Brave Should Be Spelled with a W(e)

Guest: Jessica Patay In part two of our conversation with guest Jessica Patay, co-founder of We Are Brave Together, the focus shifts to the organization’s development and the personal journey of its members. Jessica shares her experiences in managing the daily challenges associated with her son Ryan’s Prader-Willi syndrome, particularly his never-ending hunger which necessitates a locked kitchen to control food access. Jessica explains the origins of We Are Brave Together, which was founded in 2017. The organization has since grown to support nearly 2,600 mothers globally, proving the need for a strong support network for caregivers of children with various diagnoses. The episode also previews a significant upcoming event for the community, the launch of the anthology “Becoming Brave Together.” This book compiles 21 stories from different caregivers, aiming to validate and enrich the reader’s understanding of the caregiving experience through a tapestry of personal narratives. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences, which Jessica identifies as crucial in providing support and strength to caregivers. This part of the podcast builds on themes from part one, diving deeper into the triumphs and challenges faced by those within the We Are Brave Together network.