Caregiver Stories Episodes

Katie along with Co-host Cortney Given, host of the podcast Mindset for Medical Moms , interviews Dana who had micro-preemie twins at home. She bravely shares her story and how she and her husband acted quickly with the unexpected home birth. Dana shares how she navigated the long NICU stay and the moments to come afterward. You will get a glimpse into their life today and what it looks like to manage their medical care. Dana's journey to advocacy and letting others into your life during challen...

Katie has a co-host, Serheen Noor Ali from Hello Sleuth on today's episode where we hear Jodi's story of developing HELLP Syndrome and having a premature birth. Jodi walks us through her birth story along with those first moments meeting her daughter. She speaks to the joy we find in the unexpected and will leave you inspired to embrace where you are today. You will get to know Jodi's heart behind the creation of Fllrish. [5:40] Full circle of relationships [6:07] The crash course of becoming ...

On today's episode of the podcast, Katie interviews Ryan who's son has Becker's Muscular Dystrophy. Ryan tells the story of the road to diagnosis for his son Jack and how their family coped along the way. Hear about what fueled Ryan to start an organization to help fund research to change the lives of children and adults with Muscular Dystrophy. This episode is filled with inspiration, hope and the raw perspective of a father advocating for his son. [4:20] Ryan Introduces himself [7:24] They n...

On this week's episode of the podcast, Katie interviews Michele Benyo, a Certified Grief Specialist who helps families navigate the loss of a child with a focus on sibling relationships. Michele experienced the loss of her 6 year old son due to cancer. Michele shares how her daughter still maintained her relationship with her son in the midst of several long hospitalizations and how she processed the loss of her brother. *trigger warning-- this episode talks about loss and grief * [4:15] Michel...

Travis shares how they discovered his daughter's cystic fibrosis diagnosis at age 4. Just months earlier, Travis learned his half sister was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. He shares how the journey impacted his life on a professional and personal level creating the foundation, Piper's Angels to help support families dealing with a Cystic Fibrosis diagnosis. [3:50] Introductions [6:43] Showing signs of respiratory issues [8:11] Chest X-Ray to determine the cause of the Cystic Fibrosis [8:37]...

On this episode, Savannah shares what it means to have wreck-less hope. Through her traumatic birth, having micro preemie twins and receiving a cerebral palsy diagnosis for one of the twins, Savanah explains how her twins have changed her outlook on life and how she cherishes the little things life has to offer. Savannah opens up about maternal mental health and how it affected her. It is her mission to help other moms experiencing a traumatic brith feel not alone through the gift of artwork and...

This episode is full of tangible truth about what it means to be a caregiver and advocate. Kelly shares about her daughter's epilepsy diagnosis and how it changed her entire world. After a normal pregnancy and delivery, Adelaide wasn't gaining weight and had low muscle tone which was the beginning of her epilepsy diagnosis. Kelly became involved in CURE Epilepsy's mission and shares how Adelaide's spirit lives on through the work she does today. **Trigger warning: Kelly talks about her daughter...

Cindy and Gavin share about their son Ryan and his battle with Osteosarcoma. Cindy shares about how she created a Case for Smiles to help her cope with Ryan's diagnosis. Gavin brings the perspective of dad and professional and shares how he started a new position at the Hospital his son was being treated at the very same day as a diagnosis. They openly share the ups and downs of their journey and how Ryan's legacy lives on today. [3:16] Introducing their family [5;34] A bike accident lead to t...

On today's episode, Katie shares with our listeners how Grandparents can support their kids and grandkids during an illness or diagnosis. During the holidays with lots of family time, this topic came to mind. Grandparents are an integral part of the family, whether they live near or far. This episode gives practical ways Grandparents can support their kids and grandkids. [1:58] Hard conversations during the holidays [2:17] How can Grandparents give support [4:05] When your child is hurting. y...

On this week's episode, Katie wraps up the year with, Lyndsey (CLOC admin + podcast editor) sharing about what the common themes across the episodes were in 2022. This year was a memorable one as there were so many parents who so candidly shared their story on the podcast and clinicians who shared their expertise to inspire our listeners. 2022, you were SO good to us! 2023 we look forward to all the amazing stories and insight this next season will bring! [00:45] Lyndsey Introduces herself [3:...

Katy shares about her daughter Charlotte and how her surgeries that left scars inspired her to write a book about seeing scars in a positive way. Finding out about her daughter's diagnosis at 32 weeks on a Thursday morning and then welcoming Charlotte that Friday evening, talk about a whirlwind! Katy shares so many truths that will resonate with parents and how Charlotte has changed her life forever. [5:00] Katy introduces herself [6:23] Deciding what to share and not share [8:44] Finding you...

Caryn shares about her daughter Elaina developing ALCAPA, a congenital heart defect, and how they found out weeks after an uneventful pregnancy. Caryn will shed light on how she coped with Elaina's diagnosis and how she strongly advocated for her along the way. You will feel moved by Caryn's fierce love and commitment to her daughter [2:25] Takeaways on numbing cream from Katie [7:22] Caryn introduces her family [10:16] Experiencing a wide variety of symptoms [12:56] A visit to the emergency...

On today's episode of the podcast, Ashley + Martha from Dear NICU Mama share their personal stories of trials and joy as they navigated difficult seasons as NICU moms themselves. You will feel right at home with the wit and charm Martha and Ashley bring to this episode. You learn why and how these amazing women created the Dear NICU Mama community all while giving us bits of wisdom, laughter and empowerment along the way. **Trigger Warning**: This episode talks about infant loss. If your heart ...

As a NICU Dad, Alex Zavala share his perspective and critical role as a father on today's episode of the podcast. Alex shares so many moments along his journey that impacted him and gives advice to fellow NICU dads out there. This episode is for you too moms and partners-- you will learn more about the dad perspective and how to support your spouse. [3:32] Alex shares about his family [7:39] Giving his wife daily injections [9:49] Went to the store to register for baby gifts [10:41] Alex's w...

On today's episode of the podcast, Emily Lemke shares how to stay organized as a medical parent. Emily's expertise comes from being a medical parent herself and a clinical social worker. She shares about her own journey navigating the world of being a medical parent and the passion behind creating The Medical Mama Compass. You will learn how to manage everything that comes with this title without becoming overwhelmed. [1:52] Introducing her family [2:38] Nora's premature birth and 97 day NICU ...

Swapnil, father of two, shares on this episode of the podcast about his daughter, Anya, who has severe food allergies. Swapnil shares about Anya's first symptoms of a food allergy and the event that revealed the severity of her allergies. Whether you are a parent or Clinician, you will gain so much understanding and knowledge about food allergies by listening to Swapnil's story. [2:10] Value of resources along the journey [4:00] Introducing the family [4:56] Eczema struggles at 6 months old ...

Hannah bravely shares how her two young daughters developed febrile seizures. Although febrile seizures are common, it is something that isn't talked about enough. Hannah will shed some light for families walking through this diagnosis and provide you with ways to navigate the practicality and emotions that come along with it. [2:47] Hannah introduces her family [4:45] Sharing symptoms and instincts [6:08] Finding her daughter, Hadley, unresponsive in her crib [8:16] Hand foot and mouth was ...

" It was like I was leaving home with a newborn because I had no idea what to do. We were in survival mode for those 3 days in the hospital. It was just nothing that I ever expected to be dealing with.'-Melanie Smith Melanie shares how she learned of her daughter's diagnosis of type 1 diabetes when her daughter was 18 months old. She so vulnerably shares their journey from diagnosis to life at home. This story is packed full of great insight to families navigating a new diagnosis of type 1 diab...

"A patient becomes so vulnerable with them because they don't even realize what they are doing. When you are in that moment petting the dog, every emotion, feeling and thought runs free because you aren't having to focus on a conversation, it is so natural." -Shelby Bonnet, CCLS Shelby Bonnet, a certified Child Life Specialist and Animal Assisted Therapy Coordinator, shares how facility dogs are utilized in children's hospitals. This episode is packed full of information on how facility dogs im...

On todays episode, we will hear from Rita Ho-Bezzola, CEO and Founder of Piper + Enza: A Covid-19 inspired health and happiness company for kids. Rita shares her inspiration behind Piper + Enza and how her goal is to make common health experiences positive for children and parents. You will not want to miss this episode! [2:30] Sharing about her family [6:14] How Covid-19 was her inspiration create Piper + Enza [8:10] The moment Rita discovers her mission [10:10] Using Literacy to help child...

On today's episode of the podcast we hear from Lauren about her son's diagnosis of Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome (AGS.) She shares how her uneventful pregnancy followed by a NICU stay and numerous hospital visits with unanswered questions eventually resulted in a diagnosis. Lauren shares how coaching changed her life and how she is now a life coach for mothers of children with disabilities. [4:32] How ranch living was a dream come true [5:20] After an uneventful pregnancy, Lauren gives birth [7:...

"It's not a time to say I'm sorry, It's a time to acknowledge that, yes in fact you had something you did not plan for, a traumatic event. But also you did have a baby and to step into that joy and gratitude and not lose sight of those things.-Jamie Cline Jamie shares how her daughter Callie has persevered with tetralogy of fallot and later on a limb loss.She learned about her daughter's tetralogy of fallot just hours after having her 7 weeks premature. When Callie turned one, she shares how th...

Judith shares how one of her twins was born with albinisim and how she stayed positive during the diagnosis and beyond. This episode will absolutely touch your heart, Judith is a natural story teller and captures hows she embraced her daughter's albinism and has seen the beauty through it all. [3:15] Judith shares her busy life and routine with the twins [6:25] She shares about her high risk her twin pregnancy journey [7:27] How the ultrasound tech noticed the bridge of the nose on both of th...

"I've connected with food allergy patients and we have all come together. That is the most important thing, to make sure that nobody feels alone."-Rebekah Wallace Rebekah shares her life today as a teen with food allergies. This episode brings perspective to our listeners about how we can take our challenges and turn them into advocacy and awareness. Rebekah, shares her first memories of having food allergies and how she and her family learned to cope. She shares how she coped with the news and ...