A Place of Yes | A Grief Podcast

What do you do when doctors tell you your baby won’t survive? For Jessica Troiano, the answer was simple: fight. In this episode, Jessica shares her journey of raising Jude, her 13-year-old son with a rare genetic condition, PHGDH deficiency, and 15 medical diagnoses. From navigating life-or-death moments to countless surgeries and trips to Boston Children’s Hospital, Jessica opens up about the challenges, heartbreak, and strength it takes to be a parent to a medically complex child.

But beyond the hardships, she also finds joy, love, and resilience in the journey. This is a powerful story of defying the odds, proving the experts wrong, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.

Thank you to Adirondack Trust & Amsure for sponsoring today's episode!

http://www.adirondacktrust.com

Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:

❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/

❤️ 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 2024, 18-year-old Olivia Allen lost her battle with leukemia, leaving behind a heartbroken family, friends, and a community forever changed.

Nearly a year later, her mother, Mellissa, her sister, Sophia, and her best friend, Aubrey, sit down with Heather to share what life has been like without her. They open up about the reality of grieving a young life lost too soon, the unexpected ways grief has shown up, and how they continue to honor Olivia’s memory.

This raw and deeply personal conversation sheds light on the lasting impact of teenage cancer loss—and the love that never fades.

Live Like Liv Foundation: https://livelikelivfoundation.org

Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:

❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/

❤️ 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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Ashley Schneider grew up watching her mother, Jill, battle multiple sclerosis with quiet strength. Determined to take action, she founded MS Run the US from her childhood bedroom in Wisconsin, turning her love of running into a mission to raise awareness and funds for those affected by MS.

In 2010, she took it to the next level—running 3,288 miles across America to bring national attention to the cause.

But her journey didn’t end there. She built a nonprofit that now unites runners nationwide to continue the fight.

🎧 Listen now for a powerful story of love, resilience, and the impact of one woman’s determination.

MS Run the US: https://www.msruntheus.org/mission/

Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:

❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/

❤️ 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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you lose someone you love to suicide? How do you even begin to process a loss that feels impossible to carry? In this episode, Heather sits down with Madison Reuter, who opens up about losing her ex-partner, Regis, to suicide after his battle with schizophrenia.

Madison shares the raw reality of navigating this kind of grief—what it’s like to lose someone so young, the struggles of suicide loss, and the complicated emotions that come with it. She also offers insight for adults supporting young people through grief, sharing what helped (and didn’t) in her experience.

This is a conversation about love, loss, and grief we don’t talk about enough.

IF YOU'RE STRUGGLING WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA: https://sczaction.org/

Find Madison:

❤️ And Also Podcast: http://www.youtube.com/@andalsopodcast

❤️ https://open.spotify.com/show/7u5WJfJE4f8ZxWKalFdbe2?si=4e653c04e8ef4990

❤️ IG: https://www.instagram.com/maadthreads/reel/DEsQbjwRJe3/

Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:

❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/

❤️ 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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MacKenzie Zarzycki’s mother checked herself into the hospital for what she thought was COVID-19 shortly after she was on life support.

In this episode of A Place of Yes, MacKenzie, host of the tourism podcast Destination Saratoga All Access, shares her personal journey of losing her mother to Lymphoma, the challenges of navigating grief while welcoming a new child, and the importance of honoring memories. The conversation delves into the complexities of family dynamics during times of loss and the significance of open discussions about grief.

Thank you to Saratoga Casino Hotel for Sponsoring THIS Episode: https://saratogacasino.com

Find Mackenzie:

❤️ Destination Saratoga: https://youtu.be/PQTD16cZ1A0?si=lt_dEZu8RvRC30Np

❤️ IG: https://www.instagram.com/mrszarzycki/?hl=en

Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:

❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/

❤️ 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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Picture this—a packed restaurant, margaritas flowing, and a room full of people who love Jake. That’s Cantina Day.

It’s more than just a tradition—it’s a celebration of his life, a space to share memories, and a reminder that grief doesn’t have to be lonely. We sat down with a few attendees to talk about the podcast, their own grief journeys, and, of course, some unforgettable Jake stories.

Heads up—this was recorded live, so you’ll hear music, chatter, and all the chaos of a good time. But the conversations? Worth every second.

Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:

❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/

❤️ 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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the right piece of equipment could restore someone's independence? Heather sits down with Joe Keiderling, the heart and mind behind Rifton Equipment, to discuss how their adaptive designs are more than just tools—they’re lifelines.

From helping kids take their first steps to empowering families to navigate the impossible, Joe shares the passion, innovation, and personal stories that fuel Rifton’s mission.

This episode will inspire, motivate, and prepare you to rethink how small changes can have a massive impact. Don’t miss it!

Find Rifton:

🌟 https://www.rifton.com

Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:

❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/

❤️ 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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Behind every rare disease diagnosis lies a story of heartbreak, resilience, and unshakable love. Heather sits down with Effie Parks, award-winning host of Once Upon a Gene and mother to Ford, who lives with CTNNB1 syndrome.

Together, they uncover the raw truths of parenting a child with special needs—from the moments of joy to the isolation no one talks about. Effie’s journey is a testament to the power of advocacy, community, and finding light in the darkest days. This episode will leave you inspired and deeply moved by the resilience of families navigating the rare disease world.

Find Effie Parks:

🌟 https://effieparks.com

Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:

❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/

❤️ 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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a 2-5-year life expectancy stretches into a decade of miracles, fear, and unconditional love?

In this profoundly emotional episode of A Place of Yes, Heather talks with David Robinson, father to 10-year-old Miles, who has Microlissencephaly. Against all odds, Miles continues to rewrite the narrative of his condition, bringing joy and gratitude to his family while challenging them to face the ever-present grief and fear of the unknown.

David opens up about what it means to live in the tension of hope and heartbreak, sharing powerful lessons on resilience, love, and celebrating every moment. This is a story you won’t forget.

Follow Miles's Journey:

Smiles for Miles: https://www.facebook.com/share/1At1Ea4QWL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:

❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/

❤️ 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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kate Snedeker was still in college when she faced the unimaginable: losing her father to glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and deadly cancers.

In this episode, she opens up about navigating profound grief, the life-changing moments that shaped her, and how she turned her pain into purpose by founding Gray for Glioblastoma. This isn’t just a story of loss—it’s a story of finding hope, even in the darkest times.

Find Kate Snedeker:

🌟 Gray for Glioblastoma: https://grayforglioblastoma.com

🌟 https://www.instagram.com/grayforglioblastoma/?hl=en

🌟 Kate's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katesnedekerr/?hl=en

Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven:

❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/

❤️ 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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices