Beautiful Strength: The Podcast

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The Beautiful Strength Podcast features interviews about diversity, resilience, overcoming obstacles, celebrating the human spirit, and laughing while tackling life’s challenges.

Beautiful Strength


    • Mar 1, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 51m AVG DURATION
    • 101 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Beautiful Strength: The Podcast

    Faithbound

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2022 45:58


    Today's episode comes from San Antonio, TX. Annette sat down with Desmond and Mary. Desmond's late wife and Mary's sister Debra,  founded Faith Bound Street Ministry in 2015. Their Mission Statement starts with a quote from the Bible. It states in Deuteronomy 15:11 "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you shall open wide your hands to your brother, to the needy, and to the poor."    Faith Bound Street Ministry is committed to extending their hand and opening their hearts to every individual they serve. Their mission is to help restore the lives of individuals living in homelessness with the faith, hope, and love given to them by their savior, Jesus Christ.    

    Vincent Robinson

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2022 37:31


    Today's episode is Vincent Robinson, in San Antonio Texas. Vincent was born in San Antonio Texas. He came from a broken home that dealt with a lot of mental health issues along with alcoholism in his family. At the age of 14 he joined a local gang and began to go down a troubled path. In 1991 Vincent was shot in the lower back (spinal cord) and it caused neuropathy in his lower body. As a result he couldn't walk for almost a year. After recovering from the gunshot wound he continued down a spiraling path that led to him to seven years of his life incarcerated. Ten years ago he gave his life to Christ and wanted to see a change in the environment he grew up knowing so well. Vincent wanted to serve the community with humility and support; offering different types of services available to the community. The Harper's Chapel Baptist Church, which Vincent is now the Pastor of, resides in the most impoverished-stricken zip code in San Antonio. The vision he had is to offer necessities and assets needed to get this community back to stability. There is a mobile shower that comes to the church every Wednesday, along with Texas Workforce Commission, San Antonio Police Department, and several universities that come out and offer different resources for the residential and homeless community. Robinson's goal is to continue to be a community church for the community. (https://harperscbc.com)

    Storme Hannan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2022 91:50


    In this episode, we're in Gulfport, MS with Storme Hannan. Storme has an incredible story of survival and resilience. She was born in England and grew up in an unstable and abusive environment which led her to teen years filled with rebellion, dangerous coping mechanisms, and an abrupt move to the states. She was institutionalized more than once and struggled with addiction. Storme has persevered and is currently running a very successful Airbnb business, traveling the world, and inspiring others to tell their stories.

    Lita Edwards Benduhn

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2022 29:30


    Lita Edwards Benduhn, owner of Metamorphosis Ink in Dunedin FL motto is  “Transforming scars, transforming lives, one drop of ink at a time.”  Lita is using her amazing skills as a  tattoo artist to help others through the healing of tattooing. Lita has worked with cancer patients creating masterpiece mastectomy tattoos, cutting and scar coverups, burn victims, and a variety of skin scarring that most tattoo artists shy away from. Lita provides a safe space for her clients to share their stories and works with them to transform their scars into beautiful works of art.   In this episode we also hear from Chris. Lita and Chris are currently beautifying Chris's arms covering up childhood scars from cutting. Her tattoos are giving her confidence to show her arms, confidence in her workplace, and have created a lifelong friendship.   For more information about how to book Lita or another talented artists at Metamorphosis Ink head on over to https://www.metamorphosis-ink.com 

    Ramiro Romires

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2022 17:25


    In this episode we're sitting down with Ramiro Ramires. Ramiro came to the US in his early 20s and worked hard in the tomato fields as well as numerous other jobs. He later became a member of the maintenance team at the Everglades Alligator Park. Hard work, determination, and a mind set on succeeding, Ramiro saved until he was able to open his own business. Years later, Ramiro has created a world where his success is not only in the 2 restaurants that he owns as well as the multiple properties, but in the success and opportunities he is opening up for others. Ramiro is respected and loved by his employees as well as by the city of Florida City and Homestead.    If you're ever in the Florida City area, stop by Taqueria Morelia at 961 W Palm Dr, Florida City, FL 33034  

    Heather Belle Tattoos

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2021 41:27


    In this episode we sit down (ok technically Annette is getting a tattoo at the same time!) with Heather Belle, a tattoo artist from Columbia, SC. Belle has always been into art since she was a kid, but tattooing wasn't legal in South Carolina when she was younger so she had no career path planned out. She was the outcast, artsy kid that everyone thought was weird. After a while she started to embrace that aspect of herself and love the artist and the person she had become and was becoming. Tattooing fell into place at the perfect timing when she needed it the most and she loves what she does more than anything in the world. Belle loves being able to make people happy with her art and give them a gift they get to keep forever. Heather tattoos people's lives, things they love, people they love, memories, hobbies, etc. She gets to be part of their journey of life for a few hours and connect with them. Belle has the honor of being part of their story. She makes people smile everyday and that is what makes her the happiest of all. According to Belle, “Life is an amazing journey if you can trust the process and look for art and beauty in all things and NEVER stop following your dreams.”

    Carol Morris - Happy Place Market & Mercantile

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2021 46:33


    Carol Morris has always dreamed of opening her own store. She took that opportunity once Covid slowed down. She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis a bit over six years ago and needed to switch her work environment to reduce her stress level and spend her days in a place that felt like home to her. That is why she calls this My Happy Place. She hopes you call it that too!!

    Spread The Positive Follow Up Interview

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2021 53:11


    This is a cross episode with the Spread The Positive Podcast. Trent Denson interviews Annette about all the recent developments with Beautiful Strength and what is coming up! 

    Founder Annette McNamara

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2021 56:17


    If you're a new listener to Beautiful Strength: The Podcast and you wonder how this all started and why are we doing what we're doing, this is a great episode to listen to. Our Founder, Annette McNamara, explains the passion behind this project and what it's taken to get this sucker mobile. This is part 1 of a 2 part series, where you get the pleasure (or torture!) of listening to Annette…all by herself. 

    Kris Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2021 60:01


    In this episode Annette is in White Bear Lake, MN with Kris Erickson. Kris is a mom of three, a wife, and a nurse. She talks about raising her youngest child with medical complexities and disabilities in a world without a handbook. Kris has a strong faith and an unapologetic foul mouth. Cursing is like adding purple to a sentence, it's just prettier. This life is hard and hard is hard. There's no numerical value for hard. We talk about some of the hard topics of this life. Kris spends her life advocating like a mother for her kids and those living with disabilities and will do so until she draws her last breath

    Kristin Marcus CHAPS

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2021 33:56


    In this episode we are in Sheridan, WY with the Executive Director, Kristin Marcus, of CHAPS. CHAPS: Children, Horses, Adults in PartnerShip (CHAPS) Equine Assisted Therapy. Kristin talks about the benefits of human-horse interactions and how Equine Assisted Services can be highly rewarding and work on several different levels. CHAPS has several different programs which can be physically rewarding, but also mentally and emotionally as well. To learn more, donate, or volunteer please visit the CHAPS website at www.chapswyo.org

    Jackee Taylor "Relative Unknown"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2021 73:27


    This week's podcast out of Billings, MT may be the most thrilling and wild podcast yet. A father who was a former member of the most notorious motorcycle club in history turned informant. A confession to an unsolved murder. A life filled with complications and challenges acquired from the shortcomings of the witness protection program. A double murder suicide. And one badass woman who survived it all. To say Jackee Taylor could make a movie out of her life would be an understatement. This episode is a summary and extension of Taylor's life story podcast called “Relative Unknown.” A 10 part series that keeps you on the edge of your seat from the start. Available on Apple Podcast and Spotify. Also follow “Relative Unknown” on Instagram @relativeunknownpod

    Carol Swartz: Jeannette Rankin Peace Center

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2021 30:29


    In this episode Annette sits down with Carol Schwartz from the Jeanette Rankin Peace Center in Missoula, MT. JRPC's mission is working together for nonviolence, social justice, and environmental sustainability. They believe Peace must include the way we each live our lives and the thoughts, actions and speech that supports peace (nonviolence), the way we treat others (social justice) and the way we treat the planet (environmental sustainability). The Jeannette Rankin Peace Center is a resource to engage the community toward this goal. We focus our work on conversations that matter, connections with others and education. Together we are learning to BE the change! Find out more about the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center at jrpc.org

    Antoinette Mell

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2021 54:49


    This week's interview is with 39 year old Antoinette Mell. Mell is a resident of Vancouver, WA and a labor and delivery nurse. What started out as a conversation about Covid and the various different challenges she faced as an essential employee in the medical field on the front line, turned into a rather entertaining and funny podcast of two new friends getting to know each other. Mell is a wife (to a former high school alum same as Annette), and a mom of two young children as well as a teenage son, a self proclaimed stand up comedian (even if her audience is just her reflection in the mirror) and a woman who finds life requires a lot of laughter. This podcast is a fun one. We hope you enjoy.

    Amanda Nystrom

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2021 86:25


    In this episode Annette sits down with Amanda Nystrom. Amanda has a really incredible story and has overcome so much. She suffers from a rare disorder called ehlers-danlos syndrome. Despite this Amanda has an amazing outlook on life and is passionate about living a life of purpose. Listen in for the full story! 

    Kayla Powell

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2021 16:48


    This week Annette is in Bozeman, MT with Kayla Powell, the coordinator for the nonprofit, Greater Impact. Their mission is to serve their community and provide a hand up to those in need through acts of service such as automobile repair, housing, and employment. Their core values are Honor, Empowerment, Innovation, Generosity, and Positivity! 

    Saul Martinez

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2021 50:15


    This week we have a special episode of the Beautiful Strength podcast. Annette sits down with Saul Martinez. Saul has an incredible story, he is a former Army Infantryman and Purple Heart Recipient, originally from Southern California, Saul made Bozeman home for his wife and two kids almost 10 years ago shortly after participating in a WQW Fishing Experience. Saul enjoys any time he spends with his family and friends. He is currently a brand ambassador for the Parsons Extreme Golf (PXG) brand, an avid fly-fisherman, amateur calligrapher, and a so-so ukulele player.  This podcast is dedicated in the honor of Sergeant Blake Stephens and Specialist Kyle Little.

    Krista Lindquist

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 50:04


    This week Annette sits down with Krista Lindquist! Krista has a really amazing story and is definitely a great example of all the things that Beautiful Strength is looking to bring light to. She is a mom, a personal trainer, a yoga instructor, group fitness coach and more! Clearly she is all about health and wellness and helping people be the best version of themselves! Listen in for Krista's full story and the awesome way her and Annette connected! 

    Chelsea Gibson

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2021 44:12


    Today we sit down with Chelsea Gibson. Chelsea is polite, beautiful, and has a smile that lights up a room (or better yet, an entire Vanfest!). From the moment I met her I knew I wanted us to be friends. The more she talked and the more I listened, I realized she’s even more badass than I thought! Wife, mom, Veteran, and technology professional, she’s a female who has worked her ass off in traditionally male-dominated roles and rose to the top of her field. She’s overcome many obstacles in her life, and has used them to catapult herself into the life she is living today. We discuss drug use, life decisions, family life, being a mom to two young boys, military service, marriage, being a woman, and sexual assault. Chelsea has used her pain and life situations and found a voice of empowerment for other women. She tells her story because she knows someone else out there has gone through a similar situation and by telling her story she hopes it comforts and empowers others to heal from their own story. 

    Jessica Rambo + Adam Gibson

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2021 51:49


    In this episode we sit down with Marines Adam Gibson and Jessica Rambo. Both Skoolie dwellers and veteran badasses who share the same love of Siemper Fi and a Once a Marine Always a Marine mentality who continue to find family on the road. Adam and Jessica talk about enlisting, undeniable comradery, difficulties of being a marine, the honor they had in serving, life after discharge, and what they are doing in their own circles to make impacts on the lives of other Veterans.    

    Angie + Jon + Zoe

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2021 52:57


    As described on John’s Instagram, he is an Alpha Amputee Holman Grown who is loving life, his wife, and his kids. John wants to help those he can on their road to happiness while also honoring your journey. John wanted to include his beautiful wife Angie into the podcast as well to gain her perspective on his amputation and how her strength and determination held their family together through one of the toughest times of their marriage. We talk about love, loss, fighting internal demons, and coming out the other side stronger than ever. John is a true leader and motivator and a positive force in this world.

    Chapel Hart

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2021 60:26


    Super special episode of the Beautiful Strength Podcast. This week I sit down with Chapel Hart! If you aren't already familiar Chapel Hart is an American country music vocal group from Poplarville, Mississippi. The group's members are sisters Danica Hart and Devynn Hart, and their cousin Trea Swindle  These three ladies are making major waves in the country music scene and have a really amazing story! You don't want to miss this one! Be sure to follow them @chapehart on all socials! 

    Katherine Klimatas

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2021 43:15


    Katherine Klimitas is an author, artist, speaker, author, and graphic designer. She has Osteogenesis Imperfecta, better known as Brittle Bones Disease. By the age of 10, Catherine had broken over 500 bones. Her story is one of determination and resiliency. Katherine has an incredible outlook on life and does not let her situation dictate her happiness. She founded her company KAK Art and Design in 2011 and has focused her efforts on bringing joy to everyone who comes in contact with her and her amazing story. Katherine is really an amazing example of what Beautiful Strength is all about! Be sure to follow her on all her social media assets! 

    Gloria Ward

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2021 13:28


    Glo is a 73-year-old and lives in New Orleans. She doesn't take any medicine, grows all her own food, and is passionate about creating/teaching sustainable life practices to the NOLA youth. Her motto is "if you can't touch it with love, don't touch it at all". Throughout her life, she has worked with several nonprofits that serve children, the homeless, and the elderly population. She founded the Miss Gloria's Garden that serves the homeless Youth Population on a monthly basis! She is an incredible lady!

    CeCe + Juice

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2021 84:39


    After a random meeting in Franklin, TN I ended up recording a podcast with CeCe and her mom in New Orleans. Crazy right?! It felt like I had known these two ladies for years and we had a really amazing conversation. The two hilarious Cajun women talk about the love of their city, their strong family ties, being a badass artist and business owners with a kickass idea to help make Mardi Gras more environmentally friendly! Check out the full episode now! 

    Ben Huntzinger - Spartan Wheel Chariots

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2021 24:19


    This episode of the Beautiful Strength Podcast is with Ben Huntzinger. Ben has a really amazing story. He was in an accident when he was younger and tragically became paralyzed from the chest down. His passion is being outdoors and he had quite the journey finding a wheelchair that was outdoor capable. This is what led him to become the founder of Spartan Wheel Chariots and passionate about the offroad wheelchair world. He has a really amazing story and is definitely living his purpose. Be sure to follow Ben and Spartan Wheel Chariots.  https://www.spartanwheelchariots.com/

    Lorrin Worner

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2021 53:59


    My name is Lorrin Worner and I am a Wife, Bonus Mom and assistant children’s pastor. I am on the path of being comfortable with allowing my story, challenges and good times, to help others.

    Stephen Salyers: ITS ALL PERFECT, EVEN WHEN ITS NOT

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2021 61:12


    Described as one of Music City's most powerful vocal forces by the Nashville Scene, Stephen Salyers has proven to be a pyrotechnic entertainer & creative artist, armored with dynamic vocal ability and showman skills, enduring audiences from all over the world. Since moving to the live music capitol of the world - Salyers has been a featured performer for Nashville's Musicians Corner Summer Concert Series, Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival and performed for distinguished guests from The Obama White House, the United Nations, as well as the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe. The pop singer-songwriter has also collaborated with artists like: Nine Days, Dustin Lynch, Florida-Georgia Line and members of the Grammy Award winning band, TRAIN and has sync placements in HBO's upcoming new release season! As a pioneering philanthropic performer - Salyers has helped raise close to a million dollars for neglected children, families in need, and championing the awareness and the monetary needs of many under supported non profit organizations throughout Middle Tennessee, as well as many local non-profit organizations here in the Tri-State area. He has made multiple television and movie appearances over the last decade that include: "Country Strong" (Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw,) "Hannah Montana," (The Movie,) CMA Awards, ABC Network's "NASHVILLE;" as well as serving in the role of Producer for music videos for Grammy nominated acts like Vince Gill & The Time Jumpers. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Drew Peacock One Legged Cowboy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2021 71:14


    x --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Arbour Season: Indie Folk duo and Family living the Skoolie Dream

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2021 36:13


    Arbour Season travels full time in a converted school bus playing colleges, house shows, theme parks and other venues across North America. Alongside the duo is the cutest 2 and a half year old in the world with a baby on the way. Arbour Season in an indie/folk duo who’s sole passion is to bring hope and positivity wherever they go. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Chawnika Sanders: Sole Provider Single Momma

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2021 29:45


    "Today I am a single mother of an 8 year old young man lol. I will be the first to admit with being a single mother comes challenges. I, Chawnika Sanders, am the sole provider for my son. His reality right now is he is being raised in a single parent household. Some days I want to take a break and just stop the routine that has become apart of our everyday lives. Not to do anything but lounge around and throw up a middle finger to the constant fast forward of our on the go everyday living. Because mama has to work. Of course I don't because I have to save time for those days when, out of no where, our world is interrupted by the things that are out of our control." - Baby Mamas we got this. When our world is interrupted take a moment to yourself. You deserve that much. Let your child know when you are overwhelmed. They will appreciate it and understand. Kids don't come with instructions. You won't get everything right. Today, with you I stand in the chaos that has become our lives!!" - Chawnika Sanders: Strong as a Mother --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier: Non Profit Genius

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021 58:09


    Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier, Ed.D., CFRE, CNP, SHRM-CP: Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier has over ten years of experience in the nonprofit sector and has raised approximately $3.3 million collectively for over 50 organizations. She currently runs her own nonprofit consulting firm, AQP Consulting. A Nashville native, she has watched Nashville’s transition from a quaint city with a small-town vibe to the “it” city. She has been at the forefront of issues such as the affordable housing crisis, transit referendum, and the city’s urban planning and infrastructure design through the creation of Nashville’s first art park, William Edmondson Park. A sought-after DEI practitioner, she is a vocal advocate for gender parity, closing the wage gap, and ending the motherhood penalty. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Elisabeth Donaldson: Make People Laugh

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021 58:30


    Elisabeth Donaldson is an Actress, Filmmaker and Multidisciplinary artist living in Nashville TN. After moving to Nashville from Los Angeles in 2009 to work non profit- Elisabeth found her way back into the film world as a music video wardrobe stylist- styling projects for bands such as The Black Keys and Brad Paisley. She also began stepping into the world of photography- “it started out as just taking advanced selfies so I could have photos for a thrift blog I was doing at the time- and then turned into so much more.” From there she started Directing music videos all while carving out a strong place for herself as a go to comedy actress in Nashville. “I just started really leaning into comedy and using all the behind the camera and social media skills I had developed- and things really started taking shape. The longer time goes on- the more I realize just how much I LOVE to make people laugh. In a world that can feel so insane- it’s so important to me to bring others joy and encouragement.” --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Olivia - Finally Me!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2020 61:30


    My journey began in 1970 at age 5. That's when I first felt the same as my mother or grandmother. I was sent to psychiatrist in 1975 for two years. He would spend the next two years teaching me that being a girl, wanting to be a girl, liking girl things was Bad! When you are that age you believe a Doctor 100%. So for a very long time felt I was broken and had a secret that I could never tell anyone. It wasn't until I turned 50 that I was able to obtain the courage to start coming out. I didn't start Estrogen injections until April 12th 2018. I openly transitioned to my entire Department at Vanderbilt University. I have tried so hard to be open in my transition to everyone in hopes that people may learn more about Transgender people and be more accepting to others. Its the hardest most gratifying thing I have ever accomplished. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Jonathan Pillot: We Are All 18

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2020 62:03


    In this episode, Jonathan Pillot, the founder of We Are All 18, speaks about the company's intergenerational approach to encourage young people to share their stories and use their voices and show up to Vote. He is a human who believes in the power of young people and wants them to know they are seen and we, as adults, have their back. We Are All 18 is a movement that entertains and also elevates young people and wants them to know that their voice matters. In a time where polarization and lack of civil discourse are becoming the norm, Jonathan and We Are All 18 believe in democracy, authenticity, and most of all humanity. #wereall18 #vote --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Kristen Davis & Melanie Scott: Nurture the Next

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2020 50:05


    In this episode we sit down with two fun, energetic, and driven ladies from Nurture the Next. Their mission is to create a future for children and families filled with promise and prosperity. Their vision is to see all children in Tennessee thriving in safe, stable and nurturing families and communities. For over 35 years, the organization's mission has been to support parents and the communities where they live in creating loving homes that make children feel nurtured. In 2008, they committed to using evidence-based program models in our daily work. Nurture the Next's programs are rooted in research and proven to positively impact the lives of both the children and the adults in the home. In 2010, they expanded their direct services to families from three counties to 20 counties in Tennessee. Today, they provide in-home parenting support in 30 counties in Tennessee and offer several statewide programs. Previously known as Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee, they recently took on a new name to put greater emphasis on what they do, rather than what they prevent. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Chris & Ashley Vicari: Let's talk about IVF

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2020 48:48


    In this episode we sit down with Chris & Ashley Vicari. Two of the nicest people you will ever meet, who will make the best parents ever. In 2018, Ashley was diagnosed with “POI,” Premature Ovarian Insufficiency, or pre-menopause. Ashley and Chris share their IVF story and the emotional rollercoaster this process can be. From the diagnosis, to grieving, leaning on one another and strengthening their marriage, looking at various options and choosing IVF and then last but not least, tackling the cost of such an expensive process. The Vicari's are at the beginning/middle of this journey and we want to help share their story any way we can. Infertility can be a difficult subject for people to talk about openly and we are grateful for Ashley & Chris for sharing their story. "For us, we believe our next step is IVF. In full transparency, our IVF process will consist of purchasing eggs, transporting them to Nashville, fertilizing them, then transplanting them. In addition to doctor fees - most of which is not covered by either of our insurance, this process costs around $30,000." Donations can be made to the Vicari's GoFund me or via Venmo @Ashley-Fussell https://www.gofundme.com/f/ashley-and-chris-ivf-journey --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Brian Craighead: Kidney Transplant Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2020 25:23


    UPDATE!!! Back in February, Sarah Craighead, Brian's wife contacted us to ask if we would photograph her husband who was looking for a kidney. Brian posed for his photo and then told his story on Beautiful Strength: The Podcast. Within a mere 24 hours, Jacie confirmed that she was destined to be Brian's donor. Months later, in May, Brian and Jacie would finally have the ability to meet and confirm through Vanderbilt that Jacie was a match. Fast forward to August 11th, 2020 a successful transplant was conducted in Nashville, TN. 7 weeks after "Phoenix" found it's new home in Brian, we gathered back together via a zoom podcast to reunite and celebrate such a monumental moment. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Tyler Jones: Live Life to the Fullest

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2020 45:49


    In this episode we sit down with 18 year old cancer survivor and amputee Tyler Jones and his mom April. If you weren't inspired to live life to the fullest before this episode, you will be when it's over. Tyler is an energetic and polite young man enjoying the college life and making plans for the future. He's bright, encouraging, and his smile lights up the room. Tyler is an athlete, a devout Christian, and a survivor of cancer that took his foot, but it didn't even come close to taking his spirit. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    BrandiLee Schafran: Advocating Like a Mother

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2020 98:58


    Shortly after BrandiLee and her family moved from Syracuse NY to Nashville TN in the summer of 2016, her son Finn was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma after doctors found a large tumor inside his bladder. After 2.5 years of aggressive treatment which included 9 different chemotherapies, 7 cumulative weeks of radiation, 4 major abdominal surgeries, and 3 relapse, Finn was out of options and out of time. He passed away in early December 2018. Despite the immeasurable loss of Finn, BrandiLee joined the SHEPHERD Foundation on the undying mission to save the lives of rare cancer patients. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Makenzie & Amanda: Rhabdomyosarcoma of the soft palate survivor/fighter.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2020 46:22


    Makenzie O’Toole is a 14 yr old Rhabdomyosarcoma of the soft palate survivor/fighter. Makenzie was diagnosed at the age of 2 after a suspected abnormally large uvula closing off her airway ended up being a tumor. Kenzie underwent chemo and radiation and was one of two Rhabdomyosarcoma’s in the head treated at the University of Michigan Mott Children’s hospital. At the time of diagnosis Kenzie’s cancer and area was extremely rare and her treatment experimental. Unfortunately as time has gone by many more cases have been found. Kenzie’s case is used in teaching at U of M and many colleges around Michigan with both the oncology specialists and also speech pathologists. Kenzie sees 14 specialists and continues to fight the everlasting effects of treatment that saved her life. She wants to pursue a career in medicine and wants to help other kids find their voice and advocate for themselves. Kenzie has found her voice and learned to voice her needs in the medical community and also in school --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Alli Bimson: Laughter maybe is the best medicine.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2020 53:57


    Alli Bimson is absolutely hilarious. She makes us smile with her everyday commentary on motherhood of 3 year old Kai. A fun loving, little boy currently fighting against leukemia. He just turned 3 and he is already one heck of an entertainer. Alli is just taking it one day at a time, laughing as she goes, and just trying to survive being a single mom, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a full time employee AND help Kai beat cancer. She’s a tough cookie and a big heart and when you meet her, she welcomes you in just like you’re one of the family. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

    Lisa Wolfe: Living For Everything

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2020 49:41


    What are you Living For? We all have different responses and our why to this question. Our answer is deep and personal and the reason why this nonprofit exists. At the age of 2, our daughter Arlie was diagnosed with cancer, Leukemia. We started the hard uphill battle to getting her healed. She made it 1 1/2 years into treatment and unfortunately the cancer came back. The only option for relapse was a Bone Marrow Transplant. It is an understatement to say it was hard, it was hell. But we did everything we could to get her into remission and recovered from such an aggressive thing. During the long 6 month hospital stay, we had too much time to think of all things we were going to do after we got out of that place! How we were going to make a difference and not take life for granted. Live our life to the fullest and help those going through what we did. That’s when Living For Everything started. In the hospitals walls of room 6309. I ordered our 1st batch of shirts with some of our Gofundme funds, handed them out to people and families on our floor and started listening. For those key words that would help guide us to what we were supposed to be doing. And the word that kept coming to mind was comfort. We need a little bit of that during hard times. We didn’t know what we were doing, but you don’t have to have all the answers to take action! Just show up. That’s what we try and do for our community and families of pediatric cancer patients. We make comfort kits for pediatric cancer patients, focusing on the caregivers, showing up where we are needed.

    Sunday Snack with Isaac & Annette

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2020 28:02


    It's that time again, a Sunday Snack episode. Basically just two friends recapping the week and discussing a few hot topics, the Non Profit organization Beautiful Strength, and shouting out Kudos to people we see doing great things! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

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