LPH60: Bill Cushing Never Accepted “No” for Gabriel

What does it take to raise a child with multiple rare genetic conditions while fighting systems that constantly underestimate what your child needs? In this episode of Let’s Plant Houses, Bill Cushing shares his family’s journey raising his son Gabriel, who was born with rare genetic disorders, developmental disabilities, strokes before birth, and physical challenges that required years of therapy and support. This conversation explores disability parenting, caregiving, medical advocacy, accessibility, and life after aging out of the school system. Bill opens up about adapting their home, navigating insurance battles, planning for Gabriel’s future, and learning how to push back when systems say no. But this story is also about joy, resilience, and seeing the whole person beyond a diagnosis. Bill shares Gabriel’s love of music, art museums, the symphony, and volunteering in the community. It’s a powerful reminder that caregiving requires creativity, persistence, and a willingness to keep showing up, even when the path forward is uncertain. More about the show… Find Bill Cushing’s book of poems, A Former Life: https://finishinglinepress.com/product/a-former-life-by-bill-cushing/ Find more information about LPH host, Wendy Ernzen https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyernzen. Real stories. Real insights. Real life. Join the LPH newsletter: https://www.letsplanthouses.com/newsletter/ Follow LPH on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsplanthouses/ Follow LPH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsplanthouses/ Feel free to contact Wendy Ernzen via email: letsplanthouses.com. Thank you for leaving a review and rating for the show today!