Katy shares about her daughter Charlotte and how her surgeries that left scars inspired her to write a book about seeing scars in a positive way. Finding out about her daughter’s diagnosis at 32 weeks on a Thursday morning and then welcoming Charlotte that Friday evening, talk about a whirlwind!  Katy shares so many truths that will resonate with parents and how Charlotte has changed her life forever.

[5:00] Katy introduces herself

[6:23] Deciding what to share and not share

[8:44] Finding your tribe and shared experiences

[10:32] The diagnosis was a complete surprise

[11:59] Abnormalities on the ultrasound on a Thursday morning

[12:46] Being admitted to the hospital at 32 weeks pregnant

[13:31] Emergency C-section on Friday evening

[15:51] Getting cliff notes for diagnosis and drew photos to explain

[17:02] That numbing feeling of receiving a diagnosis

[18:23] Thinking of her husband and how it unfolded for him

[21:25] Wedding rings gone missing

[24:36] Placing value on people rather than things

[26:14] Meeting Charlotte for the first time

[30:55] Becoming close with the staff

[34:44] Importance of a support system

[37:50] Finding an expert who knew her diagnosis

[39:42] Balancing time between home and schools

[41:45] Milestones hit a little differently

[46:43] Inspiration to write a book

Connect with Katy

Instagram

Website

Book

Whether you are a parent or professional, we want you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Parents, download our free parent starter kit.

When you download our starter kit, you’ll learn how to:

• Give medicine to your child without it becoming a wrestling match
• Prepare your child (and yourself) for a shot so they can feel less anxious
• Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn’t send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you’re facing.

Child life specialists, get affordable PDUs on-demand here.

Shop for your CLOC gear here.

Catch up with CLOC on Instagram, Facebook and meet Katie for a Q+A every Monday at 10 AM CST.