After an amazing season of sharing stories, we’re taking a pause on the Lighthouse Family Retreat Podcast. Thank you for listening, supporting, and being part of this journey! While we won’t have new episodes for a while, you can still revisit and share all our previous episodes.We’re looking forward to the next chapter of serving families impacted by childhood cancer. See ya later! In this heartfelt episode, Chris Woodruff and Christy Richards sit down with Marissa Bondurant, a writer, mother of four, and passionate childhood cancer advocate. Marissa shares the powerful story of her family's journey through childhood cancer, which led her to discover a new purpose: using her experiences to encourage and bring gospel hope to others.Together, they discuss Marissa’s transition from writing updates for family and friends to creating a ministry that reaches caregivers and cancer families worldwide. They also learn about her book "Who Cares for You?," her inspiring blog, and the 31-Day Prayer Guide for Caregivers, which are resources designed to comfort and strengthen those walking through difficult seasons. Marissa also shares practical advice for staying connected, instructions for accessing her writing and guides, and a deeply encouraging message for anyone facing challenges: God sees you and will use your story for good.You can find Marissa's resources on her website.Connect with us: Website | Instagram | Facebook
In this inspiring episode, hosts Chris Woodruff and Christy Richards sit down with special guests Elise Keel, Megan Beasley, and Seamus, a Duke athlete, to discuss the transformative work of Team Impact. Team Impact connects children facing serious illnesses with college athletic teams, fostering meaningful relationships that empower kids and inspire athletes. These connections create a community of support, resilience, and joy for families navigating life with pediatric illness.Listeners will hear firsthand accounts from the Beasley family and Seamus about how Team Impact has shaped their lives. The Beasleys share their journey of joining the program, highlighting the incredible bonds formed and the emotional support they’ve experienced. Meanwhile, Seamus offers a unique perspective as an athlete, reflecting on his life lessons and personal growth from participating in this initiative. Together, their stories showcase the profound ripple effect of Team Impact’s mission on children, families, and college communities.Whether you’re a family seeking support, an athlete eager to make a difference, or inspired by the power of connection, this episode is a touching reminder of how compassion and teamwork can create lasting change.Connect with Team Impact: https://www.teamimpact.orgFollow Along On Social: Facebook | Instagram
In this heartfelt episode of The Lighthouse Podcast, hosts Chris Woodruff and Christy Richards sit down with Amy Jo Osborn, co-founder of the Austin Hatcher Foundation. Amy Jo shares the deeply personal journey that led her and her husband, Jim, to start the foundation after the loss of their first-born son, Austin, to cancer. What began as unimaginable grief grew into a mission to help other families navigate life after a childhood cancer diagnosis. Their goal is to see families thrive—not merely survive—through holistic care and support. Amy Jo opens up about the early days of the Austin Hatcher Foundation, from its beginnings in 2006 to now serving over 90,000 children and families across 24 states and 42 hospitals. She and the hosts explore the critical need for mental health resources for families touched by pediatric cancer. Listeners will gain insight into the foundation’s unique events, such as the Petit Le Mans weekend, which offers moments of healing through diversionary therapy. The episode wraps with practical advice for families seeking support, as Amy Jo explains how they can get involved with the Austin Hatcher Foundation. With Lighthouse Family Retreat embedded in her own story, Amy Jo reflects on how both organizations have become intertwined in her life. Tune in to hear her inspiring message of purpose born from pain, and discover ways to connect with the resources that can make a lasting impact. Find out more about the Austin Hatcher Foundation, by heading to their website. Follow Along On Social: Facebook | Instagram
In this episode, we dive into the world of music therapy with Austin, a passionate advocate for the healing power of music. We discuss how music impacts children and teens and explore its therapeutic potential. Austin shares insights from his background in music and explains how the Sing Me A Story Foundation empowers children to tell their stories through song. Join us as we learn how the foundation works, including how kids of all ages can create their own songs, the genres they explore, and the powerful stories that emerge. Austin also shares one of his favorite stories and offers advice on how families can get involved. Whether you’re a parent looking to inspire your children or simply interested in the transformative power of music, this episode is full of heartwarming moments and practical steps to make music a part of your life. To connect with Sing Me a Story, head over to their website: https://singmeastory.org Follow Along On Social: Facebook | Instagram
Happy Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! We have gone GOLD this month, and we hope you are, too. We love wearing our first-ever childhood cancer awareness t-shirt. This September, we are sharing all sides of childhood cancer, from medical staff to family stories to incredible non-profits and so much more! In this episode, we sit down with Mariah Forster Olson to explore her inspiring cancer journey and her vital work with the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer (CAC2). Our conversation begins with a heartfelt reflection on her personal battle with cancer, highlighting the encouragement she drew from seeing her parents lead the family with strength and grace. We also discuss how Mariah has maintained a positive attitude throughout her journey and how this resilience continues to shape her approach to life today. As the conversation unfolds, Mariah shares the origins of CAC2, detailing the needs and challenges that led to its formation. We dive into her involvement with the organization, uncovering the joys and triumphs she's experienced along the way. The episode also introduces listeners to the CAC2 Toolkit, a valuable resource designed to support families and professionals in the childhood cancer community. Mariah explains who the toolkit is for, how to use it effectively, and the various categories of information it covers, leaving listeners with a powerful sense of hope and practical tools to navigate the challenges of childhood cancer. In the intro, Chris and Christy discussed our Gold Party fundraiser event and the silent online auction. Everyone is welcome to participate in the auction, which opens on September 6th at noon. You can find out more about it here. Follow Along on Social: Facebook | Instagram