When Fertility Battles and Cancer Collide Finding Strength Through Pain

What this episode covers

Sometimes the stories we carry are heavier than what the world ever sees. Sarah Cunningham McWilliams sits down with us to share a life marked by loss, resilience, and unexpected hope. From 14 miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies to surviving cancer in the middle of a global pandemic, she shows what it means to keep standing when life consistently knocks you on your ass. Sarah opens her heart about the quiet battles no one prepares you for, the humor that kept her sane, and the way nature and the sea became her refuge when words and medicine failed. She speaks about love, survival, and the small moments of light that pulled her through the darkest seasons. This is not just a story of pain or survival. It is about the courage to keep moving, the grace to laugh even in grief, and the reminder that strength often comes in the softest of forms. Tune in to hear a story of fierce grace from an Irish warrior woman that will irrevocably change the way you think about resilience and the hidden weight so many of us carry. Key Topics: -Enduring miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies with unspoken grief -IVF and its hidden toll on body and spirit -Confronting cancer while raising young children ..all in a worldwide pandemic -Holding on to humor as a shield in moments of deep pain -Finding refuge in sea swims, nature, and quiet resilience Quotes from the episode: "If you keep your inner voice negative, you will collapse. I had to keep saying "yes I can, yes I will." -Sarah Cunningham "I come from a long line of warrior women with soft hearts." -Sarah Cunningham "Life can look so amazing on the outside, but you never really know what's going on in the pains that are happening on the inside." -Jennifer Muldowney Timestamp: [00:00] Podcast Intro [00:22] Sarah shares how her friendship with Jennifer, her struggles with miscarriage and illness, and the resilience of Irish women shaped her way of looking at life with humor and kindness. [08:52] Sarah opens up about living with permanent health struggles, multiple miscarriages, an ectopic pregnancy, and a difficult fertility journey in America that tested her strength.  [23:30] Sarah talks about turning to surrogacy after countless miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies. She endured a painful experience with a carrier yet found gratitude in her children while carrying the unseen pain behind what looked like a perfect family. [31:30] Sarah recalls how finding a lump led to a breast cancer diagnosis, life-saving surgery, and lasting effects.  [44:51] Sarah shares how medical negligence, unprocessed trauma, and years of battles left her with PTSD.  [52:51] Sarah reflects on how IVF drugs may have fueled her cancer, exposing the profit-driven side of healthcare. She endured harsh chemotherapy and relied on her inner strength, natural supports, and the will to survive for her family. [1:14:54] Outro Connect with Sarah Cunningham: Website: https://goodgrief.ie/ Email address: [email protected] Connect with Jennifer/The Glam Reaper on socials at: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermuldowney/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@therealglamreaper YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheGlamReaperMuldowney LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermuldowney/ Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/MuldowneyMemorials/ Email us - [email protected] Shop Merch - https://the-glam-reaper.printify.me/products Listen to The Glam Reaper Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-glam-reaper-podcast/id1572382989?i=1000525524145 The Glam Reaper® AMAZON Storefront - https://amzn.to/4hObpOh