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

 

 

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.

The Importance of Adaptive Equipment for Medically Complex Individuals | Rifton Equipment

The Importance of Adaptive Equipment for Medically Complex Individuals | Rifton Equipment

What if the right piece of equipment could restore someone’s independence? Heather sits down with Joe Keiderling, the heart and mind behind Rifton Equipment, to discuss how their adaptive designs are more than just tools—they’re lifelines.

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.