In this week’s episode of Trauma Candy Salad, we sit down together again to share three powerful and very different stories of survival, abandonment, and the quiet hurts that stay with us.

• Runner Girl brought Tootsie Rolls and told us about the night she ran barefoot from her abuser, and how the bruises faded long before the fear.

• Juniper shared her story with Jolly Ranchers by her side, about facing terminal cancer alone after her husband walked out just seventeen days after her diagnosis.

• Sombr came with Blow Pops and opened up about a painfully humiliating moment at school when her period started unexpectedly, and how the laughter that followed still lingers in her mind.

Each story reminds us that trauma isn’t one-size-fits-all—whether it’s life-threatening, life-altering, or a moment you can’t shake, it matters.

If today’s episode brought something up for you, please take care of yourself and know you’re not alone.

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📌 Resources:

• Domestic Violence Support (U.S.): National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788

• Sexual Assault Support (U.S.): RAINN – Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org

• Cancer Support: CancerCare offers free professional support – cancercare.org

• Mental Health Support: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial 988 (U.S.) for free, 24/7 emotional support

• International List of Hotlines: findahelpline.com

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If you’ve got a story of your own—whether it’s big, small, or somewhere in between—we’d love to hear it. Share your story with us at TraumaCandySalad.com.

You can also connect with us on Instagram and TikTok @TraumaCandySaladPod for episode updates and community conversations.

And remember: whatever you’re carrying, there’s always room for a little sweetness. 🍬