"Combining my personal experiences as a mom with my professional role has given me a unique perspective on the challenges families face and the solutions they need." - Jaclyn Pederson In this insightful episode, host Katie Taylor speaks with Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of...
Episode 65 | Holly’s Story – A son with Hereditary Spastic Paraparesis (HSP)
Podcast Show Notes
“I think this may be a parent’s worst nightmare.”
Katie, Certified Child Life Specialist interviews Holly, mom to three children living in Northern California. Holly’s son, Austin, was typical until just after his 1st birthday, then started regressing in gross motor including balance and weak tone and eventually spasticity, which is their biggest concern to this day.
Holly has a sense of humor and outlook that will make you instantly feel connected to her and her family. She talks about the crazy amount of testing that Austin had to go through to find his diagnosis and she also shares stories of what NOT to say to parents who have kids with special needs. My favorite part of our conversation is when Holly talks about how she hates playgrounds but found a way to turn that passion into something for good, their foundation Walk With Austin.
Follow Walk with Austin:
Have you heard? The Child Life On Call mobile app for parents, kids and their care team will be available in 2022. Sign up to stay informed here.
Child Life On Call is a community of parents and professionals that share ideas, stories and resources to help YOU navigate your child’s unique experiences. We give you strategies to support yourself and your family through life’s challenges. We are so glad you are here.
You Might Also Like…
225: Embracing Alopecia: A Mother’s Journey of Advocacy, Instincts, and Resilience-Lexi’s Story
"I feel like I owe it to him to explore other avenues. Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up; it means continuing to learn and adapt."- Lexi In this episode of Child Life On Call, Katie Taylor speaks with Lexi, a devoted mother of two, about her family's journey with...
223: A son with Burkitt lymphoma at 8 year’s old – Reina’s Story
"My immediate thought was I'm going to lose my son. That was where my head went immediately." - Reina Introduction In this episode of Child Life On Call, Katie Taylor talks with Reina, a devoted mother from Nashville, Tennessee. Reina shares her heartfelt journey of...
