In this heartfelt episode, psychotherapist Christina Crowe speaks with advocate and parent Liana Cancian about the emotional and practical realities of raising a medically complex child. Liana shares her journey navigating her daughter’s rare seizure disorder, the challenges of accessing care and resources, and how community support and emotional resilience have shaped their family’s story. From cannabis therapy to founding a nonprofit for supportive housing, Liana offers insight, hope, and powerful lessons for families, educators, and allies of children with special needs.

Highlights:

1. What happens after your child gets a life-changing diagnosis,

2. What it means to live alongside your child,

3. The impact of having a medically complex child on their siblings,

4. Understanding the mandate of Close to Home Caledon, fundraising for new housing solutions for special needs children in Caledon,

5. The stories we tell ourselves and leaving a meaningful legacy.

Resources for After the Show:

• Shining Through: Finding the balance between heartache and hope while raising a child with special needs, by Liana Cancian

• Three Bolton Women Unite to find a Special Needs Housing Solution by Patti Foley

• Connect with others! Everyday Heroes Kids | Brampton-Caledon Community Living | Cassie’s Place | ErinOak Kids

• Read: The Dig Deeper Blog, especially: Finding the community that heals, by Katie Richardson

Find Christina (CRPO #3908): Website |Find a Therapist |Get Assessed by an NP in Ontario | Instagram |TikTok | X

A gentle reminder that this is not therapy, and Christina nor Katie are your therapist. If you need more one on one support or treatment, please check out the links posted above or our Resources page on our website.

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