This episode honors the enduring bond that even murder cannot break. We sit down with Zorimar Betancourt, whose world shattered when her son Stefano was carjacked and murdered while she drove behind him, trying desperately to help him on the phone. This conversation is raw and real, but it's filled with grace, a reminder that ever when violence steals life, it can't silence a mother's love. Learn how Zorimar tirelessly advocates for organ donation in Puerto Rico, and has made it her mission t...
This episode is dedicated to the fathers who grieve quietly but love loudly. We’re asking what it means to lose a child from a father’s perspective. Chris Wilson is here to bravely share with us the heartbreak of losing his oldest son Andrew in a tragic workplace accident. He shares how he didn't know what to do with his grief, and four years later, his biggest fear is that his son will be forgotten. This father's love is evident, as is his resiliency to keep going in a world without his son ...
Oct. 11, 2025 marks the 11th Year since Cassidy died. In this special episode of Holding the Light, I’m here to share 11 things I wish someone had told me about child loss—the truth no one prepares you for, but every grieving parent deserves to hear. Grief doesn’t end, but it changes. The things I want to share with you might not make your grief any lighter, but my hope is that sharing helps you feel less alone, in your journey. If you’re carrying the weight of child loss, or love someone who...
We’re honored to sit down with Aiden Deans, who at just 12 years old, lost his older brother Austin to an accidental drug overdose. Ten years later, he wants to talk about his experience, both then and now — the grief, sometimes anger, the stigma surrounding his passing, but always the deep love that remains. He reflects on family, addiction, finding his way forward after loss, and bravely honoring both his brother, and his grief journey. This is also conversation between Colby and Aiden, who...
Jennifer Oldham lived through a moment no parent ever imagines—when an ordinary day turned tragic, in the blink of an eye. A sudden storm. A fallen tree. And the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Hallie. In the quiet, in the pain, and in the love that endures, she has found the strength to speak—about what happened, how she’s still standing, and holding on to memories while learning to live again. How she is Keeping Kindness for Hallie. And sharing her powerful story of survival after child...
Austin Ashmore's spirit continues to impact the world, long after his life was tragically cut short by an accidental drug overdose. This podcast is the story of a mother’s plea to have others remember her son for how he lived, not how he died. He deserves that, and so does she. We uncover the legacy Austin left behind, in conversations, and the quiet strength of a mother’s love. To join the Facebook Group "Austin's Legacy" email: austinslegacy2016@gmail.com What did you think? Share y...
“It was the worst day of my life, but I’ve always been grateful for having him for 33 years.” Reaching the 10-year milestone since the passing of her 33-year-old son Wayne, Lena is finding solace in helping others embrace their grief journeys through a national network called The Compassionate Friends. But along the way, she’s also discovered she is helping herself live more fully, and more intentionally every day, for herself, and for her son. Links to resources from our interview with...
Losing a child, on it’s own, is more than enough to bear in one lifetime. But imagine losing three brothers before that and witnessing your mother’s unimaginable grief while navigating sibling loss. Then, in a 17-month span, watching both of your parents die. And two years later, hearing the news that your only child, at just 22 years of age, was killed in a car accident. Darlene Sforza calls this layered grief. As she searches for her purpose in life, along the way, she is finding hope in sh...
Sibling relationships often have a unique dynamic, shaped by shared experiences and a deep, sometimes, unspoken bond. Margaret was just 13 when her older sister and best friend Maiah, died in a tragic accident. Adolescent grief can have a profound impact on your life. Five years later, and now just 18 years old, you’ll be inspired by her mature, charming, real, and insightful perspective on sibling loss. We have opened a listener line! If there is something you’ve learned in your grief...
The holidays are here, and for those grieving the loss of someone they love, it can be so challenging. Our guest not only understands this as a grief support facilitator, but also as a widow, who lost her husband in her 20s, while raising their 3-year-old daughter. Lots to share in this special episode, including suggestions and resources to help your grieving hearts, and ways you can support bereaved friends and family this holiday season. If you or someone you love is struggling, the...
In 2013 Samantha Banerjee was pregnant with her first child, she lovingly named, Alana. Nearing the end of a textbook pregnancy and just days away from meeting her baby girl, the unthinkable happened. Alana died from stillbirth. And thus began Samantha’s empowering grief journey that has captured national attention through tireless advocacy for stillbirth awareness and prevention. Samantha, who lives in New York with her husband and two healthy children, is nationally-renowned within t...
October 11, 2024 marks 10 long years since Cassidy died. She would be 27 this year. I never thought I’d still be here, but here I am. Not only have I survived, but I have learned to live again, just differently. I’m living WITH my grief. This episode is a personal reflection on my journey. I’m here to share 10 things I have learned about grief in 10 years, including the wealth of knowledge I have gained from bearing witness to other parents’ grief in this podcast. Thank you for listening. Wha...
**This conversation includes references to violence, including experiences of a mass shooting, traumatic grief, and other details unsuitable for young children. This recording is prohibited from being copied or reproduced without permission.*** Losing a loved one to murder creates unique and complicated grief like no other. Vicki Roy is here to talk about her traumatic bereavement following Maine’s worst Mass Shooting that claimed the life of her brother Michael Deslauriers. She bravely shar...
There is something to be said about a mother’s intuition. Sandy Fisher knew something was wrong the day her 18-year-old son, Scott Junior, died by suicide. He had just entered college. Now, after 18 years of grieving his loss, and even an attempted suicide herself, she is courageously sharing her experience and knowledge. Her mission? To help students, parents, friends, and educators recognize the warning signs, ask the right questions, and seek help. Dial 988: Suicide and Crisis Lifel...
Navigating life after child loss is hard enough without the gender-based stereotype that men must somehow be strong and overcome their grief. After the devastating loss of his daughter Lila to stillbirth, Rob Reider has created a space to help nurture bereaved fathers, in a club just for men. It’s called the Sad Dads Club. A place to share loss among others who can truly understand their journey. A voice for all grieving fathers. SAD DADS CLUB helps fellow bereaved fathers navigate li...
When your child dies, it’s so hard to accept that every part of their existence is no longer possible. Mary Alexandra felt this deeply after her daughter Celina died, as life, inevitably, moves forward. This kind of grief, never goes away. But Mary shares how it IS possible to balance grief with her greatest joys. Like the wedding of her younger daughter and becoming a grandmother, all while keeping Celina’s memory alive. A message for all who are grieving. It’s okay to be sad, and happy. Ce...
When faced with the possibility that her 34-year-old daughter Jessica might die from brain cancer, Julie Brown turned to her writing for solace, which, she says, has become part of her evolution. After Jessica’s passing, this caregiving and courageous mother is now inspired to write the next chapter of her life in hopes of helping others. Resources mentioned in our podcast conversation: Building A Life: A Mother's Healing Journey of Self-Discovery by Julie Brown available at Amazon and at l...
When a horrific car accident suddenly claimed the lives of her teenage son Casey, and her husband Gus, Susan Cloutier had to dig deep to want to keep living. She shares her story of losing half of her family in an instant, parenting her angry, and deeply grieving 11-year-old son, finding love again, even contemplating ending her life. Yet through it all, she learned how to lean heavily into her faith to move forward with love and purpose. What did you think? Share your feedback in a t...
While Debbie Reynolds would not, and should not, ever say she is childless, she is now navigating a life without her only two children, Michelle and Matthew. How does a parent even begin to process the death of their young daughter, while helping an older son with sibling grief, and later, his own terminal illness? The path of healing has been difficult, but also enlightening, as Debbie candidly tells the story of her family's unimaginable journey, including what she has lea...
Suicide without warning is more common than we might think. Which is why Annette McCoy will never stop asking herself, “how did I not know?” Sometimes, even after years of searching, the answers just aren’t there. Instead of focusing on how her only child died, she is coming to terms with it, by sharing her story and her endless love for Evan. Turning that grief, into so beautifully honoring her child. Noted in this podcast is the project “Evans Rocks Around ...