Strength Happens - Real Friends. Real Talk. Real Life.

JanineJill
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Biweekly

When two moms met in a special needs classroom, they had no idea that their daughters' diagnoses would lead to a lifelong bond - or that they'd one day start a podcast about it. Strength Happens is a raw and honest conversation between two mothers navigating the world of complex parenting, caregiving, medical systems and everything in between. Through laughter, tears and truth, Janine and Jill share the moments that shaped them - the ones no one prepares for, but somehow you survive. If you have ever felt unseen in your parenting journey...pull up a chair. You're one of us now.

  1. From Diagnosis to Purpose: A Mother's Day Story of Strength, Chronic Illness & The Purple Playas Foundation

    May 6

    From Diagnosis to Purpose: A Mother's Day Story of Strength, Chronic Illness & The Purple Playas Foundation

    This heartfelt episode shares the powerful journey of Rochelle, a mother turned advocate, as she navigates her son Parker’s complex health conditions. Her story highlights the emotional resilience, advocacy, and community support needed to face lifelong caregiving challenges—especially around Mother’s Day. Main Topics Covered: The emotional and logistical challenges of early diagnosis for children with chronic illnesses The importance of advocacy and authentic communication within healthcare systems Building community and resources through foundations to support families and children The impact of emotional coping strategies, love, and strength during difficult times How to advocate for better medical and emotional support for complex pediatric needs In this episode: Rochelle recalls the first signs and the difficult two-year wait for a diagnosis The emotional toll, including experiences of misunderstanding and false accusations The chaos of managing multiple specialist visits and long-distance travel for treatment How Rochelle turned pain into purpose by founding the Purple Playas Foundation Strategies for self-care amidst caregiving challenges, such as arts and vision boards The importance of community, sharing stories, and normalizing complex medical journeys The upcoming fundraiser supporting children with chronic illnesses and their families Inspiring insights on what real strength looks like and the power of love in caregiving Links: Purple Playas Foundation

    1 hr
  2. June 2nd. Her Day. Her Legacy: The Annual Halle Grace Toy Drive

    Apr 29

    June 2nd. Her Day. Her Legacy: The Annual Halle Grace Toy Drive

    Join us as we explore the inspiring story behind the Halle Grace Toy Drive, a heartfelt initiative born from love and loss. Discover how one family's tradition of giving has grown into a powerful movement that brings joy to children in hospitals across multiple states, honoring the memory of Halle Grace and spreading hope. Keywords Halle Grace Toy Drive, charity, childhood illness, family tradition, community impact, grief, healing, giving back, toy donations, pediatric hospitals Chapters 00:00 The Halle Grace Toy Drive: A Meaningful Tradition 01:39 Celebrating Hallie's Legacy Through Giving 04:39 Expanding the Reach of the Toy Drive 06:23 The Evolution of the Toy Drive 09:55 The Impact of Community Support 13:24 Reflections on 11 Years of Giving 16:01 The Impact of the Halle Grace Foundation 19:00 Community Support and Lasting Memories 22:25 The Power of Small Donations 24:41 Planning and Organizing the Toy Drive 27:27 Strength in Community and Legacy 30:16 Lessons Learned and Continuing Hallie's Legacy Resources Halle Grace Foundation - https://thehallegracefoundation.org Benevity - https://www.benevity.com Amazon Wishlist for Halle Grace Foundation - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/8YKCEN8SE91R/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1 Instagram - Halle Grace Foundation - https://www.instagram.com/hallegracefoundation

    33 min
  3. Real Stories of Autism: One Mom, a Team of Engineers and a Mission To Build an Inclusive Playground

    Apr 15

    Real Stories of Autism: One Mom, a Team of Engineers and a Mission To Build an Inclusive Playground

    This episode dives into the inspiring story of Lindsey, an engineer involved in Florida Engineering Leadership Institute (FELI), who leveraged her skills and community connections to create a much-needed accessible playground for children with autism. Hear about the power of parent advocacy, community partnerships, and how one project can ripple into lasting social impact. Key Topics: Lindsey's journey from parent of a child with autism to a community advocate and engineerThe importance of accessible playgrounds for children with sensory and mobility needsHow FELI's class project fostered cross-sector collaboration for community benefitThe process of designing, funding, and building a specialized playgroundThe role of community partners, volunteers, and fundraising in making large projects possibleNavigating the challenges of medical, behavioral, and developmental issues during adolescenceStrategies for parents to identify and fill gaps in accessible community resourcesThe significance of shifting from autism awareness to acceptance and inclusionThe impact of parental advocacy on education and community infrastructurePersonal reflections on resilience, purpose, and the power of collective actionFELI - Florida Engineering Leadership InstituteAutism Inspired AcademyTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Lindsey's story and project significance02:00 - Lindsey's background as a parent and engineer in FELI04:30 - Building awareness and community support for accessible playgrounds06:15 - The FELI class project: from concept to execution08:45 - Collaboration with Autism Inspired Academy and local contractors10:30 - Fundraising, budgeting, and resource mobilization12:20 - Design features: communication boards and inclusive activities14:00 - Overcoming logistical and medical challenges16:30 - Personal growth, leadership, and advocacy reflections18:45 - The importance of community partnerships and volunteer efforts20:55 - Transitioning from awareness to acceptance, and community inclusion23:10 - The ripple effect: empowering families, schools, and neighborhoods26:00 - Final thoughts: parents as changemakers and building belonging Resources & Links: Connect with Lindsey:Join us for an empowering conversation about harnessing professional skills to foster community belonging and inclusion for children with disabilities. Lindsey’s story reminds us that collective efforts rooted in love and purpose can transform lives and communities.

    41 min
  4. Real Stories of Autism: Raising a Son With Autism and Changing Florida Law Because of It

    Mar 31

    Real Stories of Autism: Raising a Son With Autism and Changing Florida Law Because of It

    In this heartfelt episode, Mom Caryn and Son Dalton share their inspiring journey of advocacy and independence that led to a significant change in Florida's driver’s license system for individuals with disabilities. Discover how dedication and community engagement can create lasting impact and empower families facing unique challenges. Key topics: The importance of real stories and connection during Autism Awareness MonthCaryn’s advocacy journey to add the disability indicator ("D") on Florida driver’s licensesDalton’s achievements in employment and sports, exemplifying independence and capabilityThe powerful role of community support, including sheriff Grady Judd’s leadershipThe lengthy process and perseverance required to influence policy changePractical steps for families to advocate for their loved ones and create systemic changeThe significance of community awareness and sharing impactful storiesFlorida DMV – Adding Disability Indicator to Driver’s LicenseCaryn’s advocacy is a testament to how community support and perseverance can lead to meaningful change.Dalton exemplifies independence, leadership, and the joy of participation through his work and sports.This episode encourages listeners to support systemic changes that enhance safety and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

    33 min
  5. Development Disabilities Awareness Month: Recalibrating Expectations

    Mar 17

    Development Disabilities Awareness Month: Recalibrating Expectations

    summary This episode explores the personal and emotional journey of families living with developmental disabilities, emphasizing the importance of awareness, understanding, and redefining perceptions. Hosts Janine Harrity and Jill share insights, stories, and lessons learned about raising children with complex needs and fostering an inclusive society. Keywords Developmental Disabilities, Family Stories, Awareness, Inclusion, Parenting, Special Needs, Personal Journey, Society, Education, Support Key topics Understanding developmental disabilities Personal stories of families The importance of awareness and inclusion

    32 min
  6. Rare Disease Day and the Strength in the Unseen

    Feb 28

    Rare Disease Day and the Strength in the Unseen

    This episode explores the realities of living with rare diseases, the importance of awareness, and the power of community and advocacy. Jill and Janine share their personal journeys with their children’s rare diagnoses, emphasizing the need for understanding, support, and systemic change. keywords: rare disease, zebras, medical advocacy, diagnosis, community support, rare conditions, healthcare, patient stories key topics: Living with rare diseases Importance of diagnosis and advocacy Building community and support networks Chapters: 00:00 Raising Awareness for Rare Diseases 05:13 The Challenge of Undiagnosed Conditions 10:13 Transitioning to Adulthood 15:13 The Importance of Understanding Rare Diseases resources: Rare Disease Day Official Site - https://www.rarediseaseday.org/ Camp Bogg Creek - https://www.boggycreek.org/ PubMed - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

    21 min
  7. More Than a Tube: Our Journey to Acceptance, Learning and Advocacy

    Feb 10

    More Than a Tube: Our Journey to Acceptance, Learning and Advocacy

    In this episode, Jill and Janine share their deeply personal experiences as mothers navigating the challenges of feeding tubes for their daughters. They discuss the emotional journey, the impact on parenting, and the importance of acceptance and advocacy in their children's care. Through their stories, they highlight the significance of nutrition, the role of feeding therapy, and the normalization of feeding tubes in public settings, emphasizing that parents are not alone in this journey. In this conversation, Janine and Jill share their experiences navigating the challenges of parenting children with feeding tubes. They discuss the emotional and practical aspects of managing feeding tubes, the importance of family mealtime, and the normalization of medical equipment in their children's lives. The conversation highlights the need for support, tips for managing feeding tubes, and reflections on the impact of feeding challenges on family dynamics. Ultimately, they emphasize hope and healing in the journey of parenting children with medical needs.

    57 min
  8. Advocacy Series: Advocacy Burnout. Real. Heavy. Rarely Named.

    Jan 28

    Advocacy Series: Advocacy Burnout. Real. Heavy. Rarely Named.

    In this episode, Janine and Jill discuss the often-overlooked topic of advocacy burnout, particularly in the context of caregiving for children with medical needs. They explore the emotional toll that constant advocacy takes on caregivers, the symptoms of burnout, and the importance of self-care and support networks. The conversation highlights the grief associated with advocacy, the need for caregivers to teach their children to advocate for themselves, and the impact of burnout on family dynamics. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of acknowledging one's struggles and finding strength in vulnerability. #AdvocacyBurnout #SelfCare #ParentingJourney #MentalHealthMatters #SupportSystem #Resilience #Advocacy #Caregivers #EmotionalWellness #YouAreNotAlone

    46 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

When two moms met in a special needs classroom, they had no idea that their daughters' diagnoses would lead to a lifelong bond - or that they'd one day start a podcast about it. Strength Happens is a raw and honest conversation between two mothers navigating the world of complex parenting, caregiving, medical systems and everything in between. Through laughter, tears and truth, Janine and Jill share the moments that shaped them - the ones no one prepares for, but somehow you survive. If you have ever felt unseen in your parenting journey...pull up a chair. You're one of us now.

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