What do you do when doctors tell you your baby won’t survive? For Jessica Troiano, the answer was simple: fight. In this episode, Jessica shares her journey of raising Jude, her 13-year-old son with a rare genetic condition, PHGDH deficiency, and 15 medical diagnoses. From navigating life-or-death moments to countless surgeries and trips to Boston Children’s Hospital, Jessica opens up about the challenges, heartbreak, and strength it takes to be a parent to a medically complex child. But beyond the hardships, she also finds joy, love, and resilience in the journey.

This is a powerful story of defying the odds, proving the experts wrong, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.

Thank you to Adirondack Trust & Amsure for sponsoring today’s episode! http://www.adirondacktrust.com

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

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

A Place of YES: Hard Conversations That Make You Laugh

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How A Place of Yes Is Changing Lives: Reading YOUR Feedback

Ready to hear how A Place of Yes is changing lives? In this special episode, Heather dives into unfiltered listener feedback that reveals the true impact of the show—from sparking courage to helping others find hope in their hardest moments.Tune in to hear Heather’s reactions and reflections on the powerful ways this community is making a difference.

Dreaming of Our Deceased Loved Ones

In this episode of A Place of Yes, Heather opens up about a powerful, comforting dream in which she reconnects with her son Jake, hearing his voice for the first time and finding peace. She reflects on the signs Jake has sent over the years, offering hope to those who have lost a loved one.