worth living even with a devastating injury. I'm not disabled but have spent a great deal of my time working with people in wheelchairs helping them regain some independence. I'm not discounting the challenges disabled people face everyday. Life is a gift and we all deserve to be respected as human beings. Peace and Love

[@irishgirl1753]

Hillary swank just had twin babies

[@Lili-ey1nd]

You’d think her travels led to her accident ….imagine slipping in your bathroom one day and waking up completely different for life

[@chrisfinch8637]

Bless this woman and her family. ❤️

[@joanneweiss3864]

"To have my body do something right for a change...it made me feel powerful as a woman" 🎉🎉🎉🎉❤ Dani has given SO many disabled woman options & opportunities to continue the joys in life with her doc & powerful advocacy! Amazing couple and parents ❤😊

[@janespitfire9884]

Dani is a brave and strong woman & mother. Her and her husband are fantastic example of love and teamwork. Congrats!

[@louisereinhart1149]

Dani, you are to be congratulated, admired, and respected for your courage and strength. You are doing so much to encourage so many others dealing with these same challenges. Great story, in true Sunday Morning fashion.

[@sfyoko]

I remember an interview of a woman with disabilities said that she feels burdened when people always expect her to say or do something inspiring. She’s like any of us without disabilities, has good and bad days.

[@SEXYINBLACK33]

This is humbling on every level... Beautiful Family..

[@ronndapagan]

Congratulations to you and your family. You shine against all the odds that you can make a difference.

[@22lyric]

Dani SLIPPED in the bathroom and SNAPPED her neck! If this doesn't remind you to be careful, NOTHING will! I look at people doing dumb and dangerous things online or on TV (like America's Funniest Videos) people cal die doing some of those things. LIFE IS FRAGILE! Be careful. And God bless Dani and her family!

[@CathyS_Bx]

I despise that AFV show, which expects us to laugh when people take terrible falls. They really need to reject that type of video and up their game.

[@22lyric]

@@CathyS_Bx people are either put in harms way, they're humiliated or it's FAKE! And animals are mistreated! And they show some of the most un-evolved people!

[@tiffyjade690]

I agree with you both lyric22 and catherine2Shaw2e. There's nothing funny about injuries to the human body!

[@joannokin7083]

I love that Dani didn't give up. She was able to move on and really embrace life. There is nothing more rewarding or joyul than have a family.

[@joanneweiss3864]

....for many, me included after 12 yrs infertility from 3 causes, 9 miscarriages, 3 miracle doctors and a now-29 yo perfect miracle, an amazing son!! But for many, there are MANY lives more rewarding and joyful that do not include children, due to personal choices (several friends) and they are as happy, joyful & rewarded without family as we are that are blessed with!!!!

[@laurad3497]

Something I’ve learned is that being an inspiration isn’t about us, it’s about those who are affected by us. I don’t need or feel I’m inspiring at all- but I recognize that it keeps others going. How they feel doesn’t motivate me, but I understand I motivate them. We are just living as best we can for ourselves and our family. That’s our reward. The waves we create are felt beyond us, by others. Everyone makes waves- my inspirations and heroes don’t know they are just that. You are my kinda normal.

[@keziaweyers5910]

0

[@mililaniman]

I was born with cerebral palsy, and I'm a quad too. I hope to find a special woman to have a family someday.

[@blumberg1982]

You will!!

[@22lyric]

Robert, expand your spheres of acquaintances. In other words everything you get involved in will have people with OTHER interests and "spheres". Do something different. I bet there's LOTS of things you can do. Read about others who are paralyzed to see what they do to interact with people. Talk to librarians, professors at Universities, journalists at newspapers or your local TV station. Maybe someone knows about others in your situation and what they are doing or maybe they'll be interested in finding ways you could interact or communicate with others. Hope I'm not being obnoxious, you probably know all this and more. But there are SO many people looking for someone. It's hard for ANYONE to just "come across" the right person. You have to be inventive! Sending you love from this Grandma in Idaho!🙏❤️

[@AGL01772]

I love this, especially her pushback against saying she is “inspiring.” It defies ableism and we need to hear this.

[@patriciagurwitz509]

What an absolutely inspiring and beautiful story. What a beautiful marriage. What a beautiful husband, what beautiful children🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@tacosmargs58]

I'm able bodied and childfree because I know I can't handle a child. This has to be so challenging but it's clear she's a warrior!

[@tacosmargs58]

go away.

[@wheelchairgeek]

Thank you.

[@twrourke6557]

I applaud her and her family. Very good television.

[@ravenscry048]

What an amazing couple & family. They are blessed and living a normal life.

[@CFGossettAbbasHealingArts]

What an awesome story that's positive and heartwarming in a world of fear and so many negatives. Way to go to Dani! Keep spreading the love!

[@CA2SD]

When they say that we're all treated equal, that is far from the truth. My loved one's disability made me watch out for others with disabilities. This is what they mean when your life can change in a moment.

[@liddlekiddle1962]

Her face very much lights up when she smiles! Beautiful family. Best wishes for you and your family.

[@corypossibllity3458]

Thank you for this kind of story I'm a quadriplegic myself it's always nice to see others out there living their lives just like I live mine

[@nataliemcgovern3087]

Bravo! All the best to this beautiful family!!

[@joylong8897]

Both loving parents. Yes, 2 gifts! You go girl.❤❤❤

[@sdd123]

No one is selfish when you have loved to give your own child. Anyone who says you are selfish to take a good look in the mirror you are a beautiful family and you off or are extremely blessed. God bless you and feel well.

[@Familylawgroup]

Thank you for sharing this story with the world. I was surprised she felt the contractions with her injury. I was glad you showed she and her husband doing the things every other newborn or toddler parent needs to do.

[@EgbertWilliams]

She's likable. Nice smile.

[@bigdaddyluisito]

What a strong woman, what a strong family.! Blessed

[@terrimcfarland1152]

Amazing strong wonderful lady , wife and perfect mom!! You rock!

[@crazyeightsable]

I think we are all normal.it's just that normal is defined as being in the 85 percent.The bigger problem is that there needs to be more accesibility for the disabled. and more housing too.alot of homes and apartments aren't wheelchair accesible at all.

[@rhiannonmahoney1919]

Awesome story!!! I knew us twin moms were strong but Dani takes strong to another level!!!!! Absolutely incredible, those beautiful little girls are lucky to have such awesome parents!!! Enjoy, it really does go by way too fast! My twins will be 18 in September(fraternal boys) I still don't know how that happened so fast!!!! Thank you for sharing your story! Love from Boston 😊

[@zanethomas6865]

I slipped on some ice and hurt my lower back. Most serious injuries are caused by slips and falls, not major accidents. I agree with her about the "inspiring." I walk with a cane now and people are nice when I'm out but I've noticed more women get the "inspiring" comments when they're out. They look like a great family. Sometimes a parent has a disability. It doesn't make them any less of a loving spouse and parent. People who criticize her for having kids are the same who criticize able-bodied people for NOT having kids, so who cares what trolls online think?

[@cynthianolder3557]

Yeah, falls My mom had a big clip getting her foot caught under a chair at church, & ended up with a fractured hip, and walked with a walker the rest of her life A major stroke ended it RIP, mom

[@annetaylor-rc5yq]

kids look super happy thats all anyone needs to know,lovely family

[@teresacorley7874]

Your not broken you are amazing you inspired myself to be able to get through tough times your amazing you and your husband thankyou for sharing you got this congrats

[@drowningnotwaving]

I am disabled with 3 children and I've been spat at in the street, told that I'm disgusting to procreate, to name but a few. I lost my career, my future - everything due to illness. I've now been discriminated against in the Family Court. It's wonderful to have kids and disabled people are no different.

[@mandybradley3079]

Beautiful family. I love how they love each other.

[@thealanford4780]

She is raising the most compassionate children! And who is to say what normal is! Good for them!

[@HeatherValentineMsFoodie]

I love this story ❤❤❤❤ you never know what tomorrow brings!

[@anakirola9204]

Beautiful family. It is lovely to see Dani and her empowering messages. She is strong and a beautiful person.

[@lukodaian]

Thanks 👍 CBS,a great family

[@mabandlandamase9826]

Well done Mama,you are doing so great,amazing and lovely. Look at these two beautiful, cute little girls,my heart melts You are better than people who are not disabled. Love you from South Africa 🇿🇦.

[@paquitoignacio3449]

this woman is incredible in spite of her disability she managed to care for her children.

[@beatpirate8]

you are making me cry! so beautiful

[@beatpirate8]

i just met a man that is quadraplegic who just had injury in hawaii last year. the family is holding it together. i wish all rhe best for him and his family. i want him to strive because he is so young and his family is so beautiful. i love love love this so much!!! you are so inspiring!

[@kjsaaaaaaaa]

What a lovely young family.

[@40sSonggirl1]

She's living her life as everyone else wants to live their lives. We all have that right. To live. To work. To be. To learn. To have a family. To live and be happy. Much love and respect for this woman who is pushing boundaries and simply living her own life. I love her smile!

[@hollydavis7555]

I have more to say about this couple and family but for now I will just leave the word amazing.... I am also a woman and mom with a physical disability THANK YOU DANI

[@jaimew1539]

Amazing and can I just take a minute to say those babies are true living dolls!! Great job Dani!

[@kellysmith6429]

Beautiful story with a powerful message. Congratulations to you and your loving family.

[@RosaLopez-zw2ff]

Such a beautiful story of a normal family with twins. Bravo!

[@edsmith]

I love this family! Dani says she doesn't want to be inspiring but she really is.

[@katwil89]

I'm sorry Dani, but you inspire and humble me.What a amazing story.

[@tobechukwuolumba7337]

May almighty God bless the Izzie family.

[@darlataddeo6376]

So happy for her!! What a sweet family.

[@gordonwchas]

I get the same thing, but not often, from people who are well meaning that say things like "I just don't know how you do it" and "you inspire me so much" referring to my getting around on prosthetics.

[@jeanmank742]

She has a fantastic attitude.

[@MadsPads04]

This is truly truly inspiring. I suffer from post-fossa syndrome and I wish I was as successful as you are.😊

[@GrannysGarage333]

I think most people don’t know what quadriplegic actually means… most think it mean folks are completely paralyzed but it simply means all four limbs are affected… each person to their own degree… kudos to this mom… she is rocking it!!!

[@leanneadams2549]

I love this FIERCE woman !! Whenever I struggle … I’m going to watch this !!!! I’ve always wanted identical twins !

[@twig265]

I’m a quadriplegic and I wish I was more like her. I don’t go anywhere or do anything because people always stare. It’s very uncomfortable. I had one lady come up to me and say what’s wrong with you are your legs broken, what was you doing to end up in a wheelchair. I looked at my daughter and said this is why I don’t do anything.

[@esperanzaarce9563]

This, people can be so intrusive and rude. My dad had a lipoma on the back of his head that due to him taking blood thinners for a vascular condition couldn't suspend it to have it removed since he could bleed especially being on the scalp. I had one lady on a plane ask me what that thing was on the back of his head and I just politely answered that it wasn't affecting him and it would cause him more harm than good to remove. Don't miss out on life to keep others "comfortable".

[@twig265]

@@esperanzaarce9563, I hope everything turns out good for your dad.

[@esperanzaarce9563]

@@twig265 thank you for your kind words, sadly my dad recently passed from brain cancer. ( unrelated to the lipoma) I hope you live your best life and please take care. 🥹

[@steveconn]

Dani a real hero. Her husband amazing too; as a caregiver to a disabled parent I think I would've taken my own life rather than deal with a quad wife and twins.

[@karmicsheila63]

Wow, taking your life? That is a harsh reaction. There is something called divorce if you can't handle a disabled wife and twins.

[@smoen88]

wow, what a gross conclusion. Did you ever stop and consider that his wife and life are not something to deal with and they have a reciprocal relationship which benefits him as well? There was no mention in this piece that he was or is her caregiver.

[@trekuhl3966]

WOW what a great story!

[@heath2694]

Great feature. I love CBS Sunday Morning for stuff like this. 👍👍👍

[@wen-nz3sk]

I love this types of stories. Thank you. ❤

[@mclaudiagarofalo4459]

Beautiful story of love and resilience.

[@blancheboyer7348]

I’m a wife and mom with cerebral palsy. I was born with it. I also work. Everyday I have someone asking if my arm is broken and I tell them NO. I have cerebral palsy.

[@jillwiegand4257]

Beautiful story and a very loving and positive mom! Wonderful husband and beautiful twin girls! You got it made mom!!!! ❤👍

[@sabrinay9430]

People are stupid. She is disabled, but she still has her mind. She can still love and be loved. I bet she is a better mother them some of these able bodied women critizing her🙄

[@trisharaichatterjee2578]

This give me hope! I’ve been told time and time again ! I am NOT supposed to be in college, I am NOT supposed to be this I am not supposed to be this & that! All of this was said because I’ve lived my life with sensory issues and high functioning ADHD ! It’s been about a decade since I’ve been out of public schools for a decade now and all I can say is that just like this family I’ve been blessed with a sis ( we are not twins) and a set of parents who have been my advocate since as long remember. I’m at a point in my life where. If I want to have kids i’m still debating whether or not I should. And for all those years I’ve been put into a box and demands of other peoples words. Watching this lady gives me hope.

[@SmurfCat1974]

Congratulations and God bless you and your beautiful Family

[@Clintsessentials]

Slipping and falling...what a nightmare! I'm glad she is able to move on in a positive way.

[@josephincorvaja4336]

May God bless you and protect you and your family dear sister

[@debbiebrannon8874]

Praying for a healing for her amen

[@rosecook8598]

Lovely family. Perseverance is essential to handle what challenges life gives you. What a nice hubby you have. He too is a lucky man to have found you.

[@bdeaton863]

What an amazing woman! And, great couple! Blessings abundantly to all of them!

[@TM-yn4iu]

Comments here may be assumed to be sympathy by many, but I would totally disagree. The way she and her husband live life with unrestricted optimism and action clearly show, as stated, it's not about you looking in - its our life. A beautiful life, maybe different, maybe a bit more challenging....but make no mistake...a beautiful life.

[@joylong8897]

❤❤ definitely a love story. Beautiful girls. Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@evilish888]

Unlike way too many people who feel sorry for themselves and the world owes them something, especially in this self serving, mostly uncultured country , Dani is not handicapped between her ears and realizes whether you think you can or you can't, you're right. Big it up for her and her family!

[@absatwell8163]

Wonderful story!

[@jeanlanz2344]

God bless and protect this beautiful, loving family.

[@cmiro3069]

Twins are hard for ANY mom, much less one with a full time job! This mon is awesome! And I love the teamwork of both parents working as partners! This family is an amazing example for all! (Speaking as a mom of 5 who also has twins...mommying is hard! ) 😊

[@marieazrak1951]

Oh my god I’m so sorry to hear that

[@Kaëlanii]

The smallest part of what makes a good parent is their physical mobility weather, impaired or not. While a disabled parents may not to be able to do some tasks in the exact same physical way as an abled parent they can still do it in their own way of doing it as a disabled person while completing the same task. Love has nothing to do with disability , human equality is equality and norm is relative.

[@tammyhoward1946]

Take a horrible experience and RUN 🏃‍♀️ with it 🙏You’re INCREDIBLE 🙏🙏🙏‼️‼️‼️

[@antreaserobinson7995]

Beautiful family & story ❤❤

[@MNlaw1234]

Good for Dani!! What a beautiful family! I’m so impressed!! Wow!

[@elizabethcolombo3388]

Great video.

[@kusheran]

Quadraplegic injury has nothing to do with mothering in 2023. Thanks Dad!

[@Taylorinbed]

Little daughter couldn’t be cuter

[@Adulting_Autistic]

Dani, You are awesome! ❤

[@evedelunas453]

What a delightful woman! Love her!

[@jesussaves222]

Awesome story ❤️🙏

[@brandyecheverria3559]

Awesome lady! Stay tenacious. Beautiful.

[@Kay-12345]

God bless you Dani and family♥️🙏❤️Awesome video

[@Theendofeverything7036]

I love this story!!

[@corkeymccord3868]

she is drop dead gorgeous and he is a real man, true man, i wish only the best !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@margaritacanincia1906]

I have so much respect for you!

[@randomvintagefilm273]

From slipping on a bathroom floor?? Wow