Live from Mix and Mingle Education Day: A Powerful Conversation with Caregivers

In this deeply moving live episode recorded at the Mix and Mingle Education Day, we brought together a powerful group of caregivers—grandparents, parents, stepparents, dads, and friends—for a heartfelt discussion about the emotional journey of caring for a loved one with cystic fibrosis.

What started as a simple idea to gather voices turned into our most beautiful and emotional podcast yet. There were tears, laughter, and unforgettable stories. We were honored to be joined by a Grief Counselor who helped guide us through the complex feelings that surfaced during our conversation.

This episode is a raw, real, and uplifting tribute to the strength, vulnerability, and love that caregivers bring to their roles every single day.

Join us for a conversation that honors the heart of caregiving and the power of community.

You’ll hear from:

(00:00:00 ) Laura Bonnell - Host - (Egypt, Foundation programs, legislation)

(00:16:49 )  Lois Teicher - CF Grandmother (Laura’s Mom) 

(00:19:05 )  Natalie Wicks Lois’s partner

(00:21:36 ) Julie Weatherhead - Grief Doula

(00:28:45 )  Sharon Tischio - CF Mom

(00:33:08 ) Cambria Whitaker - CF Mom in a queer/transgender relationship

(00:38:55 ) Theresa Dagget, MSU Clinic, Respiratory Therapist, CF coordinator

(00:49:00 ) Dorothy Stratford,CF Family Caregiver

(00:52:15 ) Jillian Rogers Smith, 33 year old CF Patient and Dad, Bill Rogers 

(01:01:40 ) CF Mom to 6 year old daughter Louisa

(01:07:28 ) Wendi Tague (Nurse Coordinator) and Claire Haglund (Social Worker) 

Present but not on the microphone were Joe Bonnell (Laura’s husband), Jeannette Bovensie (Dorothy's Mom) and Dani Nettleton and daughter.

Claire Haglund: CHaglund@dmc.org

Wendi Tague: wtague@dmc.org

Lois Teicher (Laura's Mom): Loisteicher@yahoo.com

Natalie Wicks: Piccolo35@gmail.com

Theresa Daggett: daggett3@msu.edu

Cambria Whittaker: cambriawhitta@gmail.com

Dorothy Straford: dstrat701@gmail.com

Sharon Tischio: stischio@comcast.net

Jamie Rudnycky: jamie.rudnycky@gmail.com

Julie Weatherhead: weathervanecounseling@gmail.com

Jillian Smith, Jillian's Jay Walkers: jill@jilliansjaywalkers.org   

And Jillian's Dad, Bill Rogers

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Please consider making a donation: https://thebonnellfoundation.org/donate/

The Bonnell Foundation website:https://thebonnellfoundation.org

Email us at: thebonnellfoundation@gmail.com 

Watch our podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@laurabonnell1136/featured

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