Making Lemonade with Whit + Kels

You guys!!!  Today's episode is the last one for season 2.  We were struggling when trying to decide if we should release one or two more, but we decided we'd let you guys catch up and get ready for season 3!! 

This season has been amazing.  We have got to meet some of the most amazing people and we feel so honored that we get to use our platform to share their incredible stories with all of you. 

Today we talk a little bit about our Foundation's and our goals for their future.  We also share a little bit about grief through the holidays. 

We share our personal stories of grief and traditions through the holidays in hopes to help some of you dealing with the same emotions, to not feel so alone. 

Things change so much after a big life "event" like death.  Just know that we are here and are always willing to listen with open ears and loving hearts.  Please reach out to us if you ever need to talk.  We know how incredibly important that is.  We were once there, and still are at times. 

We are seriously so lucky to have all of you amazing listeners, and we cannot thank you enough for all of your support.  

Get ready for season 3 coming in January! 

XOXO ~ Whit + Kels

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This week we are taking a deep dive into our host, Kelsey! Kels is just one of those people that has so much to offer this world. Her insight, love, compassion, understanding, and generosity to others is unmatched! She is always so full of wisdom, and I always look forward to discussions with her, because I always take away so much! I truely have loved learning from her, and I really wanted to have an opportunity for the world to see her heart the way those that are closest see it. She opens up to us about her grief journey, life after loss, and how her life has been affected by losing her son. We also get to learn some fun things like her favorite things, and if she would rather live on the beach or in the mountains!
I am so lucky to be able to have a front row seat in life with Kelsey, and this journey we have embarked on together. I know you guys will love learning about her, just as much as I did!

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On today's episode we got the pleasure of speaking with Ashlei whose son, Colton was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 11.  Colton is 17 now.  Something special that they do is go get donuts every year on his diaversary (diagnosis day).

We loved recording with Ashlei!  She is the definition of a momma bear who is here to protect her children at all costs.  She tells us about Colton and his diagnosis and she also shares about his alert dog, Runner.  Ashlei shares some very interesting stories about Runner and how amazing he is at alerting Colton.  These alert dogs are astounding, and I love listening to their stories.   

Colton was Talki Foundation's person of the year in 2021.  This episode will conclude our recordings with the Talki Foundation.   We have loved spotlighting them through November since November is Diabetes Awareness month.   A big thank you to the Talki Foundation for sharing their stories with the world through our platform. We hope you guys take the time to listen and learn.  These are incredible stories of amazing people who don't let a diagnosis stop them from living.  

Thank you for listening.  Make sure to like and subscribe to our podcast.  Thank you for sharing with your family and friends.   We love you guys!!!  💛💛

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Dominique is Talki Foundation's person of the year, and we got the privilege to record with her and to share her story with all of you.

Dominique tells her story about getting diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2016 due to a DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) episode.  Dominique  didn't let that slow her down for too long.  She quickly figured out how to live with this diagnosis, and how to care for herself correctly so she could continue doing the things that she loves.   

Dominique is a soccer player, coach, and also plays football for the WNFC Atlanta Phoenix.  Sports has been a huge part of her life.  It is inspiring to listen to her talk about continuing to do what she loves and not letting her diagnosis keep her down.

Dominique also tells us about her alert dog Bowie and how he had been so accurate at alerting her when her levels are off. 

We loved recording this episode with Dominique.  She is an inspiration and an amazing woman.   I'll end this with a quote from her mother. 💛
 

"Dominique is my oldest child and has two brothers and a sister. She has always been one of the most positive people that I know, even from a very young age. When Dominique was diagnosed with type one diabetes, I was literally in shock. How could this happen to such a healthy and athletic young lady? I knew whole heartedly that this was going to be a big challenge for my daughter. Because I am in the medical field, I knew all of the changes in her life that she would have to endure. In the beginning it was a major challenge for her from meals to the insulin injections, and the blood sugar checks but she did it and conquered it all first hand. I watched her work to get her diabetic alert dog and fur baby Bowie. She and Bowie really are a perfect match! Dominique has inspired me with how she works through every challenge, her love for sports and her love for her family. As Philippians 4:13 reads, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.". That is my daughter, my Dominique."

- Evelyn
 

Resources:
• T1International
 • Children with Diabetes
 • Talki Foundation
 

Instagram Pages:
• Dtrappeyo (Athlete page)
 • In_dependence25 (T1D and autoimmune conditions page)
 • Bowie_the_alert_pup (Bowie's page)

Facebook Page
• Against All Odds: Dominique & Bowie the Alert Dog

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Charlie - Founder of Talki Foundation, comes on the podcast to raise awareness for Diabetes.  Charlie is one of the most passionate people I have met.  He found his calling in life and strives to share his knowledge with others.  He teaches us about diabetic alert dogs and how smart and consistent they are for the diabetic community.

www.talkifoundation.org will be live worldwide by December 1st, 2022.  Make sure to support this foundation and check out their website! 

November is Diabetes Awareness month and we are grateful that we get to do our part in raising awareness.   Our next two episodes are about other diabetics also, and they are amazing stories that are uplifting and inspiring.   Make sure to check those out as well when they are live. 

Thanks for being here.  Make sure to save and subscribe to our podcast.  It helps us to reach more people!  Also we would love it if you shared your favorite episode on social media.  That helps too! 

XOXO Whit + Kels

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Diane Nienas is our guest on this week's episode, and she is an incredible woman who has gone through losing 2 children in different ways. 

At age 2 her son Leo was diagnosed with leukodystrophy.  He went from happy and healthy to quickly losing the functioning of his body.

Her son, Trent was diagnosed with Glioblastoma at the age of 26.  Another devastating outcome for their family.

Because of Diane's experiences she has written 2 books.  A memoir entitled, "I see Jesus", and a children's book, "Living Life With Leo."

You can find more information about Diane at her website, www.thebreathoflight.com

We loved recording with Diane, and feel lucky that she shared her story on our podcast so we could share it with the world.  Thank you, Diane. 

We hope you enjoy this episode. 💛

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LeeAnn tells her story on this week's episode.  She shares her journey through infertility issues, to getting diagnosed at 28 week's with pre-eclampsia.  Her situation went from confusion to scary very fast.  LeeAnn was rushed to a specialty hospital to deliver her sweet 2 lb 3 oz baby, Kamry.  She shares her journey of delivering a very pre-term baby and what life was like for their 10 week stay in the NICU. 

According to the WHO, 15 million babies are born pre-term every year.  That is 1 in 10 babies.  LeeAnn's delivery was considered a "very preterm" baby.  
 The subcategories are:
 • Extremely preterm (less than 28 weeks)
 • Very preterm (28-32 weeks)
 • moderate to late preterm (32-37 weeks) 

Knowing the signs and symptoms of seeing pre-eclampsia in your loved one might just save their life! 

Thank you LeeAnn for sharing your story and helping to raise awareness.

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Amy is a 2 time breast cancer survivor with a story that will help bring awareness to having regular body examinations.  

Amy has such a beautiful and positive perspective about life, and you can feel her positivity as she tells her story. 

We are so honored that she was willing to come on and record with us.  We hope you all enjoy her episode!

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Angie is our guest on this week's episode.  Angie became a widow just a few short years ago and she tells us her story of loss and having to find herself again.  At the time of her late-husbands passing, they had just become empty nesters - so trying to navigate loss during an already new chapter was tough, and Angie teaches us about what she learned during that time.  

Angie is an incredible soul with an amazing heart.  We loved recording this episode with her.  We hope you guys love it too.

Show Angie some love by leaving a comment. 💛

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We feel very honored and grateful that we get to share this week's story with you all.  Shaylee is 21 years old, and wise beyond her years.  The kind of wise that comes through hardships.  The kind that is learned from pulling yourself out of darkness. 

When Shaylee was 14 years old she was contemplating suicide and had a plan in place.  Luckily her friend was aware and was able to help get Shaylee the help she needed.  

Shaylee has worked hard and continues to work hard every day to keep her mental health and awareness in check.  She shares with us the tools that she uses, and also what her 14 year old self could have used years ago.  

Leave Shaylee a comment below and share her episode with your friends and family.  We know her story will resonate with the ones who need it.

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