A Place of Yes | A Grief Podcast

What’s it like to raise a child with a rare disease? In this episode of A Place of Yes, Heather connects with Jeff Ames, whose daughter Tessa lives with Dravet syndrome.

As rare disease parents, Heather and Jeff share the unique struggles and unexpected joys of raising a child in a world that feels so different from everyone else’s.

They discuss the emotional toll, the constant challenges, and the overwhelming love that defines their journeys. It’s a conversation about resilience, community, and what it means to live a life that few others can truly understand.

Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:

❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/

❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven

❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast

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What happens when unimaginable grief and trauma share the same emotional space? In this episode of A Place of Yes, Heather connects with Kara and Kim, hosts of Survivors Guide to True Crime.

Though their experiences differ — Heather grieving the loss of her son and Kara and Kim surviving traumatic, life altering experiences — they find common ground in the overlap of their pain.

They discuss the harmful clichés they’ve heard, toxic positivity, and the fear of raising children while carrying the weight of their trauma. It’s a raw, honest look at how grief and trauma are more connected than we often realize.

Magic Mind: https://magicmind.com/placeofyes

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Find Kim & Kara: https://www.survivorsguidetotruecrime.com

Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:

❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/

❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven

❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast

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What happens when life hits you with loss after loss, leaving you gasping for air? Just five weeks after losing her father to a rapid four-month battle with cancer, Steph Hogan sits down with Heather to share her story.

On top of losing her father, Steph has endured the heartbreak of losing her beloved dogs, Ted and Sadie and struggling through the pain of IVF and pregnancy loss.

Together, they dive into the raw and messy realities of anticipatory grief, losing a parent, and how the weight of cumulative grief can feel unbearable. Steph's story is a powerful reminder that grief has no hierarchy; every loss is profound and valid.

Magic Mind: https://magicmind.com/placeofyes

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Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:

❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/

❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven

❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast

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Imagine facing your mortality before you even graduate high school. Gabe Donovan knows this reality all too well. Born with NF1, a rare and complex genetic disorder that affects every part of his body, Gabe’s journey has been filled with unimaginable challenges, from painful tumors to feeling completely isolated.

In this episode of A Place of Yes, host Heather sits down with Gabe and his mother, Maureen, to discuss how this disease has shaped Gabe's life, the battles they’ve fought together, and the resilience he’s found along the way.

It’s a raw, eye-opening conversation about strength, vulnerability, and the profound impact of living with a rare illness that constantly tests the limits of the human spirit.

Double H Ranch: https://www.doublehranch.org

Find Gabe: https://www.instagram.com/the_original_mad_gabe

Find Maureen: https://www.instagram.com/maureeneobrien/

Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven

❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/

❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven

❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast

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Subrina Dhammi, a TV Journalist with WNYT, News Channel 13 in Albany, NY shares the deeply personal story of her difficult childhood and her estranged relationship with her parents.

In this episode of A Place of Yes, host Heather Straughter interviews Subrina Dhammi to explore the complexities of sharing stories of grief, loss, and tragedy on the news. Together, they discuss the weight of ambiguous grief and the struggle to find closure in relationships that are still unresolved.

Subrina discusses the emotional challenges of connecting with families during their darkest moments and how she strives to tell their stories with compassion and respect.

Magic Mind: https://magicmind.com/placeofyes

Subrina: https://www.instagram.com/subrinadhammi/?hl=en

Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:

❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/

❤️ A Place of Yes Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/

❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven

❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast

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In this heartwarming episode of the “A Place of YES” podcast, we delve into the extraordinary story of Esme, a resilient child with medical needs.

Her mother, Hillary, shares Esme’s journey and how she has come to learn more about supporting Ezzy’s needs and ensuring that she has an empowering community behind her daughter.

Despite facing numerous medical challenges and lacking a formal diagnosis, Esme has defied all odds and achieved incredible milestones.

Join us as we explore the power of resilience, the importance of community support, and the limitless potential within every child, regardless of their circumstances.

Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:

❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/

❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven

❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast

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In this episode of A Place of Yes, host Heather interviews Annie Sklaver Orenstein, a cultural researcher, writer, and storyteller whose work has touched lives around the globe.

Annie shares the deeply personal story of losing her older brother, Ben, and sheds light on how sibling grief is often overlooked in society. As Heather reflects on her own family's journey after the loss of her son, Jake, she gains invaluable insights on how to support her surviving son, Ethan, better.

Together, they explore the complexities of grief, the power of storytelling, and the importance of acknowledging every voice in the healing process.

FIND ANNIE: https://www.annieorenstein.com/about

Always a Sibling Book: https://www.amazon.com/Always-Sibling-Forgotten-Mourners-Guide/dp/030683149X

FIND HEATHER & JAKE'S HELP FROM HEAVEN

❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/

❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven

❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast

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If you've ever wondered what it takes to assemble a powerful non-profit, especially after a loved one's death, this episode is for you. President and Founder of Jake's Help From Heaven, Heather Straughter sits down with four dedicated board members. They delve into the "why" behind their commitment to the cause, sharing personal stories of grief and loss that have shaped their journeys.

Each story is a testament to the transformative power of turning pain into purpose, illustrating how their experiences have fueled their passion for helping others.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, community, and the profound impact of giving back.

FIND HEATHER & JAKE'S HELP FROM HEAVEN

❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/

❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven

❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast

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Join host Heather Straughter in this inspiring episode of A Place of Yes as she sits down with Allie Bange-Hall to discuss her journey with cancer.

Allie opens up about her challenges and triumphs while living with the illness, sharing her story of resilience, strength, and hope. Whether you're personally affected by cancer or looking for inspiration, this heartfelt conversation is a testament to the power of living with grace and courage.

Find Allie & Piper Boutique:

Piper Online: https://www.piperboutique.com

Piper on IG: https://www.instagram.com/piperboutique

FIND HEATHER & JAKE'S HELP FROM HEAVEN

❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/

❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven

❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast

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In this episode of A Place of Yes, Heather sits down with Francine Apy, an experienced adoption coach and adoptive mother of three.

Francine shares her journey of normalizing adoption within her family and the importance of keeping open conversations about adoption, even when it involves addressing taboo topics.

Dive into the concept of ambiguous grief and how it affects adoptive families. Join us for a discussion filled with insights, empathy, and practical advice for anyone touched by adoption.

Find Francine & Soul Filling: http://soulfillingadoption.com

FIND HEATHER & JAKE'S HELP FROM HEAVEN

❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/

❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/

❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven

❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast

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