Welcome to EP18 of Beyond The Balls!

This is a chat with the amazing Jonny Casella on grief, loss, love and dealing with this worst tragedy any parent could face. Jonny’s first child Mackenzie was a perfect little baby – the picture of health but at 10 weeks old, she was diagnosed with a condition called spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) – a severe inherited neuromuscular condition without a cure. 

Jonny and his wife Rachael were shattered by the news. The couple had no family history of genetic conditions and undertook all the recommended preparations to have a healthy child. They had never heard of SMA and were not aware that they were both genetic carriers for the condition. As ‘carriers’, the couple do not have the condition themselves, but have an increased chance of having a child with SMA.

In October 2017, Mackenzie Casella passed away at just seven months and 11 days old. Believing no couple should face this tragedy, the Casellas launched a campaign calling for reproductive genetic carrier screening to be routine and free for all prospective parents in Australia. This would become Mackenzie’s Mission.

What they have achieved through adversity is one of the most inspiring stories you will listen to. We thank Jonny for his time, vulnerability and willingness to share his story.

Resource links:

Mackenzie’s Mission

Rachael’s Episode on Beyond The Bump

Lumi Health

Jonny’s Instagram

Beyond the Balls is a fatherhood podcast brought to you by Jayde Couldwell and Chi Lo, a Beyond The Bump production. This podcast is targeted at dads, dads to be, their partners and anyone interested in the journey of fatherhood. 

We believe that every dad wants to be the best they can be so our purpose is to entertain, educate and empower our audience. We promise to have open and honest discussions in the hope to leave you feeling more supported after every listen. Join us in celebrating the ups and downs of fatherhood today!

Yeah the dads!

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Follow @yummmchi for some cooking adventures!

This episode is proudly sponsored by Comfy Koalas!

Our good friends at Comfy Koalas are offering a $35 discount on your first box of nappies or wipes for a limited time only. Use code BEYOND35 at checkout.