Headstrong: When a Mother's Love Becomes a Movement | Ep 090

Send us Fan MailCheryl Colleluori's 19-year-old son Nicholas had a vision to help young adults facing serious health challenges - and even though she couldn't save him, she's made sure his mission saves thousands.In this deeply moving conversation, Cheryl shares the raw truth about losing a child and finding purpose in the deepest pain imaginable.Cheryl's heartbreaking words: "I'm a mom. I'm supposed to put bandaids on it and make it better - but I couldn't fix it. I couldn't save his life."But here's what she did instead:Built the HEADstrong Foundation from her son's visionCreated Nick's Houses in Philadelphia and BostonProvided support for thousands of young adults during their toughest battlesTurned one teenager's compassionate idea into a global movementChapters:[00:00] Introduction & Hosts Preview[01:26] Meet Cheryl Colleluori[01:40] Nick's Athletic Dreams and Sudden Symptoms[03:16] The Devastating Diagnosis[04:59] Nick Creates HEADstrong Foundation From Hospital Bed[05:34] Going Home on Hospice[06:13] Nick's Final Promises and Vision[07:39] What the Foundation Does Today[08:56] Creating Nick's House[10:22] How Families Get Help[11:32] Different from Ronald McDonald House[12:27] Expanding to Boston and Beyond[13:46] Fundraising Challenges[15:01] Success Stories That Save Lives[17:37] How Cheryl Copes With Grief[19:45] Signs From Nick and the Afterlife[21:51] Starting With $67 Lime Green Shoelaces[23:37] How to Support the Foundation[24:17] Annual Gala EventWhat makes this story extraordinary:  Nineteen years after losing Nicholas, Cheryl continues fighting for his vision every single day. She's transformed her grief into a force that helps other families avoid the isolation her son experienced.Key insights:How to channel devastating loss into meaningful purposeWhy community support is crucial for young adults facing health challengesThe power of keeping promises to those we've lostHow love transcends loss and creates lasting changeCheryl serves as President of the HEADstrong Foundation and is recognized as a 2025 Titan 100 winner. She's a member of the Abramson Cancer Center Leadership Council and continues to expand Nicholas's vision worldwide.The ultimate message: When we can't save the one we love most, sometimes we can save others in their name.Learn more: HeadStrong.orgCheryl Colleluori is President of the HEADstrong Foundation and continues her son Nicholas's mission to support young adults facing serious health challenges.