Raising Joy

Managing emotions as a parent when your child receives a complex medical diagnosis can be incredibly challenging. In this episode of Raising Joy, we talk to Katie Senter, a member of the Family Advisory Council at Cook Children's. Katie's daughter, Louise, has a very rare medical condition called 1p36 deletion syndrome, which is a chromosome disorder that typically causes severe intellectual disability.

Katie shares her personal experiences of coping with Louise's diagnosis, and offers practical advice on how other parents can manage their own emotions during this difficult time. She also talks about the importance of finding support from other parents who are going through similar experiences.

If you're a parent who is struggling to cope with your child's complex medical diagnosis, this episode is for you. Katie's story is both inspiring and informative, and her advice can help you on your own journey.

Listen to this episode of Raising Joy to learn more about:

·         Katie's experience of receiving Louise's diagnosis and how she coped with her emotions.

·         Practical advice on how to manage your own emotions as a parent of a child with a complex medical diagnosis.

·         The importance of finding support from other parents who are going through similar experiences.

Having a child in the NICU can be a very stressful and emotional experience for parents. In this episode of Raising Joy, we talk to Landy Blackmore, whose daughter, Tillie, was born prematurely and spent time in Cook Children's NICU. Landy shares her personal story and offers practical advice on how to cope with the emotional rollercoaster that comes with having a child in the NICU.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, scared, or simply exhausted, Landy's insights and support can help you navigate this difficult time.

If you're a parent whose child is in the NICU, or if you know someone who is, be sure to listen to this episode of Raising Joy!

Jessica Gomez, Psy.D., is the executive director of Momentous Institute, a nonprofit that offers mental health services and operates an elementary school. As a first-generation Mexican American, she knows firsthand the challenges of growing up in a culture that doesn't prioritize mental health.

In this episode of Raising Joy, Dr. Gomez shares her personal story and discusses how her experiences have shaped her work. She also talks about the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to mental health care and how we can break down the stigmas surrounding mental illness.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who is interested in learning more about mental health and how to create a more supportive environment for those who are struggling.

Sharon Herrera grew up feeling like she didn't belong. She was Mexican-American and gay, and struggled to feel comfortable in her own skin… even suffering from suicidal thoughts. But then, one supportive adult helped her turn things around.

Now, Sharon is an advocate for LGBTQ+ youth in Tarrant County. She founded LGBTQ Saves, a nonprofit that provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and their families to be themselves.

In this episode of Raising Joy, Sharon shares her story of hope and resilience. She also talks about the importance of having supportive adults in our lives. Join us for this heartfelt conversation with Sharon Herrera.

Getting back into a routine after a long summer break can be tough for kids of all ages. In this episode of Raising Joy, we talk to Cook Children's psychologist,Whitney Appleby, Ph.D., about all things school. Dr. Appleby shares her expert advice on how to help kids get a good night's sleep, create a healthy routine, manage anxiety, and avoid burnout. As a mom of three, she knows the struggle is real, but she also knows that with a little planning and effort, we can set our kids up for a successful school year.

If you're looking for some helpful advice on how to get your kids back into a school routine, be sure to listen to this episode of Raising Joy!

Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of Grant Halliburton, a Dallas teen who battled depression and bipolar disorder for several years before his suicide death at the age of 19. The Foundation that bears his name works to help families and young people recognize the signs of mental illness through a variety of avenues including mental health education, collaboration, encouragement, and information.

On this episode of Raising Joy, we meet Sonya Parker Goode, CLC, CAMS-I, director of outreach and education with Grant Halliburton Foundation. She tells us how the organization has trained more than 300,000 students, teachers, parents, and professionals on how to recognize and respond to someone in major distress or suicidal crisis.

Learn more about Grant Halliburton Foundation here.

Antonio Igbokidi, a fourth-year medical student at Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University, joins the Raising Joy podcast to discuss his Barbershop Talk Therapy mental health initiative. Igbokidi started Barbershop Talk Therapy in 2021 as a way to create a safe space for men of color to talk about mental health. He never dreamed his program would take off – with more than 100 people now attending sessions across Fort Worth. On this episode of Raising Joy, we learn how Igbokidi’s idea came to fruition and what he plans next.

At Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, it’s not uncommon for 30 children and teens to be evaluated for mental and behavioral health concerns in the emergency department in a single day. On this episode of Raising Joy, Family Intake Therapist Brittany Smith, MSW, LCSW, tells us about her role in the ER, and how she helps patients and families during these visits. 

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. If you would like to learn more about scheduling an appointment with Cook Children's Behavioral Health, please call our Intake Department at 682-885-3917. Cook Children's Behavioral Health also offers resources and educational articles available to assist families, which you can find here.

When Melarie Odelusi’s daughter was diagnosed with aplastic anemia in 2020, she didn’t know what the future held in store for her family. One thing she did know – it was going to be critical for her to take care of herself. While doctors focused on her child, Melarie and her husband made every effort to ensure they were mentally strong through the storm. Today, Melarie is a member of Cook Children’s Family Advisory Council and uses her experience and perspective to help improve the hospital for all patients and families. 

On this episode of Raising Joy, Melarie teaches us all she has learned on her journey of self-care, from meditation to breathing techniques, the importance of sunlight – and even some surprising things you may have not heard of. She’s also an artist and uses her creativity as an outlet for stress and anxiety. Learn more about her art (which has been shared by Macy’s, Philosophy and Michelle Obama) here. 

For more information about self-care for parents, Cook Children’s has a guide of resources listed here.

Long before he became a health care executive, Rick W. Merrill was a West Texas boy with a guitar and a love for music. Today, he’s the president and CEO of one of the largest pediatric health care systems in the U.S., but music still holds a special place in his heart. 

On this extraordinary episode of Raising Joy, Mr. Merrill opens up about his love for songwriting, parenting children through challenges, and leading an organization with empathy and compassion. He also shares a song he wrote, which was inspired by Cook Children’s Joy Campaign titled, “Just a Breath Away.” 

This is an episode you don’t want to miss.