For Those Who Care

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In the third episode of our five-part series, Kevin and Allison invite listeners to step into their world as parents raising a child with multiple disabilities—not just to inform, but to foster genuine understanding and connection across all communities. Through honest stories about navigating school, social life, church, and travel, their stories encourage everyone—especially those not living with disability—to imagine themselves in these scenarios and consider the invisible barriers their friends and neighbors may face.

This episode is a call to action for families, friends, and communities who may not have direct experience with disability. Kevin and Allison revealed in the previous episode just how much it means when others reach out, seek to understand, and offer support, even in small ways. Their experiences highlight how isolation grows when families feel unseen or misunderstood, and how inclusion and empathy from others can make a profound difference.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how everyday experiences—in school, church, and social life—can leave families feeling excluded or undervalued. Kevin and Allison’s stories reveal how the absence of inclusion and recognition in these settings intensifies isolation, and why being seen, welcomed, and valued by others is so essential for families navigating disability.

Whether you’re a caregiver or someone who wants to better support friends and loved ones, this episode offers a powerful invitation to move beyond sympathy and into meaningful connection.

Key Moments in This Episode

[00:00:41] School Challenges: Kevin and Allison reflect on their journey finding the right educational environment for Jameson, and how school became more difficult as he grew older.

[00:08:26] A Difficult School Experience: They recount a painful incident from Jameson’s eighth grade year that highlights the emotional challenges families face.

[00:23:16] Faith and Discrimination: Kevin discusses his research on discrimination in religious institutions and how it relates to their experiences.

[00:25:14] Social Integration at School: RuthAnn asks about efforts to promote social inclusion versus isolation, and Kevin and Allison share how these dynamics have shifted over time.

[00:28:34] Graduation Decisions: Kevin and Allison discuss the complexities and emotions behind deciding whether to hold a graduation celebration for Jameson.

[00:31:23] Advice for Parents: Kevin and Allison offer a little guidance for other parents navigating the school system with a child who has disabilities.

[00:34:26] Impact on Social Relationships: Kevin and Allison discuss how raising a child with disabilities has affected their friendships and the importance of feeling included by friends outside the disability community.

[00:36:29] Church and Inclusion: Discussion on the barriers they’ve faced attending church as a family, and the lack of disability-specific groups or classes.

[00:44:13] Creating Spiritual Community: Kevin describes starting a Zoom group to maintain spiritual connections when traditional church settings fall short.

[00:48:20] Redefining Church: Kevin shares a personal story about practical support their previous Sunday school offered to RuthAnn and her late husband, illustrating that church is more than Sunday services—and that everyone can play a part.

[00:50:45] Feeling Valued: Kevin and Allison speak candidly about the pain of not feeling valued, with RuthAnn relating her own experiences.

[00:52:37] Travel and Accessibility: The family discusses the unique challenges of traveling with a child who has disabilities.

[01:04:26] Meaningful Memories: Kevin and Allison reflect on their favorite travel moments, emphasizing that every trip brings something worthwhile—and how shared experiences can foster empathy.

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In the second episode of our five-part series, Kevin and Allison reflect on the vital role that community plays in the life of a family caring for a child with disabilities. They share candidly about the strong network of support they built when their son, Jameson, was young—and the profound challenges they faced when a move to a new state meant starting over from scratch.

This episode explores the unique difficulties of building and maintaining a supportive community when caring for someone with a disability, especially as children grow older and the differences between them and their peers become more pronounced. Kevin and Allison discuss how advocating for an older child brings new social hurdles, and how the sense of isolation can intensify when typical milestones—like driving or gaining independence—are out of reach for their son.

They also offer insight for friends and extended family: Even when caregivers can’t make it to social events, the invitation still matters. Kevin and Allison encourage listeners to continue reaching out to caregivers, emphasizing that feeling included and remembered makes a meaningful difference in their lives.

Whether you’re a caregiver or someone hoping to better support a friend or loved one, this episode offers valuable perspective on the importance of community, the realities of social isolation, and the small gestures that can help bridge the gap.

Key Moments in This Episode

[00:00:50] Why Community Matters: Allison and Kevin explain the importance of community when caring for a loved one with a disability.

[00:05:46] Personal Impact: Both share stories about how community support has shaped their lives.

[00:10:24] Building Connections: They describe what their community looked like when Jameson was young and discuss the challenges of rebuilding after moving to a new state.

[00:21:31] Finding Support: RuthAnn asks for recommendations on resources and groups to help others build community.

[00:24:12] Lessons Learned: Allison and Kevin reflect on what they wish they’d known about support networks before moving, and if they would do anything differently.

[00:26:23] Advice for Families: They offer practical tips for families navigating disability and relocation, focusing on building a new support system.

[00:30:13] Fostering Inclusion: The conversation turns to how communities can be more inclusive and welcoming to families affected by disability.

[00:37:33] Communicating with Sensitivity: RuthAnn asks how to become more comfortable asking questions and how to better communicate with people living with disability, and Kevin and Allison offer practical suggestions.

[00:44:59] Final Takeaways: Kevin and Allison close the episode with advice for listeners who may not have direct experience with disability.

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In the first episode of our five-part series, RuthAnn introduces her friends, Kevin and Allison, devoted parents of three and dedicated caregivers to their son with multiple disabilities. This series offers an honest and vulnerable inside look at the challenges, fears, and joys of raising a child with multiple disabilities, providing listeners with a rare perspective on the realities of caregiving.

In this episode Kevin and Allison share their family’s journey, discussing the moment they discovered their son’s initial diagnosis, the unfolding of additional disabilities, and the profound ways these experiences have shaped their lives. They open up about the emotional and practical challenges they face, the resilience they’ve built, and the pivotal event that inspired them to become advocates—first for their son, and then for others facing similar challenges in the caregiving community.

Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that highlights the power of vulnerability, the importance of community, and the enduring hope found in even the most difficult moments of caregiving.

Key Moments in This Episode

[00:00:18] Meet Kevin and Allison: RuthAnn introduces her friends and they give listeners a glimpse into their family life.

[00:08:08] Navigating Early Questions: RuthAnn discusses the initial diagnosis and asks if healthcare providers addressed their concerns about their son's development.

[00:10:14] Finding Resources: The conversation highlights a helpful website for rare chromosome disorders.

[00:11:00] Receiving the Diagnosis: Kevin and Allison recount how they learned about their son's diagnosis and what that journey was like for their family.

[00:13:25] Discovering Community: They share how it took nearly eight years before finding support within the rare chromosome disorder community.

[00:14:24] Understanding the Challenges: Kevin and Allison share specific details about their son's disability and limitations.

[00:18:52] Family Decisions: Kevin and Allison reflect on how their son's diagnosis influenced their choices about having more children.

[00:30:29] Balancing Roles: RuthAnn asks Kevin about managing his career alongside caring for three children, including one with multiple disabilities.

[00:34:30] Sharing Knowledge: Kevin discusses two of the books he has authored on disability.

[00:35:19] Becoming Advocates: Allison tells the story of the pivotal experience that led them to advocacy, and both describe what their advocacy work involves.

[00:45:41] Advice for New Parents: Kevin and Allison offer guidance to parents just starting their journey with a child with disabilities.

Links to items mentioned in this episode:

2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome FTNW.pdf

Unique | Understanding Rare Chromosome and Gene Disorders

Embodiment, Dependence, and God

Amazon.com: Embodiment, Dependence, and God (Elements in the Problems of God): 9781009270076: Timpe: Books

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In this episode, Jenna shares her approach to conscientious parenting — what she considers the cornerstone of raising her children. She reveals how, from the very beginning, she approached each of her children with the question: “Who are you?” Jenna talks about the importance of truly seeing her children for who they are, not who she might want them to be. She describes the sacred responsibility of nurturing their unique qualities and helping them grow into the best versions of themselves — a process that requires patience, attention, and a willingness to let go of expectations.

RuthAnn, who never had children but spent years as a devoted caregiver to her late husband, Lance, finds common ground with Jenna’s perspective. She shares how making Lance a priority—putting his needs first and being his strongest advocate—mirrored the dedication Jenna describes in parenting. Together, they explore how both caregiving and parenting call for deep empathy, advocacy, and the ability to put someone else’s well-being at the heart of daily life.

Through their conversation, RuthAnn and Jenna discover that, while their journeys may look different on the surface, the core values of love, attentiveness, and advocacy unite them in ways they never expected. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about the universal lessons found in caring for those we love.

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In this heartfelt episode, Jenna takes the lead as she opens up about her journey as a stay-at-home mom to her five children. She reflects on the profound realization that, as parents and caregivers, we don’t get to choose how our words or actions shape those around us — but we do have the power to influence how others see the world. Jenna shares how this awareness transformed her approach to parenting, inspiring her to be more mindful of the impact she has on her children and everyone around her.

RuthAnn joins the conversation, offering a moving story from her own experience as a long-time caregiver to her late husband, Lance. Together, RuthAnn and Jenna highlight the importance of honest communication and the courage it takes to acknowledge when our words might unintentionally hurt someone we love.

Though parenting and caregiving may seem like different paths, RuthAnn and Jenna discover unexpected common ground in the lessons they’ve learned about responsibility, empathy, and the lasting influence of our words and actions. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion about connection, growth, and the power of being present in the lives of those we care for.

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In this episode, RuthAnn and Jenna talk about the role of exercise in their lives and how their friendship began - when Jenna became RuthAnn’s personal trainer. RuthAnn shares how she and Lance were active before his illness, and how staying active continued to support their health and helped Lance maintain some independence after he became disabled. Jenna offers her perspective on the value of exercise beyond appearance,  emphasizing that physical activity can increase abilities for everyone - especially for people with disabilities or those who are aging. She also shares a personal story that changed how she views her body and why she feels grateful for what it can do.

Please note: This episode is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.

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Sacrifice is a universal experience, but for caregivers, it takes on a unique depth and complexity. In this episode, RuthAnn opens up about the profound sacrifices she made while caring for her husband during his illness, challenging the common misconception that caregiving for a loved one is easy. She shares how being recognized for these sacrifices brought her a sense of validation and understanding. Jenna offers her own perspective as a mother, reflecting on the role of sacrifice in raising children and the importance of service. Together, they discuss how your attitude toward sacrifice shapes your well-being and relationships, the value of supportive communities, and why self-care and setting boundaries are essential to avoid burnout and resentment. Tune in for honest insights on finding meaning, maintaining a positive outlook, and navigating the toughest moments of caregiving and service.

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Join RuthAnn and Jenna for an honest conversation about the power of self-awareness in everyday life and caregiving. RuthAnn shares how understanding her own limitations allowed her to set essential boundaries as a caregiver, making her better equipped to advocate for her husband and maintain her own well-being. She explains that self-awareness was key to recognizing when she needed to step back, ask for help, and prioritize self-care, which are crucial skills for anyone in a caregiving role.

Jenna explores how self-awareness can transform self-consciousness into self-confidence. By accepting herself and understanding her reactions, she found it easier to let go of worries about others’ opinions. Jenna recounts a workplace encounter that challenged her perspective and, thanks to her self-awareness, allowed her to pause, reflect, and respond thoughtfully rather than defensively. This experience highlights how self-awareness helps us assess feedback, decide what to change, and nurture the qualities that matter most.

Throughout the episode, RuthAnn and Jenna discuss how self-awareness is a foundation for setting healthy boundaries, improving relationships, and building resilience - whether you’re a caregiver, a parent, or navigating any of life’s challenges. Tune in for practical insights and a real-life story about how knowing yourself can help you thrive and care for others more effectively.

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Having help at home is often seen as a blessing, but few understand the real challenges that come with it. In this episode, RuthAnn opens up about the relentless task of coordinating care providers and services to keep Lance at home - a job that brought as much stress as it did relief. She shares how the constant flow of people disrupted their privacy, required her to carefully evaluate who could be relied upon, and made their home feel less like a sanctuary. 

Jenna, who worked in their home as Lance’s personal trainer, offers her perspective on the chaos and emotional toll she witnessed firsthand. Together, they discuss the importance of intuition, learning from difficult experiences, and why it’s okay to be selective when vulnerable loved ones are involved. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood or judged for the way you manage in-home care, this candid conversation is for you.

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In this moving episode, RuthAnn sits down with acclaimed memoirist Maureen Stanton to discuss her latest book, "The Murmur of Everything Moving". Maureen opens up about her deeply personal journey as a caregiver for her partner Steve during his battle with cancer, a story she chronicles with honesty and grace in her new memoir. She reflects on the challenges and transformations that come with caring for a loved one facing a life-threatening illness, and how those experiences shaped her understanding of love, loss, and resilience.

Maureen also shares how her role as a caregiver has evolved over the years, drawing poignant parallels between her young adulthood caring for Steve and her present-day experience supporting her mother through Alzheimer’s. The conversation delves into the emotional complexities of grief, the ongoing process of healing, and how writing can serve as both a refuge and a tool for making sense of life’s most difficult moments.

As a creative writing professor, Maureen offers invaluable advice for anyone considering writing their own memoir. She discusses the vulnerability required to tell your story, practical tips for centering yourself during the writing process, and resources for those who want to share their life stories but may not know where to begin. With warmth and encouragement, Maureen guides listeners through the steps of crafting and publishing a memoir, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and connection.

Whether you are a caregiver, a writer, or someone seeking to understand the complexities of devotion in the face of adversity, this episode offers insight, support, and inspiration. Maureen’s hope is that caregivers see themselves reflected in her story, and that others gain a deeper appreciation for the courage and compassion required to care for those we love most.


Key Moments in This Episode:

[00:00:58] Maureen shares a little about herself and what led her to become a writer

[00:06:20] Has writing and sharing your story changed the way you look back on your life?

[00:10:36] What distinguishes a powerful memoir from other forms of storytelling?

[00:12:40] Maureen shares her writing process and talks about vulnerability in sharing such a personal story

[00:17:24] How Maureen organized and structured her book as she was writing it

[00:23:03] How life and relationships change after a cancer diagnosis, understanding for other caregivers, and advice on supporting family and friends through difficult times

[00:31:18] Grief after Steve died

[00:32:47] Looking back: Does Maureen ever ask herself how she did it?

[00:36:11] The part of her book Maureen wasn't sure she should include

[00:40:10] Maureen and RuthAnn briefly discuss hospice and their experiences

[00:44:18] How caring for someone at the end of their life transforms you

[00:45:29] Tips on writing your own memoir and the process of publishing a book

[00:52:42] Life lessons: Advice Maureen would give her younger self as a caregiver

[00:55:24] Where to find "The Murmur of Everything Moving" by Maureen Stanton