Health CARES, A Nurse's Perspective Angela Keddington

This is the first in a 3 part series on Hospice.  My friend and Co-Worker Chelsea and I discuss the history of Hospice and go into a few details as to what Hospice is and why it is so important. 

In this episode I speak Stephanie, who has a unique family.  All 3 members of her family have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.  Join us as she shares her family's journey.

In this episode I speak with Julie who shares her story of her stillborn son. She shares her experiences and the traditions that they have created that help them remember and celebrate her son. She also discusses the difficulties that she has faced as she deals with her loss and how therapy continues to help her cope.

In this episode I speak with Hillary, who shares her story with the stillbirth of her twin boys. Hillary's boys were born at 21 weeks and she tells how she found peace and was able to move on after their birth.  Hillary has had 3 children since the birth of her twin boys and all of them were born early, 2 of them being extremely early.  She tells how the experiences with her twins really prepared her to be able the handle to challenges that her last 3 children brought.  She gives great advice in how to really be able to help someone who is experiencing a child loss, and gives the best advice for those who have had experiences similar to her own.

In this episode I speak with Cole and Joann about spina bifida.  Cole is a very spunky 7 year old who explains what spina bifida is, and how life is for him living with its effects.  While telling his story, he shares the things that he is able to do in spite of his challenges.  It was fun to hear him talk about playing sports and his love of skiing.  Joann details their story, how she found out about his spina bifida in her 20 week ultrasound and the decisions that they faced in helping Cole heal.  As a family, they have been very involved in helping kids and families who are going through similar challenges, even sending wheelchairs to children in Brazil.

Warning, this episode discusses components of - substance abuse, miscarriage, and rape.  Listener discretion advised.  

In this episode we speak with Melissa who discusses how she learned to deal with the effects of her past. She shares her painful story of miscarriage, and the toll it took on her mental health.  You will appreciate her candor as she walks you through her past, in the hope that her story will ease the burdens of those who face similar struggles.