E012: Altered Expectations-- Jessica Patay

About JessicaJessica Patay is passionate about serving caregiving moms and creating authentic communities. She has always fostered deep, life-giving friendships, and is intentional about growing her community of girlfriends. As a caregiving mom herself, this passion for relationships carries on as she gathers women through We Are Brave Together - to encourage them, mentor them, inspire them, and validate their intense and precious journeys.Her own story as a mom to a child with a disability began in 2003 when her second son, Ryan, was born and diagnosed with a rare, genetic disorder called Prader-Willi syndrome.  Within two days of receiving this diagnosis, she received a phone call from a mentor mom from the Prader-Willi California Foundation. Immediately she felt relief and comfort knowing she was not alone. Thankfully, Ryan is sandwiched in the middle of siblings Luke and Kate, both fierce and loving cheerleaders and helpers to Ryan.If Jessica could show up on every mother’s doorstep with flowers, chocolate, wine, a witty-and-wise motherhood manual, and… a gorgeous banner that says, "You are not alone"-- she would.  And you never know, she just might find a way to make that happen! . The heart of the We Are Brave Together organization was born out of this desire to connect, encourage, and support.Jessica Patay fueled WABT’s growth into an international community of over 1500 moms. In the last four years, she has helped launch over 20 support groups throughout the United States, New Zealand and in Australia. She is the host of our podcast, “Brave Together with Jessica Patay,” found on Apple, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and Stitcher. Brave Together is in its 3rd season and offers a library of inspirational stories and resources for moms in the trenches of caregiving.Jessica’s favorite topics to speak on include –The Power of CommunityYou Are Worthy of Rest, Respite and ConnectionWhat Our Children Teach UsWhat About the Siblings in the Family?The Cyclical Grief in Caring For a Child with a DisabilitySelf-Care is Not a Curse WordConnect with JessicaWebsite:https://www.wearebravetogether.org/Social Media:Instagram: @wearebravetogetherAlso, get to know Erin Cuccio a bit better by checking out her writing HERE.Get started with Instacart today and receive FREE delivery with your first order of $10 or more.  Let Instacart know I sent you and help support the show by clicking HERE. Finally, be sure to SUBSCRIBE and SHARE!  Make sure you don't miss a thing by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform and share so that all your friends can find us too! Connect with ErinIG @erincucciowww.erincuccio.comOrder Any of Erin's Books  HERE