290: Kimberly Stevens Turned the Loss of Her Son into A Lifeline For Other Parents

Kimberly is a psychologist and mum from Moranbah, Queensland. Five years ago, her world was shattered when she lost her 13-year-old son, Ethan, just nine weeks after a leukemia diagnosis. Ethan was a talented young footballer, signed to the Broncos’ elite development squad — strong, determined and full of life. And then, in a matter of weeks, everything changed. In this episode, Kimberly shares those unimaginable months… from the first signs something wasn’t right to a Christmas Day hospital visit that turned their world upside down. But this conversation isn’t only about loss. In her grief, Kimberly saw how little real-time, local support exists for bereaved parents (especially in rural communities) and how quickly support can fade. From that realisation, Kids Connecting Parents was born: an app connecting grieving parents so no one has to navigate child loss alone.Griefline (1300 845 745): A national helpline, 8am to 8pm (AEST), 7 days a week.Red Nose Grief and Loss (1300 308 307): Support for the loss of a child.Cinta Insights, the new community connecting rural Australians, is proud to partner with Motherland’s summer podcast series. Join the Cinta Collective HERE to share your voice, earn rewards, go in the draw to win one of five $250 Prezzee cards, and trigger a $10 donation to Motherland in your name.Thank you to Cobram Estate for supporting the Motherland podcast. Proudly Australian and made with care, their extra virgin olive oil is grown, harvested, and cold-pressed within just hours for exceptional freshness and flavour. It’shttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia