Here's Hope Project

In this episode, I bring on Zackery who is the father of Virgil who was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma at 1yr old. He opens up about the emotional struggles he’s faced, how he copes, and where he’s found support. Zack addresses the stigma men face when it comes to their mental health and the emotional toll that being a father to a child with illness can have on a person.Interested in learning more about all that the Here's Hope Project offers? Visit my website at www.hereshopeproject.com You can also find me on Facebook and Instagram @Hereshopeproject

In this episode, I bring on Bhavika who is the mother of a 12 yr old boy who fought Leukemia 3x. Along with this diagnosis and other health issues, Kabir struggles with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and also went through a steroid induced psychosis. Bhavika shares her experience trying to help her son through all of this while also taking care of herself. Interested in being a guest on this podcast or learning more about all that the Here's Hope Project offers? Visit my website at www.hereshopeproject.com You can also find me on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram @Hereshopeproject

In this episode, I bring on Katie Conder who is a licensed music therapist. We dig deep into the benefits of music therapy specifically for those battling chronic illness and how it can aid in the rehabilitation process, assist with speech and language disorders and more! We talk about what you can expect in your first session with a music therapist, how it works, and we end with Katie giving you an example of something she does in her sessions!   Since the recording of this episode, Katie has since left the Melodic Caring Project. If you would like to learn more or get involved, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] (as I am also involved with the project) and you can also find them at www.melodiccaring.org   Interested in being a guest on this podcast or learning more about all that the Here's Hope Project offers? Visit my website at www.hereshopeproject.com You can also find me on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram @Hereshopeproject

In this episode I talk with Tiffany about what grief looks like for a child and how to support them through the grieving process. Tiffany is the founder of the Princess Nora’s Warriors foundation (https://noraswarriors.com) and she also hosts the Unexpected Fight podcast. Interested in being a guest on this podcast or learning more about all that the Here's Hope Project offers? Visit my website at www.hereshopeproject.com You can also find me on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram @Hereshopeproject Organization mentioned in episode: Lighthouse Family Retreat https://www.lighthousefamilyretreat.org/

In this episode I talk with Steph about what life was like with her daughter Bri who had Alexander’s disease, a rare neurological disease that effects the nervous system. We talk about her journey to receiving a diagnosis, the adversity she faced and how faith helped her through the tough times. Interested in being a guest on this podcast or learning more about all that the Here's Hope Project offers? Visit my website at www.hereshopeproject.com. You can also find me on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram @Hereshopeproject

In this episode I talk with Amanda and Zack about how having a sick child has strengthened their relationship and brought them closer together. Regardless of what illness or disability your child has, couples are challenged in ways that can really make or break a relationship. This episode should give you insight into your own relationships and how you can come out the other side stronger than ever! If you would like to reach out to Amanda & Zack or follow their journey you can find them on their son’s Facebook page, Virgil’s Journey. Interested in being a guest on this podcast or learning more about all that the Here's Hope Project offers? Visit my website at www.hereshopeproject.org. You can also find me on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram @Hereshopeproject

In this episode I talk with Kelly who is a health navigator with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. She also has a daughter named Riley who was diagnosed with infantile glioblastoma and is currently NED. We talk about how Riley’s diagnosis affected her mental health, how she copes and then how she can help you if you are new to your cancer journey. Pediatric Cancer Resources: https://nationalpcf.org/health-navigator/

In this episode I talk with Rachel who is the mother of Bella who was just diagnosed with cancer for a 3rd time. They have been on a long journey, and Rachel has written a book that goes into all that she has learned through that journey. The book is called, “Listen, You need a break.” This book is for anyone needing to connect with peace in a challenging situation. It’s a mosaic of life lessons and a guide to nurturing yourself for a more fulfilling and balanced life. We talk about some of those lessons such as how to ground ourselves, how to best deal with our emotions, and also the power that vulnerability can have on our experience.   You can find Rachel’s book on Amazon and connect with her via Facebook and Instagram @respitewithrachel

In this episode I speak with Demi who has two kids with special needs. She has a son named Ollie who has Caudal Regression Syndrome and then another son, George, who has Cerebral Palsy. Life is hard with one child so imagine how hard it is with two! We’ll spend this episode talking about what day to day life is like and the stresses that come with living this kind of life. If you would like to contact Demi you can find her on Ollie's Facebook page called "Ollie's World," her personal page Demi Brianna Porter, or you can reach her through her organization: Arizona Junior Disabled Friends.

In this episode you'll hear from Rachel who is the mom to Emi who is very medically complex. She has numerous health issues and deals with chronic pain on a daily basis. She’s had over 30 surgeries and is constantly in and out of the hospital and traveling between Texas and Ohio to receive treatment. It’s probably no surprise that Rachel and her family deal with PTSD. I’m bringing her on today to talk about what PTSD looks like for each member of the family and how they cope with it together and individually. We’ll talk about things to lookout for, some coping strategies and what to do if you think you may be struggling as well.

In this episode I will be talking with Francesca who has been battling chronic illness half her life. While she was a healthy and vibrant child, her life changed drastically at 13 when she became ill. We’ll be talking about how her identity transformed and evolved through this time in her life, the things she’s learned, and the person she has become because of her chronic illness.   If you would like to get in touch with Francesca you can find her on Instagram @always_inspire10

In this episode I talk with Erin Booth who is the mom to a Leukemia warrior named Landon. Landon finished treatment in May, but we’ll be looking back at the support and resources she used to help Landon keep up with school. We’ll also be talking about how she managed to work throughout his treatment. In this episode you will also hear about the following resources and organizations. I’ve added some additional ones too: i-ready: https://www.curriculumassociates.com/programs/i-ready-learning 504 plan: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html B+ Foundation: https://www.bepositive.org/ LLS: https://www.lls.org/ You can find and support Landon’s journey on his “Landon’s Leukemia Fight” Facebook page.

In this episode I talk with Krissie Martinez who lost her son, Zyler after complications from open heart surgery. Krissie and I talk about what life is like after child loss, how it affects the siblings, how she and her family are getting through it all, and we also talk about what others should or maybe shouldn’t say to someone who is experiencing the loss of a child.

In this episode I talk with Bree Ward who is the mom of a heart warrior named Kyleigh. Kyleigh is 8yrs old, has had 3 open heart surgeries and is diagnosed with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and restrictive cardiomyopathy which requires a heart transplant. We talk about some difficult decisions Bree has had to make throughout her journey and how she went about preparing to make those decisions. We also discuss the importance of self-care and what Bree does to recharge. You can follow and support Bree and Kyleigh’s journey on their Team Kyleigh Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TeamKyleighW

In this episode I talk with Bella who is a 2x cancer warrior. She fought and beat cancer when she was 12yrs old and then again after relapsing at 16yrs. Diagnosed with brain and spinal tumors, Bella talks about what her experience was like when she was first diagnosed. She talks about how she dealt with her emotions, how cancer has affected her siblings and more. You can find and support Bella’s Journey on Facebook by looking up her page “Bella Brave.” In this episode you will also hear about the following organizations: Seacrest Studios: https://www.ryanseacrestfoundation.org/ Camp Horizon: https://camphorizontn.org/ Melodic Caring Project: https://melodiccaring.org/

In this episode I speak with Shari Ann Almeida who is a cancer mom, advocate and author. Shari Ann’s daughter, Dakota, was diagnosed with Leukemia in April 2019 and she is now 2 years cancer free. I talk with her mom about what life is like after treatment, how it has affected her relationship with her husband, and then we also talk about her new book titled, “I See You,” which is available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.   If you would like to get in touch with Shari Ann you can email her at [email protected] or message her on Facebook

Welcome to the Here's Hope Project where your story matters, and your story creates hope. This is a podcast that explores the affects chronic illness has on a person's mental health. In this intro episode, you will learn more about me, why I'm starting this podcast, and what you can expect in future episodes.