Being a rare disease parent means living in a world of unpredictability—and in this powerful follow-up episode, Jessica Troiano shares what that really looks like. From a terrifying recent emergency surgery to the countless difficult decisions she’s had to make over the years, Jess opens up about the emotional and mental toll of parenting a medically complex child.
She talks about the weight of advocacy, the fear of the unknown, and how every choice—big or small—can feel overwhelming when your child has 15 medical diagnoses. But even through the hardest moments, she continues to find strength, hope, and deep love in the journey.
Sponsored by Adirondack Trust and Amsure, this episode is a raw and honest look at the side of parenting we rarely hear about. https://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
Losing a Son to Rare Disease: Parental Isolation & Grief
“When you’re a rare parent, it’s not just the disease—it’s the loneliness, the constant feeling that no one really gets it. And when your child is gone, that grief is even more complicated. Jack taught me so much. I want other parents to know they’re not alone.”
What It’s Like to Lose Your Best Friend at 18
“She was supposed to be here for the birthdays, the firsts, the little moments that feel big. But she’s not—and that’s the part that never stops hurting.”
Why I Quit My Job to Grieve My Parents’ Deaths
“I realized I’d never actually stopped to grieve. Not after losing my mom, my dad, or my marriage. So I quit my job and took a year to do it. That time changed everything—and now I’m helping others do the same.”