Imagine facing your mortality before you even graduate high school. Gabe Donovan knows this reality all too well. Born with NF1, a rare and complex genetic disorder that affects every part of his body, Gabe’s journey has been filled with unimaginable challenges, from painful tumors to feeling completely isolated.
In this episode of A Place of Yes, host Heather sits down with Gabe and his mother, Maureen, to discuss how this disease has shaped Gabe’s life, the battles they’ve fought together, and the resilience he’s found along the way.
It’s a raw, eye-opening conversation about strength, vulnerability, and the profound impact of living with a rare illness that constantly tests the limits of the human spirit.
Double H Ranch: https://www.doublehranch.org
Find Gabe: https://www.instagram.com/the_original_mad_gabe
Find Maureen: https://www.instagram.com/maureeneobrien/
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
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.



