In 2024, 18-year-old Olivia Allen lost her battle with leukemia, leaving behind a heartbroken family, friends, and a community forever changed. Nearly a year later, her mother, Mellissa, her sister, Sophia, and her best friend, Aubrey, sit down with Heather to share what life has been like without her.
They open up about the reality of grieving a young life lost too soon, the unexpected ways grief has shown up, and how they continue to honor Olivia’s memory. This raw and deeply personal conversation sheds light on the lasting impact of teenage cancer loss—and the love that never fades.
Live Like Liv Foundation: https://livelikelivfoundation.org
Find Heather and Jake’s Help from Heaven:
❤️ APOY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast/
❤️ Heather’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/
❤️ Jake’s Help from Heaven: https://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/
❤️ Jake’s Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/
❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven
❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast
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FIND HEATHER & JAKE’S HELP FROM HEAVEN ⬇️
❤️ Heather’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/
❤️ Jake’s Help from Heaven: https://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/
❤️ Jake’s Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/
❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven
❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast
Connect with us on social media:
• Heather’s Instagram
• Jake’s Help from Heaven
• Jake’s Help from Heaven IG
• Facebook
• Our YouTube Channel
Keep scrolling for the episode transcript.
Checkout our other episodes
Episode 6: The Gift of the Unexpected with Jillian Benfield
In the days, months and years after losing a child; parents can be filled with guilt anytime they feel a glimmer of joy.
Episode 5: Crystal, Austin’s Mom
In the days, months and years after losing a child; parents can be filled with guilt anytime they feel a glimmer of joy.
Episode 4: Brian, Jake’s Dad (Part 2)
Together, Brian and Heather walk down memory lane in part 1, recounting the life and death of their 4-year-old son, Jake.



