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This is the 3rd and final part of Olivia's story. On this episode of the Widow Fire podcast, we explored the resilience and courage it takes to keep moving forward after loss. Olivia shared her powerful journey of becoming a young widow, finding moments of relief, heartbreak, and hope while raising her son Jack. Together, we opened up about anticipatory grief, the complicated logistics after loss, and the everyday fight to reclaim self-identity and healing. Olivia's story is a testament to the power of community, honest conversations, and the reminder that while life may never be the same, you can still build something beautiful, honor your loved one, and become stronger, step by step.

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This is Part 2 of Olivia's story. We shared an unfiltered look at resilience in the face of unimaginable grief. Olivia opened up about her journey through pregnancy, loss, and caring for her husband as he battled brain cancer, capturing both the pain and fierce strength that comes with being a young widow. This episode is a powerful reminder that, no matter how hopeless things feel, having the right support system—and believing in your own inner fire—can help you carry on. If you or someone you know is navigating a similar path, you’re not alone.

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This is part 1 of Olivia's story. Olivia shares her journey of love, loss, and resilience after losing her husband to brain cancer. We discussed the challenges of caregiving, the emotional rollercoaster of IVF and infertility, and the deep impact of finding community through grief. Olivia’s story is a testament to strength, hope, and the power of connecting with others who understand this unique pain. If you’re a young widow or support someone who is, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone, and that healing can come from sharing and listening to others’ experiences.

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Welcome to the final installment of our story. Casey recounts the harrowing days spent navigating the complexities of the NICU, recovering from a traumatic birth, and supporting her husband through experimental treatments—all while holding her young family together far from home. During this challenging time, all three—Casey, Georgia, and Joel—found themselves as patients at Duke, navigating medical appointments and heartbreak together. With courage and unflinching honesty, Casey opens up about the unimaginable stress, the small moments of joy amidst devastation, and the support that helped her survive her darkest days. This story is not only about grief, but also about resilience, hope, and the fierce spark that keeps us moving forward even after life’s greatest losses. Whether you’re a young widow, a supporter, or someone navigating your own grief, this episode serves as a testament to healing, love, and the fire within us all.

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In this third deeply personal episode, I open up about one of the most intense and pivotal months of my life—March 2024. Five months pregnant, and freshly referred to Duke’s renowned Brain Tumor Center for my husband Joel’s care, our little family—including our two beloved dogs—embarked on a journey full of uncertainty and fragile optimism.

As I recount this chapter, I’ll take you through the whirlwind of hospital intakes, the hopefulness and heartbreak that come with waiting for a new cancer diagnosis, and finding fleeting moments of joy amidst the chaos—like squeezing in a maternity photo shoot, even as the shadows of grief loomed large. Together, we’ll navigate the emotional rollercoaster of advocating for Joel while trying to prepare for our daughter Georgia’s arrival—when an unexpected medical emergency of my own threw us into even deeper waters.

This episode is a raw look at surviving as a caregiver, a soon-to-be mom, and, eventually, a widow. I’ll share the physical and emotional challenges of a high-risk pregnancy, the importance of reaching out for support, and those small, stubborn sparks of hope that kept us going—even when life spun completely out of control.

If you’re a young widow, a caregiver, or someone simply seeking honest stories of love and loss, I invite you to join me for this episode as we continue to find meaning and light—one story at a time.

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In this second deeply personal episode, I open up about the years following my husband Joel's initial battle with brain cancer—from those tentative first steps back into normalcy, through the emotional rollercoaster of navigating IVF and infertility, to the crushing return of Joel's illness just as we finally celebrated getting pregnant with our long-awaited miracle baby.

You'll hear how we balanced careers, ambitions, and moments of joy, like international travels and graduation parties, all while facing relentless medical setbacks. I share the heartbreak and determination behind every decision, the support of friends and faith, and the relentless hope that kept us moving forward even in the darkest days.

Join me as I recount the strength, the sorrow, and the small sparks of happiness that shaped our journey—a reminder that, even amid unimaginable loss, there's a fierce spark inside each of us that keeps us going. If you're walking a similar path, or know someone who is, this episode is for you.

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Welcome to the very first episode of the Widow Fire podcast. In this deeply personal and heartfelt introduction, Casey shares the story of her relationship with her late husband, Joel, who passed away from brain cancer in 2024. Casey takes us on a journey from her and Joel’s teenage years working at neighboring shops in Florida, through their on-again, off-again college romance, their simple but meaningful wedding, and the life they built together in Kentucky.

She describes the joy of their early years, the excitement of buying their first home, and the dreams they shared—only to be shaken by Joel’s shocking cancer diagnosis at age 29.

Episode one is an intimate, honest look at young widowhood, resilience, and the fierce spark that keeps moving us forward, making it a must-listen for anyone experiencing loss or supporting a loved one through it.

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On this episode of the Widow Fire Podcast, I shared the heart behind why I launched this space—a place for young widows, solo parents, and anyone navigating unimaginable grief. After losing my husband to brain cancer just months after our daughter was born, connecting with others in similar situations has been my lifeline. Widow Fire is all about honest conversations, building community, and helping each other feel less alone as we rebuild our lives. If you or someone you know needs support through loss, tune in—healing together starts here.

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