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This open conversation between co-hosts, Emily & Ashlyn, offers clear language, practical insight, and zero judgment for parents, caregivers, and anyone walking the tightrope of medical advocacy and family life.

What changes when the caregiver’s well-being becomes the foundation of the family—not an afterthought squeezed into the margins? We dig into the real-world difference between mental well-being (clear thinking, decision-making, stress management) and emotional well-being (awareness, regulation, expression), and show how both systems work together when you’re navigating complex care, hospital stays, and the relentless logistics of raising a medically complex child.

We share a raw, honest arc—from coasting on grit to running on fumes—and the moment a therapist reframed anxiety through the lens of modeling. Kids don’t just hear our words; they absorb our state. When we pause to name feelings, set a 20-minute boundary for a solo walk, or ask for help before we explode, we’re teaching emotional regulation in real time. That’s not selfish; it’s skill transmission that lifts the whole household. You’ll hear why survival mode makes “take care of yourself” feel impossible, how delayed processing can hit when the fires calm, and how grace—not guilt—creates the space to refuel without apology.

We connect the dots between caregiver health, fewer blow-ups, better decisions, calmer hospital interactions, and a higher quality of life for every member of the family. We also point you to a companion blog with expanded reasons and resources, plus a preview of our next chapter on the “how” of making change stick in a busy, unpredictable reality.

If this resonated, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review to help other caregivers find these tools. Tell us: what’s one small refuel you can commit to this week?

We kindly ask that you share this podcast with other families who might benefit from our insights and support. Additionally, please take a brief moment to leave a review on your preferred podcast platform, which helps us to reach as many families as possible who are navigating this challenging journey, so they can find our support circle and access the assistance they rightfully deserve. No one should walk this journey alone.

To get more personal support, connect with us directly at:
https://parentempowermentnetwork.org

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Join the Parent Empowerment Network Community of Hope
Get your copy of She is Charlotte: A Mother’s Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Journey with Her Child with Medical Complexities by Emily K Whiting on Amazon

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A powerful new anthem is available for parents walking the complex medical journey with their children. Emily Whiting sits down with singer-songwriter Gina Brooklyn to unveil "Through Every Storm," a song created specifically for the Parent Empowerment Network community that captures the heartache, hope, and profound love that defines raising a medically complex child.

The song's journey began over a year ago when Gina, moved by the mission of supporting parents through medical complexity, set out to transform Emily's heartfelt words into music. "Every second, every moment that I get to love you is such a gift," begins the lyrical journey that acknowledges both the privilege and pain of loving a child through medical challenges. What makes this collaboration uniquely powerful is how it balances hopeful realism – neither glossing over struggles nor surrendering to despair.

In a surprising twist of providence, shortly after writing this song for others, Gina found herself battling serious health challenges of her own. Following a severe COVID infection, she received diagnoses of POTS, mast cell activation disease, and hereditary alpha tryptasemia – experiences that brought new depth to lyrics like "If it rains or if it pours, His love will carry you through every storm." Gina vulnerably shares this personal journey, revealing how her own medical complexity has deepened her connection to the song's message.

"Through Every Storm" releases in late August, with 50% of all proceeds directly supporting Parent Empowerment Network's mission. A beautiful music video featuring Charlotte and Emery will follow on YouTube. Whether you're sitting at a NICU bedside, up at 2 AM with a child in pain, or simply needing a reminder that you're not alone, this song offers a musical sanctuary where weary parents can find rest. Download it, share it, and let it carry you through your own storms – while helping us continue supporting families just like yours.

Links to view and download "Every Storm": https://lynkify.in/song/through-every-storm/jD2JXqMe

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ0BRnPv7nM

We kindly ask that you share this podcast with other families who might benefit from our insights and support. Additionally, please take a brief moment to leave a review on your preferred podcast platform, which helps us to reach as many families as possible who are navigating this challenging journey, so they can find our support circle and access the assistance they rightfully deserve. No one should walk this journey alone.

To get more personal support, connect with us directly at:
https://parentempowermentnetwork.org

Facebook: Parent Empowerment Network
Instagram: ParentEmpowermentNetwork
Join the Parent Empowerment Network Community of Hope
Get your copy of She is Charlotte: A Mother’s Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Journey with Her Child with Medical Complexities by Emily K Whiting on Amazon

Send us a text, we want to hear from you!

When you’re caring for a medically complex child, you need help—but it’s overwhelming and exhausting to field the constant “Let me know how I can help,” “Just call me if you need anything,” or “What can I do for you?” messages. The decision fatigue for parents in crisis is grueling. We desperately need the help, but our supporters need a clear path that empowers them to actually be helpful.

That’s why Ashlyn sat down with Jordan Arogeti, co-founder of Support Now, to share a free support registry every family needs to know about. Most of us are already juggling donation platforms, blogs, group texts, social media pages for updates, and meal train sign-ups… but what if all your needs—meals, childcare, fundraising, prayer requests, volunteer help, and more—could live in one customizable, evolving registry? Hallelujah.

Support Now is built to be supporter-led, giving your friends and family a clear path to help. They can see exactly what you need, choose how they want to contribute, and adapt as your family’s needs change—all without adding to your plate. Unlike tools that fizzle out after a few weeks, the registry is designed for sustainable, long-term support during the toughest seasons.

This conversation is personal. Ashlyn was introduced to Jordan by PEN Board Member Abby Zachritz (aka Advocacy Abby), Support Now’s Director of Family Advocacy. Together, they’re making it easier to rally your “village” in real life, not just on social media.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of being asked “What can I do?” when you’re too exhausted to answer, this episode is for you. Hear why Parent Empowerment Network wants every family to know about this life-changing resource—and how Support Now is transforming the way communities show up for each other.

Resources from this episode:

https://www.supportnow.org/

Jordan's TEDx Talk: https://www.supportnow.org/

Support Languages Quiz: https://www.supportlanguages.com/

Advocacy Abby: https://www.advocacyabby.com

Connect - Database for Medical Expense Grants: https://grants.supportnow.org/

We kindly ask that you share this podcast with other families who might benefit from our insights and support. Additionally, please take a brief moment to leave a review on your preferred podcast platform, which helps us to reach as many families as possible who are navigating this challenging journey, so they can find our support circle and access the assistance they rightfully deserve. No one should walk this journey alone.

To get more personal support, connect with us directly at:
https://parentempowermentnetwork.org

Facebook: Parent Empowerment Network
Instagram: ParentEmpowermentNetwork
Join the Parent Empowerment Network Community of Hope
Get your copy of She is Charlotte: A Mother’s Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Journey with Her Child with Medical Complexities by Emily K Whiting on Amazon