Grit, Grace, & Inspiration | Where Real Stories Ignite Hope, Healing & the Courage to Rise Again

#364: From Grief to Greatness: How Andy Found Strength & Inspiration After Losing Jodi to Breast Cancer


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Life is full of hardships—loss, heartache, and challenges that seem impossible to overcome. But what if those very struggles were the foundation for something even greater? In this episode of Grit, Grace, & Inspiration, we meet Andrew 'Andy' Buerger, a man who has faced unimaginable loss yet chose to channel his pain into purpose. Instead of giving in, Andy created Jodi’s Climb for Hope, an organization that has raised over a million dollars for medical research. His story will challenge you to rethink adversity, find strength in struggle, and inspire you to create impact from even the darkest moments.

Who Is This For?
  • Anyone struggling with loss, grief, or adversity and seeking inspiration.
  • Those looking to turn pain into purpose and find a positive outlook.
  • Advocates for health research and fundraising efforts.
  • People who need a reminder that hope is something we create.

Looking for the Links?
  • Learn more about Jodi’s Climb for Hope: ClimbForHope.org
  • Andrew Buerger’s website & book: AndrewBuerger.com
  • Where Grit Meets Grace: The Official Newsletter for the Podcast!
  • Book a Virtual Coffee Date with Kevin

What’s It All About?

Andrew 'Andy' Buerger’s life has been marked by loss—his mother at just a year old, his father at 31, and later, his sister Jodi to breast cancer. Then, just months into his marriage, his wife Jennifer was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. But instead of letting these hardships define him, Andy turned them into fuel for something bigger.

Through Jodi’s Climb for Hope, Andy has organized mountain climbing expeditions to raise funds for breast cancer and MS research. By literally climbing mountains, he and his team symbolize the resilience needed to face life’s greatest challenges. This conversation will inspire you to look at your own struggles differently and recognize that hope isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we create, step by step.


Some Key Takeaways:
  • Turning pain into purpose – How Andy transformed loss into a mission to fund medical research.
  • The power of persistence – Why small steps, even in hardship, lead to incredible change.
  • Asking for help is a strength – How mentorship and teamwork have been key to Andy’s success in life and business.


Today’s Featured Guest

Andrew 'Andy' Buerger is the founder of Jodi’s Climb for Hope, a nonprofit organization that raises money for breast cancer and multiple sclerosis research through adventure-based fundraising. He is also a motivational speaker and the author of Carrying a Flag from Pain to Passion, a book that highlights his journey of overcoming adversity and finding purpose in service.


Ready to be inspired? Hit play now and hear Andy's incredible journey of resilience, hope, and impact!


Hey, it's Kevin!

I hope you enjoyed today's episode! If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Below, you will find ALL the places and ALL the ways to connect!


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