In this episode, I bring on Zackery who is the father of Virgil who was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma at 1yr old. He opens up about the emotional struggles he’s faced, how he copes, and where he’s found support. Zack addresses the stigma men face when it comes to their mental health and the emotional toll that being a father to a child with illness can have on a person.

Interested in learning more about all that the Here's Hope Project offers? Visit my website at www.hereshopeproject.com You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram @Hereshopeproject

In this episode, I bring on Bhavika who is the mother of a 12 yr old boy who fought Leukemia 3x. Along with this diagnosis and other health issues, Kabir struggles with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and also went through a steroid induced psychosis. Bhavika shares her experience trying to help her son through all of this while also taking care of herself.

Interested in being a guest on this podcast or learning more about all that the Here's Hope Project offers? Visit my website at www.hereshopeproject.com You can also find me on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram @Hereshopeproject

In this episode, I bring on Katie Conder who is a licensed music therapist. We dig deep into the benefits of music therapy specifically for those battling chronic illness and how it can aid in the rehabilitation process, assist with speech and language disorders and more! We talk about what you can expect in your first session with a music therapist, how it works, and we end with Katie giving you an example of something she does in her sessions!

Since the recording of this episode, Katie has since left the Melodic Caring Project. If you would like to learn more or get involved, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] (as I am also involved with the project) and you can also find them at www.melodiccaring.org

Interested in being a guest on this podcast or learning more about all that the Here's Hope Project offers? Visit my website at www.hereshopeproject.com You can also find me on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram @Hereshopeproject

In this episode I talk with Tiffany about what grief looks like for a child and how to support them through the grieving process. Tiffany is the founder of the Princess Nora’s Warriors foundation (https://noraswarriors.com) and she also hosts the Unexpected Fight podcast.

Interested in being a guest on this podcast or learning more about all that the Here's Hope Project offers? Visit my website at www.hereshopeproject.com You can also find me on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram @Hereshopeproject

Organization mentioned in episode: Lighthouse Family Retreat https://www.lighthousefamilyretreat.org/

In this episode I talk with Steph about what life was like with her daughter Bri who had Alexander’s disease, a rare neurological disease that effects the nervous system. We talk about her journey to receiving a diagnosis, the adversity she faced and how faith helped her through the tough times.

Interested in being a guest on this podcast or learning more about all that the Here's Hope Project offers? Visit my website at www.hereshopeproject.com. You can also find me on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram @Hereshopeproject

In this episode I talk with Amanda and Zack about how having a sick child has strengthened their relationship and brought them closer together. Regardless of what illness or disability your child has, couples are challenged in ways that can really make or break a relationship. This episode should give you insight into your own relationships and how you can come out the other side stronger than ever!

If you would like to reach out to Amanda & Zack or follow their journey you can find them on their son’s Facebook page, Virgil’s Journey.

Interested in being a guest on this podcast or learning more about all that the Here's Hope Project offers? Visit my website at www.hereshopeproject.org. You can also find me on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram @Hereshopeproject

In this episode I talk with Kelly who is a health navigator with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. She also has a daughter named Riley who was diagnosed with infantile glioblastoma and is currently NED. We talk about how Riley’s diagnosis affected her mental health, how she copes and then how she can help you if you are new to your cancer journey.

Pediatric Cancer Resources: https://nationalpcf.org/health-navigator/

In this episode I talk with Rachel who is the mother of Bella who was just diagnosed with cancer for a 3rd time. They have been on a long journey, and Rachel has written a book that goes into all that she has learned through that journey. The book is called, “Listen, You need a break.” This book is for anyone needing to connect with peace in a challenging situation. It’s a mosaic of life lessons and a guide to nurturing yourself for a more fulfilling and balanced life. We talk about some of those lessons such as how to ground ourselves, how to best deal with our emotions, and also the power that vulnerability can have on our experience.

You can find Rachel’s book on Amazon and connect with her

In this episode I speak with Demi who has two kids with special needs. She has a son named Ollie who has Caudal Regression Syndrome and then another son, George, who has Cerebral Palsy. Life is hard with one child so imagine how hard it is with two! We’ll spend this episode talking about what day to day life is like and the stresses that come with living this kind of life.

If you would like to contact Demi you can find her on Ollie's Facebook page called "Ollie's World," her personal page Demi Brianna Porter, or you can reach her through her organization: Arizona Junior Disabled Friends.

In this episode you'll hear from Rachel who is the mom to Emi who is very medically complex. She has numerous health issues and deals with chronic pain on a daily basis. She’s had over 30 surgeries and is constantly in and out of the hospital and traveling between Texas and Ohio to receive treatment. It’s probably no surprise that Rachel and her family deal with PTSD. I’m bringing her on today to talk about what PTSD looks like for each member of the family and how they cope with it together and individually. We’ll talk about things to lookout for, some coping strategies and what to do if you think you may be struggling as well.