What’s it like to raise a child with a rare disease? In this episode of A Place of Yes, Heather connects with Jeff Ames, whose daughter Tessa lives with Dravet syndrome. As rare disease parents, Heather and Jeff share the unique struggles and unexpected joys of raising a child in a world that feels so different from everyone else’s.
They discuss the emotional toll, the constant challenges, and the overwhelming love that defines their journeys. It’s a conversation about resilience, community, and what it means to live a life that few others can truly understand.
FIND HEATHER & JAKE’S HELP FROM HEAVEN
❤️ Heather’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/
❤️ A Place of Yes Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast
❤️ 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
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio
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
Cait, Jake’s Nanny
Cait, the beloved nanny of the Straughter family joins Heather for this episode. At just 21, Cait embarked on a journey of caring for Jake.
Mark, Kelly’s Husband
Mark shares the emotional story of losing his wife, Kelly, to cancer and raising their two children alone.
Tara, Sofia’s Mom
From Sofia’s healthy birth to the virus that altered her life forever, Tara discusses the challenges of raising a child with special needs.



