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In this episode, we delve deep into the heart-wrenching story of Casey, a devoted mother who navigated the nearly impossible journey of losing her young daughter, Zoey, to childhood cancer. Zoey, who battled the disease from the tender age of three, tragically passed away at just five years old on July 4, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience that Casey warmly recounts.

Casey chronicles the events leading to Zoey's diagnosis, detailing how a seemingly innocent fall at the park quickly spiraled into a devastating medical discovery. She describes the emotional roller coaster of hospital stays, the endless tests, and the gut-wrenching moment when they were told Zoey had an inoperable brain tumor – initially misidentified, but later confirmed as DIPG, a fatal pediatric brain cancer.

Throughout the episode, listeners are invited into Casey's world of unimaginable grief, tough decisions, and small victories amid a backdrop of profound love and hope. Casey reflects on the life transitions and emotional shutdown she experienced post-divorce and during the COVID-19 pandemic, candidly sharing her journey towards therapy and emotional healing, including exploring specialized treatments like EMDR.

A significant part of the conversation is dedicated to keeping Zoey's memory alive through outdoor activities, charitable initiatives, and vivid recollections of happier times, like Zoey's lively playhouses and her favorite holidays. Casey's charity work stands as a testament to her enduring connection with Zoey, providing joy to families of children with terminal illnesses.

In a deeply moving recount of Zoey's final days, Casey touches on the emotional complexities of watching her daughter slip away, the support from family and friends, and the pivotal decisions made in solace and desperation. With raw authenticity, she talks about the long-term impact of grief, how she coped through organizing and cleaning, and the crucial role her dog Juno played in helping her through the darkest times.

Casey's vulnerable storytelling offers a beacon of hope for anyone facing similar trials, as she shares her continued efforts to find joy and reengage with life after loss. Join us for this emotional and inspiring episode as we honor Zoey’s memory and Casey’s unyielding strength and dedication to her daughter’s legacy.

A personal note from the hosts: After much reflection, we've decided that this season of "The Day After" will be our final one. It has been a profound honor to share this journey through grief with all of you. As CJ steps back to focus on other ventures, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your support, your stories, and your willingness to navigate these difficult conversations alongside us. Though the podcast is ending, we hope the conversations about grief and loss continue, and that our episodes remain a resource for those who need them. If you've found comfort in our discussions, Ashley and Liz will continue Sit, Lay, Rest - our pet grief podcast - you can follow them on Instagram at @sitlayrest. Thank you for being part of our community.

Music by Servidio Music