Grief is a universal feeling that comes with the loss of a loved one, but it can also come from the loss of the life you thought you were going to live. In this episode of A Place of YES, Heather Straughter chats with Lizzy. Lizzy’s daughter has special needs like Heather’s son Jake did before he passed. Lizzy opens up about her daughter’s rare diagnosis, her responses to therapists and other professionals telling her “she ‘s asking the wrong questions,” and the joy that comes with being a parent of a medically fragile child.

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Schizophrenia & Suicide Loss: The Grief No One Talks About

Schizophrenia & Suicide Loss: The Grief No One Talks About

What happens when you lose someone you love to suicide?

How do you begin to process a loss that feels impossible to carry? In this episode, Heather sits down with Madison Reuter, who opens up about losing her ex-partner, Regis, to suicide after his battle with schizophrenia. Madison shares the raw reality of navigating this grief—losing someone so young, the struggles of suicide loss, and the complex emotions that follow. She also offers insight on supporting young people through grief, sharing what helped (and didn’t) in her experience.

This is a conversation about love, loss, and the grief we don’t talk about enough.

Watching My Mom Fight Lymphoma: Losing My Mom to Cancer

Watching My Mom Fight Lymphoma: Losing My Mom to Cancer

MacKenzie Zarzycki’s mother checked herself into the hospital for what she thought was COVID-19 shortly after she was on life support.

In this episode of A Place of Yes, MacKenzie, host of the tourism podcast Destination Saratoga All Access, shares her personal journey of losing her mother to Lymphoma, the challenges of navigating grief while welcoming a new child, and the importance of honoring memories. The conversation delves into the complexities of family dynamics during times of loss and the significance of open discussions about grief.

Remembering Jake: Honoring our Son and Coming Together for Families With Disabilities

Remembering Jake: Honoring our Son and Coming Together for Families With Disabilities

Picture this—a packed restaurant, margaritas flowing, and a room full of people who love Jake. That’s Cantina Day.

It’s more than just a tradition—it’s a celebration of his life, a space to share memories, and a reminder that grief doesn’t have to be lonely. We sat down with a few attendees to talk about the podcast, their own grief journeys, and, of course, some unforgettable Jake stories.

From helping kids take their first steps to empowering families to navigate the impossible, Joe shares the passion, innovation, and personal stories that fuel Rifton’s mission.

This episode will inspire, motivate, and prepare you to rethink how small changes can have a massive impact. Don’t miss it!

Together, they uncover the raw truths of parenting a child with special needs—from the moments of joy to the isolation no one talks about. Effie’s journey is a testament to the power of advocacy, community, and finding light in the darkest days. This episode will leave you inspired and deeply moved by the resilience of families navigating the rare disease world.