In this episode of The CARTI Hopecast, host Adam Head sits down with Jason and Sarah Palik, parents to three children—including their youngest daughter, Iris, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome before birth. What followed was a year marked by medical complexity, emotional upheaval and unexpected grace.

From the moment they received Iris’s prenatal diagnosis, the Paliks faced challenge after challenge: a critical heart defect, two open-heart surgeries, a NICU stay, and a stroke. But in the midst of uncertainty, they found connection, community and perspective. This episode explores not only how they endured it, but how their family was transformed by it.

Jason and Sarah speak candidly about grief, resilience and the moment they realized Iris was exactly who she was meant to be.

Takeaways:

• The journey of Sarah and Jason Palik with their daughter Iris began with a sobering diagnosis of Down syndrome, which prompted a series of emotional and logistical challenges.
• Navigating the complexities of Iris's medical needs involved multiple hospital stays, including heart surgeries and significant parental adjustments to new realities.
• The couple experienced a profound sense of helplessness when they had to send their newborn daughter for surgery, a moment encapsulated by the overwhelming presence of medical staff and uncertainty.
• Through the trials, they discovered resilience in their bond as a couple, learning to support each other while facing the challenges of parenthood amidst medical uncertainty.
• Iris's story emphasizes the importance of community support, as the family found solace and strength in connecting with others who had similar experiences with disabilities.
• Ultimately, Sarah and Jason learned that the hardships they faced did not diminish their joy, but rather enriched their lives with new perspectives and profound love for their daughter.

Founded in 1976, CARTI delivers leading-edge cancer care in a compassionate, patient-centered environment. Our mission is to make trusted cancer care accessible for every patient we serve through compassion, innovation, and purpose.

The CARTI Hopecast shares authentic, meaningful stories that focus on human experiences. Every day, we see patients and families navigating unimaginable hardships, sometimes feeling alone in their journey. Through The Hopecast, listeners hear stories of resilience and transformation, fostering a sense of connection and hope.