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

From childhood memories of Mike singing and dancing to his career as an award-winning blues musician, Ginger’s story is one of love, loss, and the challenges of navigating life after such a tragedy. She delves into the complexities of coping with Mike’s epilepsy, which played a significant role in his passing, and how their family dynamic shaped her grief process. His unexpected passing in 2019, due to complications from epilepsy, left a profound mark on Ginger’s life, as well as on the countless others who were touched by Mike’s vibrant presence and musical talents. This episode explores the deep bond between siblings, the layers of grief, and the resilience needed to move forward when the music stops.

Ginger paints a vivid picture of her close relationship with Mike, who was nine years younger and someone she not only viewed as a brother but also cared for with maternal instincts.

Ginger opens up about the difficulty of dealing with regret, the loss of her family’s former dynamic, and the struggle to accept that her parents will never be the same after Mike's death. Yet, through it all, she emphasizes the importance of faith in her healing journey, finding solace and strength in her relationship with God as she navigates life without her brother.

Ginger offers an intimate look at how grief evolves over time, how she grappled with the second year of loss, and how the love and memories of Mike continue to inspire her. Her story is a powerful reminder that while we may never truly "move on" from losing a sibling, we can find ways to grow through the pain and cherish the memories that live on.

• (00:03:00) - Ginger’s Relationship with Mike

• (00:20:29) - Coping with Epilepsy and Seizures

• (00:28:55) - Mike’s Music Career and Legacy

• (00:36:42) - Dealing with the Unexpected Loss

• (00:51:41) - Support, Faith, and Family Dynamics

This Episode is Sponsored by The Surviving Siblings. 

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butterflyme3

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gjburroughs

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayarofflerTikTok: 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

In this heartfelt episode, Jackson shares the profound journey of losing his younger sister, Lauren, when he was just 10 years old. Jackson reflects on the unique bond they had, with Lauren’s vibrant and fearless personality, and how her sudden death in a tragic bus accident forever changed his family. Jackson opens up about the complex emotions of being the oldest, becoming an only child, and later a big brother again. He also discusses how his family coped with grief and the unique challenges of sibling loss at a young age. Throughout the episode, Jackson shares the evolution of his grief, from the initial stages to his adulthood, and how he continues to navigate it with grace and gentleness. He provides insights into the impact of grief on family dynamics, the complexity of forgiveness, and the importance of creating a community of support. Jackson also touches on his involvement in his family's organization, GrieveWell, which focuses on peer-to-peer support for those navigating loss.

In This Episode: (0:00:24) - A Brother's Reflection on Sibling Loss: Jackson recalls his relationship with his younger sister, Lauren, and the impact her fearless nature had on his life.

(0:08:58) - The Day Everything Changed: Jackson recounts the tragic day Lauren passed away in a bus accident and the shock that followed.

(0:16:12) - Grief and Growth: Jackson reflects on how he and his family dealt with grief in the years following Lauren’s death and the dynamic shift when his younger brother was born.

(0:24:57) - Evolving Through Grief: The conversation dives into the lifelong process of grief and how Jackson has experienced it through different life milestones, including preparing for his upcoming wedding.

 (0:40:00) - GrieveWell: A Community of Support: Jackson shares about GrieveWell, the nonprofit organization his family created to provide peer-to-peer grief support and its impact on those navigating loss.

To join GrieveWell’s community of hope and healing, visit them at: Website: https://www.grievewell.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grievewell/

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grievewell_a2/

 Twitter: https://x.com/grievewell?mx=2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grievewellannarbor

 Connect with Jackson: Instagram:

 https://www.instagram.com/j_stots/

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?lang=en

Website: https://www.thesurvivingsiblings.com/

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thesurvivingsiblingspodcast

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

In this episode of the Surviving Siblings podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes sisters Corrie and Brittany Fentress, who bravely share the heart-wrenching story of losing their two sisters, Ashley and Emily, to addiction and suicide. Corrie and Brittany discuss their close-knit family dynamics, the deep bonds they shared as siblings, and the devastating impact of losing not one, but two sisters. They also explore their individual grief journeys, how they have processed these profound losses, and the paths they've taken to honor their sisters' memories.

In This Episode:

- (0:01:00) - Corrie and Brittany’s Family Background

  Corrie and Brittany introduce their family, discussing the dynamic between the four sisters and their childhood memories.

- (0:02:36) - Ashley’s Struggles and Turning Point

  The sisters talk about Ashley’s battle with drugs and mental health following their parents’ divorce, including her struggles with heroin addiction and suicide attempts.

- (0:09:57) - The Day of Ashley’s Death

  Brittany and Corrie recount the tragic day they learned of Ashley’s passing, sharing their perspectives and the impact it had on their family.

- (0:18:25) - Processing Ashley’s Loss

  Brittany reflects on her journey as a twin after losing Ashley, discussing the unique grief associated with twin loss and her struggle to find herself again.

- (0:36:23) - Emily’s Battle with Addiction

  The conversation shifts to Emily’s story, detailing her struggles with addiction, mental health, and the significant losses that influenced her life.

- (0:45:35) - Emily’s Final Days

  Corrie and Brittany describe Emily’s final months, her move to Virginia for treatment, and the tragic day they learned of her death.

- (0:52:18) - Finding Purpose Through Loss

  Corrie and Brittany share how their sisters’ deaths influenced their careers in mental health and therapy, and how they find meaning in helping others navigate similar challenges.

- (0:55:50) - Supporting Others and Honoring Their Sisters  

The sisters discuss the importance of community, support, and taking time to heal, as well as their commitment to honoring Ashley and Emily’s memories through their work.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings.

Connect with Corrie and Brittany Fentress:

• Corrie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corriecares/profilecard/?igsh=MXV0dDd5dmlsdWZhYw==

• https://www.instagram.com/corriefen?igsh=MW5qc2lweHVoYmk5aA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

• Brittany’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/QyzcNAXsRmfVcYUw/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

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

Make sure to tune in for this powerful episode and join the conversation about sibling loss, grief, and healing.

In this episode of the Surviving Siblings podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Anne Pinkerton, who shares the profound story of her brother David, who tragically passed away after a fall while hiking in Colorado. Anne delves into their unique sibling bond, her grief journey, and the process of writing her book to honor David's adventurous spirit. Tune in to hear about the emotional complexities of sudden loss and the path to healing and remembrance.

In This Episode:

• (0:01:00) - Anne's Family Dynamics

• Anne discusses her unique family structure and the close relationship she had with her brother David.

• (0:04:24) - David's Adventurous Spirit

• Stories of David's love for nature and adventure, including his passion for triathlons and his travels around the globe.

• (0:09:11) - The Call

• Anne recounts the harrowing moment she received the call about David being missing and the subsequent days of uncertainty.

• (0:16:25) - Discovering What Happened

• Details of how David's body was found and the investigation into his fatal fall while hiking the Colorado 14ers.

• (0:25:20) - Grieving and Seeking Answers

• Anne talks about her journey to understand the circumstances of David's death and how she coped with the obsessive need for answers.

• (0:35:14) - Writing the Book

• The process and challenges Anne faced in writing her memoir, the significance of sharing David’s story, and her decision to pursue an MFA.

• (0:45:50) - Evolution of Grief

• Discussion on the different stages of grief and the importance of taking time to heal, including the concept of taking breaks and not rushing the process.

• (0:57:08) - Finding Community and Support

• The crucial role of finding community and support in the grieving process, and Anne's involvement in bereavement groups and writing workshops.

This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings.

Connect with Anne Pinkerton:

• Website: annepinkertonwriter.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnePinkertonWriter

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

• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annepinkertonwriter

Make sure to check out Anne’s book HERE: https://a.co/d/7PEK2wn

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

As we draw the curtain on the fifth season of Surviving Siblings, I'm overwhelmed with a mix of emotions, reminiscent of the day I faced my own sibling loss. Sharing this journey with you has magnified the courage it takes to traverse the winding road of grief, and it's clear we've all been walking it together. This finale episode is a heartfelt recap of the season's most impactful stories, from Katie's tribute to her heroic firefighter brother to Stacey's poignant confrontation with domestic violence. I bare my soul, too, as discuss my own personal trials of the past year, including my emotional reunion with my father in Mozambique and my grief experience through a miscarriage.

Our conversations throughout the season haven't shied away from the pain—instead, we've embraced it, giving voice to the often-muted experiences of sibling loss. Special guests brought their truths to the table, shedding light on the unique complexities of their grief. From grappling with multiple losses and suicide to the raw authenticity of our discussions, we've started to chip away at the taboo surrounding these conversations. The shared wisdom and hope have been life rafts in the tumultuous sea of bereavement, and I'm honored to have had these guests join us in bringing the stories of the ‘forgotten mourners’ into the light.

As we close this chapter and look toward the future, the inaugural Surviving Sibling Summit stands as a beacon of our dedication to healing and unity. The overwhelming response and the promise of a sixth season of our podcast are testament to the power and necessity of our shared narratives. I'm more convinced than ever that together, as surviving siblings, we're crafting a legacy of support and remembrance. So, as we part ways for now, remember the resources and open arms awaiting you at thesurvivingsiblings.com, and the unmistakable truth that you are never alone on this path.

This Episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings Guide. ✨Get The Surviving Siblings Guide HERE: https://www.thesurvivingsiblings.com/store/

In this Episode: 

(0:4:40) - Surviving Siblings Season Recap & Highlights

(0:31:42) - Grief Timelines and Loss Experiences

(0:43:11) - Surviving Sibling Summit

(0:51:19) - Personal and Familial Healing Journey

(1:05:00) - Healing Conversations With Dad

Connect with Maya:

Podcast Instagram: @survivingsiblingpodcast

Maya's Instagram: @mayaroffler

TikTok: @survivingsiblingspodcast

Twitter: @survivingsibpod

Website: Thesurvivingsiblings.com

Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

Patreon: The Surviving Siblings Podcast