The Unforgotten Families Podcast

Thank you for joining us for our very last episode of 2022! We have seen some real change this year and it’s because of YOUR voices. Listen to find out what The Unforgotten Families’ impactful podcasts guests were up to this past year and what advocacy means to them. Thank you for being part of The Unforgotten Families community and continuing to drive change with us! Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/

Maggie joins Garrett and The Unforgotten Families to share her and Benjamin’s experiences with the Family Home Health Aide (HHA) Program in Pennsylvania. This program, nationally known as the Family CNA Program, has given Maggie the ability to be home with her son, Benjamin, full-time and provide an income for her growing family. Listen in today! Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/

Available in Arizona and Colorado, Team Select’s Pediatric Therapy Services can greatly benefit medically fragile families and help them receive quality care in the home, from experienced professionals. The Unforgotten Families sat down with Kaleena Summers, a Speech-Language Pathologist and Pediatric Therapy Lead with Team Select Home Care. With over 11- years of experience, Kaleena will share therapy benefits, when it’s best to begin a plan of care, and so much more in this episode.Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/

In our latest episode, Brandi Coon, Arizona Family LHA Program participant and caregiver, gives thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring this program to her family and other families in need. Her son, Tyson, requires consistent home care and can now receive that care from his mother, Brandi. Tyson is outgoing, charismatic, and loves telling jokes through his communication assistance tablet. At 6-months-old, Tyson contracted Bacterial Meningitis, and from that, was diagnosed with a Traumatic Brian Injury which resulted Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/

In this episode of The Unforgotten Families Podcast, we sit down with Team Select Home Care Respiratory Clinical Educator, Melissa Malone, who has over 15 years of experience working with medically fragile families and educating other clinical healthcare professionals. Hear how her work in creating the ‘Team Select Difference’ is changing lives. Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/

Brittany became a caregiver for her medically fragile loved one with the help of the Arizona Family LHA Program, recently implemented within the year. In this episode, she sits down with The Unforgotten Families to go over in more detail what the Family LHA Program training entails, her advocacy work around the Valley, and how this program has positively impacted. Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/

In Episode 20 of The Unforgotten Families Podcast, we interview Tom and Amanda Dyer who are a husband-and-wife filmmaker duo of an upcoming documentary titled Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters. Listen to our latest episode to hear about their inspiration for this impactful documentary, airing tomorrow, and how we can begin the conversation around what solutions are needed for medically complex families who need our help. Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/

Exciting news! Arizona’s version of the Family Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program, the Family Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program, is now available to families statewide! We, at The Unforgotten Families, created this brief episode to walk listeners through the step-by-step process of becoming an LHA in Arizona. This episode supports everyone seeking information about the program and can help families in other states understand the process as well. See the links below for more detailed information: “Licensed Health Aide (LHA)”: https://www.azbn.gov/licenses-and-certifications/apply-for-a-license LHA FAQ:https://www.azbn.gov/licenses-and-certifications/lha-faqs Contact The Unforgotten Families:TUFinfo@theunforgottenfamilies.com Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/

Arizona Mother and Family Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program participant, Laura Gjacs, joins The Unforgotten Families to discuss her experience as a medically fragile mother who recently went through the training to become an LHA in Arizona. She was able to do this through the newly implemented program, commonly known as the Family CNA Program, and will share how this has greatly supported her family. Laura went through the Family LHA Program with Team Select Home Care and has already begun providing her daughter, Tori, with nursing care through this impactful program. Listen to learn more! Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/

From working in technology to providing CNA care for her "11-Year-Old Miracle", Andrea Reitzel is now the Owner/Operator of All for Kids Home Health. Listen to this episode of The Unforgotten Families Podcast to hear how the Family CNA Program made an impact on Andrea and her family, and why she is advocating to help other special needs families in Colorado. Learn more about Andrea’s agency and journey at www.allforkidshealth.com/about. Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/

We are joined by two influential women in the homecare space, Chani Feldman, and Alex Koloskus with MGA Homecare. With combined experience of over 25 years, Chani and Alex share the ins and outs of the Family CNA Program, what problems medically fragile families are facing in the home, and how this work has changed their lives forever. Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Connect with ChaniConnect with Alex

With the help of the Family CNA Program in Colorado, Kiera was able to leave her career to become a full-time caregiver for her daughter Jordy. In this episode, she chats with The Unforgotten Families about what resources have helped her family throughout this diagnosis, how her community continues to advocate, and how the Family CNA Program can help other families in dire need of this program. Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/

At 23 years old, Jennifer, a 1st year Special Education Teacher, met her student, Brett. Little did she know that within months, Brett would be living under her roof, and eventually become her adopted son. In this episode, you'll hear how Brett and Jennifer became a family, and how the Family CNA Program supported Brett and his young, single mother's quality of life. Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/

In this week’s episode of The Unforgotten Families Podcast, the Founder of Whole Story Meals, Autumn Cullen, joins us to share her WHY for starting her journey to help other tubie families. Whole Story Meals is 100% real food, shelf-stable and convenient. Listen in to learn more about Autumn, her family, and how Whole Story Meals began! Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/

Life Coach, Mother, Leader, and Host of “The Special Needs Mom Podcast,” Kara Ryska, discusses how parents can work on changing “I can’t” into “how can I?” In this episode, Kara shares moments from her everyday routine and powerful self-care practices that help shape life for the better. Learn more about Kara at her website www.kararyska.com and listen to her podcast on all podcast platforms including this one. Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/

Dr. John Pope, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Pediatric Services at Honor Health Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, sits down to share his passion for service and extensive experience caring and advocating for the pediatric community. In this episode, Dr. Pope discusses the extraordinary challenges that many medically fragile families face, and how he has witnessed the Family CNA Program’s ability to improve quality of life and alleviate hardship. Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/

Born with Cerebral Palsy and placed into foster care due to family hardships, Christopher RJ Worth now dedicates his time to cultivating change as a leader and community organizer. Chris is currently working toward his PhD in Special Education and is a Founding Member of the Coalition of Truth In Independence, a grassroot disability rights organization based in St. Louis. Listen in to this episode and hear how Chris inspires, empowers, and engages others to make change in their communities. Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/

Today, we're sitting down for an intimate chat with Andrea Lewis, the Executive Director of HopeKids Arizona. HopeKids is a non-profit organization that seeks to restore hope and transform the lives of children with life-threatening diseases and their families. Andrea will share her path to non-profit, how their programming cultivates a supportive community, and how The Unforgotten Families, HopeKids, and the non-profit community can collaborate to best support medically fragile children across the nation. Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/YouTube: https://youtu.be/MZxIfXp5qrU

On today's episode, we're connecting with Ann F. Schrooten, the Co-Author of "Shared Struggles: Stories from Parents and Pediatricians Caring for Children with Serious Illnesses." Ann shares her experience raising a child with medical complexities and how this experience, coupled with her deep relationship with Dr. Markovitz, inspired "Shared Struggles" to come alive. Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/

Since birth, three-year-old Gabriella has required continuous care for her seizures, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, G-Tube management and more. In this episode, Gabriella’s mother, Stephanie, shares why she has decided to opt-out of state provided care in Missouri and become an in-home caregiver for her daughter, and how the Family CNA Program can help. Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/

Mia Matthews, President and Executive Director of the CHANs Promise Foundation, tragically lost her two-and-a-half year old daughter, Channing, due to an unfortunate mistake made during her home care services. In this episode, Mia shares her daughter's story and her personal experience advocating for "Channing's Law", a bill that would support children with complex medical needs. Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/Website: https://theunforgottenfamilies.com/

In this episode, a family in Union, Missouri shares their medical journey and how the Family Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program could catapult them into a more balanced way of living, for the whole family. From therapies and hospital visits, to now finding care during the COVID-19 pandemic, tune in to this episode of The Unforgotten Families to learn more about this TUF family. Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/Website: https://theunforgottenfamilies.com/

We take a deep dive with Dr. Kurt Sobush, Pediatric Pulmonologist with SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, into what medically fragile families may experience during their time spent in hospitals awaiting home care. We get personal to learn how he began his work in health care, who inspired him, and what keeps him fighting for this unforgotten population. Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/Website: https://theunforgottenfamilies.com/

The Unforgotten Families Founding Advisor, Fred Johnson, sits down to share his initial inspiration for "TUF", and a little background into how he has achieved success while still following his passions. In this episode, learn what The Unforgotten Families Podcast is about, who The Unforgotten Families are, and the exciting new things coming for our listeners. Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/Website: https://theunforgottenfamilies.com/

Aveanna Healthcare Area Manager and Army wife, Vicky, sits down with us to share her advocacy work and experience raising her daughter, Vivianna. Vivianna was diagnosed at two-years-old with congenital hereditary muscular dystrophy. Tune into this episode to hear the amazing story of a family who could. And did.Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/Website: https://theunforgottenfamilies.com/

Now 14-year-old, Jake, started chemotherapy for a brain tumor just after his first birthday. In this episode, his mother, Katie, shares her story on moving from Arizona to Colorado, finding the Family Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program that would forever change their lives, and becoming a paid caregiver for her son Jake.Become a TUF Advocate: https://p2a.co/VvPCDKyFollow our journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunforgottenfamilies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunforgottenfamilies/Website: https://theunforgottenfamilies.com/