The Surviving Siblings®

In this deeply emotional episode of The Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Kayla, a bereaved sibling who lost her baby sister, Ashley, in a tragic and unexpected medical event in 2006. At just eleven years old, Kayla's world changed forever when her one-and-a-half-year-old sister suddenly stopped breathing—an event that would later be revealed as a preventable tragedy.

Kayla opens up about the deep bond she shared with Ashley, the impact of her sister's passing on their entire family, and how grief shaped her childhood, teenage years, and adulthood. She shares the devastating realization that Ashley's death was caused by a misdiagnosed medical condition and how the hospital's oversight led to a prolonged struggle for answers and justice.

This episode explores the complexities of grieving at a young age, how Kayla's family navigated immense loss, and the lifelong journey of healing. Kayla also discusses the anxiety and trauma that followed, the lasting effects of sibling loss, and how she has found strength in sharing her story for the first time.

If you've ever experienced loss at a young age or struggled to process grief over the years, Kayla's story will remind you that healing is possible, and you are not alone.

In This Episode:

(00:01:09) – The Role of a Big Sister Kayla reflects on growing up as the oldest sibling and the deep love she had for her younger sisters, Mia and Ashley.

(00:02:41) – When Ashley Got Sick Kayla recalls the months leading up to Ashley's passing, the concerning symptoms, and the repeated hospital visits where doctors misdiagnosed her condition.

(00:06:20) – The Day That Changed Everything Kayla describes the morning she learned about Ashley's passing and the shock of hearing the news from her father and stepmother.

(00:12:00) – Attending School the Next Day Despite the tragedy, Kayla insisted on going to school, determined to maintain her perfect attendance and a sense of normalcy in the chaos of grief.

(00:15:22) – Ashley's Funeral Kayla shares the surreal experience of attending her sister's funeral, seeing Ashley one last time, and the heartbreaking traditions her family developed to honor her memory.

(00:18:00) – The Truth Behind Ashley's Passing Weeks later, the autopsy revealed that Ashley had been choking on a peanut for months—something doctors had missed in her chest x-ray.

(00:22:30) – The Aftermath: Lawsuits & Family Divides Kayla details how the misdiagnosis led to legal action against the hospital, the ripple effects it had on her family, and how relationships were fractured as blame and guilt took over.

(00:35:00) – The Long-Term Impact of Grief Kayla discusses how losing Ashley at such a young age led to severe anxiety, control issues, and the fear of losing loved ones, as well as how therapy and medication have helped her manage these struggles.

(00:47:00) – Healing & Moving Forward Years later, Kayla's family has slowly started to mend. She shares how her father overcame addiction, her stepmother found ways to honor Ashley, and how she has learned to navigate life after loss.

(00:56:00) – Advice for Young Bereaved Siblings Kayla reflects on what she would tell her younger self and encourages others to allow themselves to grieve, seek support, and embrace the healing process.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings

Connect with Kayla:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kayla.updike?mibextid=ZbWKwL

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylaupdike?igsh=MTBuNHdtcjNvMzhlMw==

Connect with Maya:

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

• Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

• Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod

• Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com

• Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

In this heartfelt episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Elliet, a bereaved sibling who lost their younger brother, Dylan, in a tragic four-wheeling accident in 2003. At just eight years old, Elliet's world was turned upside down when their best friend and only sibling was suddenly gone.

Elliet shares their deeply personal journey of navigating grief as a child, how their parents' loss impacted the entire family dynamic, and the emotional weight of growing up as a surviving sibling. They open up about the lasting effects of guilt, the struggle of answering the dreaded "Do you have any siblings?" question, and how they've finally found peace and healing—20+ years later.

This episode is a powerful conversation about sibling loss, the lifelong journey of grief, and the importance of self-discovery, therapy, and community support. Elliet also shares their experience of coming out as transgender and how it intersected with their grief journey, adding another layer of resilience to their incredible story.

If you've ever felt like you had to carry the weight of grief alone, Elliet's story will remind you that you're not alone.

(00:01:09) – Dylan: A Best Friend & Sidekick Elliet reflects on their childhood, growing up extremely close with Dylan, and the unique bond they shared as only siblings.

(00:02:31) – The Day That Changed Everything Elliet recounts the last time they saw Dylan before the tragic accident and the gut feeling they couldn't shake.

(00:12:30) – The Moment of Realization Elliet describes the instant their world shattered and how they found out their brother was gone.

(00:16:10) – Grieving as a Child Navigating grief at eight years old, dealing with unanswered questions, and feeling the weight of loss in an unexplainable way.

(00:32:00) – Becoming the "Perfect" Child Elliet shares how they tried to make life easier for their parents, suppressing their own grief to avoid adding to their pain.

(00:42:39) – Finding Therapy & Self-Discovery After years of struggling, Elliet opens up about how therapy, personal growth, and embracing their identity have led them toward healing.

(00:50:54) – The 20-Year Milestone & Coming Out Elliet shares how the 20-year anniversary of Dylan's passing coincided with their decision to come out as transgender, and how it deeply affected their relationship with family.

(01:01:06) – The Truth About Grief Why grief never disappears—but instead, we grow around it.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings

Connect with Elliet:

• Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlemouseling18

Connect with Maya:

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

• Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

• Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod

• Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com

• Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

In this deeply emotional episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Jessica Kueck, a bereaved sibling who courageously shares the heartbreaking story of losing her younger brother, Aaron, at just three years old in a tragic drowning accident. Jessica was only 11 when her world was turned upside down, and she reflects on how this loss shaped her childhood, mental health, and journey into adulthood.

Jessica opens up about the intense grief her family endured, particularly the profound impact it had on her mother and father. She shares how growing up in a home marked by sorrow and trauma affected her perspective on life, anxiety, and relationships. Now a mother herself, Jessica talks about how she navigates parenting while consciously working to break the cycle of generational trauma and honor Aaron's memory in a way that fosters healing and growth.

(0:01:18) - Growing Up as the Oldest Sibling Jessica describes her family dynamic, being the oldest of three siblings, and the deep love and admiration her family had for Aaron, their miracle baby.

(0:02:13) - A Tragic Day in Arizona Jessica recalls the road trip with her mother, siblings, and family friends that led to the devastating moment when Aaron drowned at their condo's community pool.

(0:06:22) - The Immediate Aftermath Jessica shares the harrowing moments of calling her father, witnessing the chaos at the pool, and the tragic realization at the hospital that Aaron was gone.

(0:15:38) - The Funeral and Shiva Jessica reflects on the Jewish traditions of mourning, including Shiva, and how the week of support gave temporary solace to her grieving mother.

(0:21:50) - Anxiety and Hypervigilance After Loss Jessica discusses how losing Aaron as a child shaped her anxiety, causing her to catastrophize everyday situations and always anticipate the worst.

(0:40:12) - Motherhood and Breaking the Cycle Jessica shares how becoming a mother forced her to confront her childhood trauma, and how she actively works to ensure her daughter doesn't inherit the same fears and anxieties.

(0:46:21) - Finding Healing and Hope Jessica talks about her journey with therapy, medication, and mindfulness practices that have helped her manage her anxiety and live a more present and peaceful life.

(1:02:00) - Advice for Those Who Lost a Sibling Young Jessica offers heartfelt advice for siblings who lost their brother or sister as children, discussing how to navigate grief, honor their sibling, and create a life that fosters healing.

This episode is a poignant reminder that grief is a lifelong journey, but healing and transformation are possible. Jessica's story is one of strength, awareness, and breaking cycles to build a healthier future for herself and her family.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings.

Connect with Jessica:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.kueck86/

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakueck/

• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Maya:

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

• Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

• Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod

• Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com

• Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

In this deeply moving episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Michelle Tobin, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, therapist, and author, who shares her emotional journey of losing her brother Patrick in a devastating plane crash. Michelle reflects on the lasting impact of this loss, how it shaped her career in mental health, and the unexpected ways grief has woven itself into her life's work. She opens up about trauma, healing, and the importance of finding outlets for grief, including writing, physical movement, and faith.

Michelle's story is one of resilience, personal transformation, and hope as she discusses how she carried her brother's memory with her for 50 years, culminating in the release of her novel, Home for the Bewildered. This powerful episode offers insight and comfort for anyone navigating sibling loss and seeking ways to move forward while keeping their loved ones close.

(0:01:18) - Growing Up in a Large Family Michelle paints a picture of her family dynamics, growing up as one of twelve children, and the deep admiration she had for her older brother Patrick.

(0:04:36) - The Night of the Tragedy Michelle recounts the eerie feeling she and her sister had the night before Thanksgiving, followed by the heartbreaking moment they learned of Patrick's passing.

(0:06:28) - Processing Grief as a Teenager Michelle reflects on the immediate aftermath of Patrick's passing, the difficulties of not having closure due to a closed casket, and how grief was handled in her family during the 1970s.

(0:14:53) - The Five-Year Mark and a Divine Intervention Michelle shares the moment she experienced a divine intervention, a turning point in her healing journey, and how she found solace through swimming and faith.

(0:21:12) - The Importance of Physical Outlets for Grief Maya and Michelle discuss how physical activity, whether it be swimming, running, or walking, can serve as a powerful release for trauma and emotional pain.

(0:27:17) - Giving Yourself Grace in the Grieving Process Michelle emphasizes the importance of allowing yourself to grieve in your own way, shutting out societal pressures, and leaning into people who offer true support.

(0:46:21) - Writing Home for the Bewildered 50 Years Later Michelle discusses how her novel was inspired by her brother's death and the themes of grief, trauma, and healing embedded in her writing. She also explains the significance of setting the novel in 1974, the year Patrick passed away.

(0:50:56) - Where to Find Michelle's Book Michelle shares how listeners can purchase Home for the Bewildered directly from Vine Leaves Press and connect with her through her website and social media.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of loss, resilience, and finding light after tragedy. Michelle's story is a testament to the power of healing, self-discovery, and embracing hope, no matter how many years have passed.

This episode is sponsored by Home for the Bewildered written by Michelle Tobin.

Connect with Michelle:

• Website: https://www.michelle-tobin.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle57writes

• Tik Tok: @michelletobin7

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088688944743

• Purchase Her Book Here: https://vineleavespress.myshopify.com/products/home-for-the-bewildered

Connect with Maya:

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

• Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

• Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod

• Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com

• Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

Claire Thompson's journey is one of resilience, loss, and healing after the devastating loss of her brother Rob. From their tight-knit sibling bond growing up in Scotland to the tragedy that would redefine Claire's life, this episode explores the profound grief and transformation that comes with sibling loss.

Rob, a charismatic and creative soul with a love for video editing, music, and fine whiskey, was tragically taken in 2014 due to an unprovoked assault in Glasgow, Scotland. Claire shares the heart-wrenching details of that day, the waiting period that followed, and the challenging processes that came after. She delves into the immense toll of those three days in the hospital, leading to the painful decision to say goodbye to Rob.

Claire's story is not only about loss but also about survival and finding purpose. A psychologist in training, Claire discusses how Rob's death shaped her life and led her to focus her career on sibling loss and bereavement. Through sled dog racing in Alaska, connecting with nature, and deep empathy, Claire found ways to heal and honor her brother's legacy. Now completing her doctorate, she is conducting a groundbreaking study on young adult sibling loss to advocate for greater awareness and support for surviving siblings.

In this episode:

• (00:00:55) – Introduction to Claire's Background and Family Dynamics

• (00:10:09) – The Day of Rob's Assault and the Aftermath

• (00:18:34) – Navigating Hospital Decisions and Legal Processes

• (00:27:00) – Finding Strength Through Nature and Connection

• (00:36:42) – The Healing Power of Empathy and Advocacy

• (00:46:39) – Claire's Current Work and Doctoral Research on Sibling Loss

Claire's story is a powerful testament to the enduring bonds of sibling love and the transformative power of channeling grief into purpose.

Connect with Claire:

• Email: [email protected]

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claire.thomson.7758

This Episode is Sponsored by The Surviving Siblings.

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/ Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod Website: https://www.thesurvivingsiblings.com/ Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings PodcastYouTube: The Surviving Siblings PodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

In this emotional episode of the Surviving Siblings podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Heather, who shares the devastating story of losing her brother Casey to gun violence. Heather takes listeners on a journey through their close sibling bond, the tragic circumstances of Casey's death, and the lifelong impact of his loss. She opens up about navigating grief, seeking answers, and finding healing over the 30 years since Casey's passing.

Heather's story is one of heartbreak, resilience, and hope, as she reflects on her journey to honor Casey's memory and find strength amid unanswered questions.

In This Episode:

• (0:00:10) - Introducing Heather and Casey's Story Maya introduces Heather, who shares her journey as a surviving sibling and tells the story of her brother Casey, whom she lost to gun violence at 18 years old.

• (0:01:33) - Heather's Family Dynamics Heather reflects on her family growing up, her father's military background, and her close sibling bond with Casey, the middle child in their family of three siblings.

• (0:02:54) - Casey's Protective Nature Heather recalls her relationship with Casey, his protective personality, and the deep connection they shared as siblings.

• (0:06:18) - Casey's Teen Years and Struggles Heather shares how family challenges, including her father's alcoholism, influenced Casey's teenage years, leading him to the wrong crowd and struggles with substance use.

• (0:12:14) - The Night of the Tragedy Heather recounts the heartbreaking night Casey was shot and how he was brought home alive by his friends, leading to a chaotic and tragic turn of events.

• (0:18:37) - The Aftermath at the Hospital Heather describes the shocking moments in the hospital, Casey's brief responsiveness, and the devastating decision to donate his organs.

• (1:03:00) - Heather's Transformational Dream Heather describes a vivid dream of Casey shortly after his death, which brought her comfort and a sense of peace, affirming his continued presence in her life.

This episode is a testament to the strength it takes to survive the loss of a sibling, especially under tragic circumstances. Heather's story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, offering hope and solidarity to those on a similar journey.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings

Connect with Heather:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heatherleigh1977

Connect with Maya:

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

• Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

• Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod

• Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com

• Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

In this heartfelt episode, host Maya Roffler speaks with Diana Hunter, who opens up about the loss of her brother Tyler. Diana shares her story of growing up with her three younger brothers, the unique sibling bond she shared with Tyler, and the challenges he faced with asthma and addiction.

Diana reflects on her family's complicated dynamics, her role as a "second mom" to her younger siblings, and how Tyler's passing deeply impacted her and her family. Throughout this conversation, Diana and Maya connect on the experience of being the eldest sibling, processing sudden loss, and finding light amidst grief.

In this episode:

• (0:00:45) - Diana's Background and Family Dynamics

• (0:02:00) - Tyler's Health Challenges and Asthma Diagnosis

• (0:07:28) - Navigating Family Tensions

• (0:08:57) - Tyler's Adult Life and Struggles with Addiction

• (0:21:00) - The Day of Tyler's Passing

• (0:26:37) - Family Reconciliation

• (0:33:18) - Talking to Jack About Tyler's Passing

• (0:46:34) - Processing Complicated Grief

Connect with Diana:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@diana_lynn18?_t=8oiPyQiph4J&_r=1

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diana_hunter6559

Connect with Maya:

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

• Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

• Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod

• Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com

• Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

In this heartfelt and deeply moving episode of The Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler sits down with Janine DeTore, the youngest of seven siblings, to share an intimate look into her life, her incredible bond with her sister Angela, and the profound grief she endured after losing Angela to cancer.

In this episode:

• [00:00:57] Family Dynamics – Janine discusses her role as the youngest of seven siblings and her relationship with Angela.

• [00:02:52] Childhood Memories – Stories of Angela caring for Janine and their shared childhood experiences.

• [00:06:20] Role Reversal – How Janine stepped up as a caregiver after their mother's death.

• [00:15:00] The Other Half – Janine talks about Angela being her other half and how their connection was spiritual and deep.

• [00:27:00] Coping with Loss – Janine shares how she dealt with grief, including feelings of anger and bargaining with God.

• [00:36:49] Angela's Battle – Details on Angela's diagnosis, treatments, and the emotional toll of caregiving.

• [00:47:08] Honoring Angela – How Janine continues to honor Angela's memory through personal projects like writing a book.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings

Connect with Janine:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057735922448

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JanineDeTore

Connect with Maya:

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

• Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

• Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod

• Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com

• Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

In this deeply personal and emotional episode, Sidney Savoie shares the story of his sister Dottie, who tragically passed away from a drug overdose in August 2020. Sidney opens up about their childhood, growing up as siblings with contrasting personalities, and the powerful bond they shared despite their differences.

Dottie was adopted into Sidney's family before he was born, and Sidney reflects on how much he owes his existence to her. Growing up with a passionate and vibrant sister, Sidney recalls their sibling rivalry and their eventual maturing relationship in adulthood. He paints a vivid picture of Dottie's larger-than-life personality, her struggles with mental health, and the addiction that ultimately claimed her life.

Sidney discusses the complexities of Dottie's struggles with depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction. He speaks candidly about her battle with drugs, and how despite periods of sobriety, Dottie eventually succumbed to her addiction. The episode delves into the layers of grief Sidney has faced, from mourning his sister to navigating life without her.

Sidney also shares the challenges of losing a sibling, describing how it feels like losing a part of himself. He reflects on the unique pain of sibling loss and the secondary grief of missing out on future milestones, like his sister not meeting his wife or being there for family moments.

In this episode:

• [00:01:00] – Introduction to Sidney and Dottie

• [00:03:09] – Growing Up with Dottie: Sibling Rivalry and Bonding

• [00:06:25] – Dottie's Struggles with Mental Health and Addiction

• [00:19:10] – Navigating Grief and the Complexity of Addiction

• [00:29:07] – Dottie's Overdose and the Impact of Her Passing

• [00:46:00] – Sidney's Reflections on Marriage and Loss

• [00:55:00] – Sidney's Relationship with His Nieces Post-Dottie

• [01:00:00] – The Grief Journey: Finding Meaning and Healing

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings

Connect with Sidney:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sidsavoie

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sidney1kidney?_t=8qaZrPkwv2E&_r=1

• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Maya:

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

• Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

• Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod

• Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com

• Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast

From being born into a family with Kristi already navigating the challenges of Rett syndrome, Kourtney's story is one of dedication, loss, and profound love. Kristi was born in 1965 with a rare neurological disorder that affects primarily girls, which led her to lose many of her early developmental skills between 6 and 18 months old. The disorder wasn't formally diagnosed in the United States until 1986, so for the first 21 years of Kristi's life, the family had no name for what she was living with. Kourtney, the youngest of five, was seven years behind her siblings and grew up with Kristi already in a group home.

Kourtney's relationship with Kristi went beyond that of a typical sibling dynamic. She served as her sister, caregiver, and advocate, navigating the complexities of Kristi's condition and her family's evolving needs. Despite the challenges, Kourtney's memories are filled with light moments and profound connections, like when Kristi laughed at a joke no one thought she would understand, signaling that "she's in there," a realization that challenged every assumption they'd been told about her mental capabilities.

The family finally received a formal diagnosis of Rett syndrome when Kristi was 21, after a neurologist encountered a presentation by Dr. Andreas Rett, the doctor who discovered the syndrome. This brought a mixture of relief and frustration, as it came too late to change the course of Kristi's treatment, but finally gave the family a name for what they had been living with for so many years. Kourtney became heavily involved in the Rett community, both as an advocate and later as a professional, dedicating her life to helping other families and teaching children with Rett syndrome how to communicate through eye gaze technology.

In this episode, Kourtney shares her journey through anticipatory grief, the lifelong process of caring for a sibling with Rett syndrome, and the unique pain of losing not just a sister, but the person who shaped her identity. She reflects on how her life and career have been deeply intertwined with Kristi's presence, leading her to work in the Rett community as an advocate and teacher. Kourtney's story is a testament to the enduring bonds of sibling love, the complexities of grief, and the resilience it takes to rebuild a life after such a significant loss.

• (00:00:55) – Introduction to Kourtney's Family Dynamic and Kristi's Early Years

• (00:10:09) – Understanding Rett Syndrome and the Impact on the Family

• (00:18:34) – The Evolution of Kourtney's Role from Sister to Caregiver

• (00:36:42) – Kristi's Communication Breakthrough with Eye Gaze Technology

• (00:46:39) – The Final Years: Health Declines and the Emotional Toll

• (00:51:41) – Grieving Kristi's Passing and Finding Purpose in Advocacy

This Episode is Sponsored by The Surviving Siblings.

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kbjourney75

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kourtney0715/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kourtney.barnum

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast