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From Heart Parent to DST Facilitator: Stories of Advocacy


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Jen Siran returns to discuss her journey from creating her first digital story to becoming a Common Language Digital Storytelling facilitator helping others tell their stories. She shares how persistence in seeking funding eventually led to success for her Caregiver's Corner project supporting heart families across Canada.

Episode Key Messages

  • Jen created three digital stories focused on experiences as a parent of a child with congenital heart disease
  • Successfully secured funding from Western Canadian Children's Heart Network and developed Caregiver's Corner, offering digital stories and resources for heart families
  • Facilitated anonymous storytelling for Safe Families charity
  • Discovered the therapeutic power of helping others unpack their stories
  • Currently focusing on capturing legacy stories from family members
  • Passionate about using digital storytelling to bridge communication gaps in healthcare
  • Describes watching storytellers process their experiences as "unwrapping a gift"

Join us for World Heart Day on September 29th for a special Kitchen Table Night featuring stories from parents of children with congenital heart disease, including Jen's story "The Overwhelm."

Other Links Mentioned

  • Sign up for the World Heart Day Screening
  • Read this episode's blog post
  • Check out Caregiver's Corner
  • Watch Jen’s digital stories
  • Watch the Safe Families story from our Story Slam
  • Listen to Jen's original podcast episode

About Our Guest

Jen Siran is a storyteller, advocate, and encourager at heart. Her journey as a mom and caregiver has shaped her passion for creating spaces where others feel seen, supported, and less alone. She’s known for weaving stories that bring hope, laughter, and connection—sometimes even managing to laugh at the chaos of everyday life (because if you don’t laugh, you might just cry). Jen believes deeply in the power of community, faith, and gentle support along life’s hardest paths. When she’s not writing or championing caregivers, you’ll likely find her wrangling family schedules, chasing creative ideas, or trying (and occasionally failing) to drink her coffee before it gets cold.  

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Co-CreatedBy Snack Labs