Lifespan vs. Wingspan — Reimagining Grief with Kate Doerge

What if everything we’ve been taught about mourning is completely archaic? In this deeply emotional and beautifully raw episode, Heather sits down with her lifelong friend, Kate Doerge—a certified grief coach, motivational speaker, author, and nonprofit founder. After tragically losing her 16-year-old daughter, Penny, to Neurofibromatosis (NF1) in 2022, Kate and her family made a radical choice: they chose to feed their faith, starve their fear, and throw out the traditional mold of dark, sorrowful mourning. Instead, they chose to flood their lives with love, light, and celebration. In this episode, Heather and Kate dive deep into: Redefining Grief: Why choosing joy after a devastating loss isn't a betrayal to your loved one—it’s the ultimate tribute. The Story of Penny’s Flight: How Penny lived more in her 16 years than most do in a hundred, and how her legacy is fueling a revolution to find a cure for NF. Shifting the Rhetoric: Better ways to show up for grieving friends instead of just saying "I'm so sorry" or "I can't imagine." Lifespan vs. Wingspan: Embracing the truth that some souls are meant to come into this world fast and furious, leaving an impact that transcends time. "We are all going to hit the mat in life. It’s all about how we decide to get back up." Grab a box of tissues, lean into your intuition, and join Heather and Kate for a groundbreaking conversation on navigating Earth University, finding your flow through the darkest waters, and learning how to love our people differently once they've passed to the other side. Kate’s new book, Reimagining Grief: Finding a New Path to Healing, Strength, and Joy After Loss, is available everywhere books and audiobooks are sold. To learn more about Penny’s legacy and how to support the mission to cure neurofibromatosis, follow @PennysFlight on Instagram or visit PennysFlight.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices