In this week’s incredibly honest and profound episode, we sit down with Jeff Loving, a husband, proud NICU dad, and the author of Holding Onto the Light: A Father’s Journey Through Loss and Healing. Jeff shares the deeply personal, often unspoken, side of grief: the...
265: A Mother Daughter Journey Through Crohn’s Disease, Storytelling and Advocacy- Quinn + Kirby’s Story
Podcast Show Notes
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Child Life On Call, host Katie Taylor speaks with mother-daughter duo Kirby Larson and Quinn Wyatt, co-authors of the middle-grade novel Gut Reaction. Together, they share the deeply personal story behind the book: Quinn’s long journey to a Crohn’s disease diagnosis, Kirby’s reluctant but brave decision to write about their experience, and how they turned pain into purpose. Whether you’re a parent facing a new diagnosis or someone looking for hope and healing, this conversation is full of honesty, advocacy, and inspiration.
What You’ll Hear:
- Why writing Gut Reaction was therapeutic—and difficult—for both Quinn and Kirby
- The emotional toll of delayed diagnosis and the importance of self-advocacy
- How a supportive doctor changed everything for Quinn
- The role of humor, friendship, and hope in their storytelling
Resources and Links:
Child Life On Call is a podcast and platform created by Certified Child Life Specialist Katie Taylor to empower parents navigating their child’s healthcare journey. Through honest parent interviews, expert insights, and actionable tools, *Child Life On Call* helps families feel more confident, supported, and connected—no matter where they are in their medical journey.
#CrohnsDisease #GutReactionBook #ChildLife #PediatricIllness #MedicalAdvocacy #MotherDaughter #IBD #SupportSpot #CampOasis #RareDiseaseParenting
The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.
You Might Also Like…
Understanding Homocystinuria (HCU): How a mother uncovered her son’s diagnosis- Melanie’s Story
As parents, we rely on routine tests to tell us our children are healthy. For Melanie and her husband, Ryan, in Vancouver, British Columbia, it took a routine eye doctor's appointment to uncover a startling truth about their 12-year-old son, Masen, an energetic hockey...
Autism, Advocacy and the Power of a Medical ID: Tara’s Story
“You don’t have good days and bad days — you have good moments and tough moments. And if you only count the bad ones, you’ll miss all the silver linings.”- Tara Cohen In this deeply moving and empowering conversation, Tara Cohen, Executive Vice President at Lauren’s...
