Podcast appearances and mentions of lucas project

Episode 101 - Caregiver Jess Ronnie shares her journey through grief, raising a child with special needs, and creating hope through advocacy and The Lucas Project. Disclaimer: Please note that all information and content on the UK Health Radio Network, all its radio broadcasts and podcasts are provided by the authors, producers, presenters and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge. As a service to our listeners/readers our programs/content are for general information and entertainment only.  The UK Health Radio Network does not recommend, endorse, or object to the views, products or topics expressed or discussed by show hosts or their guests, authors and interviewees.  We suggest you always consult with your own professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advisor. So please do not delay or disregard any professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advice received due to something you have heard or read on the UK Health Radio Network.

Jessica Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host at Coffee with Caregivers, associate producer of the documentary "Unseen", and caregiver advocate.  She is the founder and executive director of⁠ The Lucas Project⁠, a non-profit dedicated to providing recognition, resources, and respite support for special needs families. She and her husband, Ryan live in Michigan with their 8 children, including their son Lucas, who has profound disabilities. Her story of beauty from ashes has been shared on The Today Show, Daily Mail, and Huffington Post, and is detailed in her memoir Sunlight Burning at Midnight.  To follow the ongoing saga, she can be found at ⁠www.jessplusthemess.com ⁠or purchase her latest books, Blended with Grit & Grace, Lovin' with Grit & Grace, and Caregiving with Grit & Grace. Timeline 3:00 Introduction to Jess Ronne4:36 How to ask for help as a parent and the value of consistent respite to fill your cup as a caregiver.6:21 Where is the Village?7:05 The Lucac Project9:00 Coffee with Caregivers - Marsh's highlight, Episode 62 with Alice Foran.10:00 The Intersection of Faith and Grief.12:24 The documentary Unseen and the upcoming documentary Uncertain.14: Jess's words of encouragement.

"I became a forever parent caregiver." - Jesse RonneWhat happens when caregiving, loss, and love collide? Jess Ronnie, writer, speaker, podcaster, and founder of The Lucas Project, brings her powerful story to the mic, offering a moving look into parenting a child with special needs, enduring grief, and building a future rooted in compassion and advocacy.Jess opens up about the emotional and physical toll of raising her son Lucas, who has profound special needs, while managing life as a "forever caregiver" and navigating the heartbreak of losing her husband, Jason. She shares the raw realities of caregiving, the denial that can come with special needs diagnoses, and the heavy yet hopeful journey toward acceptance, remarriage, and healing.This episode is a powerful reminder that caregivers are not alone. Jess discusses:Surviving as a parent in crisis modeRebuilding identity after caregiving takes overBalancing love and loss in blended familiesThe critical importance of support systems and communityHow her nonprofit, The Lucas Project, is creating change for caregivers across the countryAbout Jesse:Jess Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host at Coffee with Caregivers, associate producer of the Unseen Documentary, and caregiver advocate. She is founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a non-profit dedicated to providing recognition, resources and respite support for special needs families. She and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their 8 children, including their son Lucas who has profound disabilities. Her story of beauty from ashes has been shared on The Today Show, Daily Mail and Huffington Post and is detailed in her memoir Sunlight Burning at Midnight. To follow the ongoing saga she can be found at www.jessplusthemess.com or purchase her latest books Blended with Grit & Grace, Lovin' with Grit & Grace, and Caregiving with Grit & Grace.Social MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/jessronneofficialWebsite: www.caregiverdoc.comWebsite: www.thelucasproject.orgWebsite: www.jessronne.comThank you to sponsor: CareScoutLearn more about Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver** Caregiver Action Network Caregiver Help Desk offers free support to family caregivers via phone, chat, or email Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern. Get answersSupport the showConfessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Sisterhood of Care, LLC Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com Like us on Facebook! Tweet with us on Twitter! Follow us on Instagram! Watch us on Youtube! Pin us on Pinterest! Link us on LinkedIn!Tune in on Whole Care Network

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly focus on David as we analyzed his leadership and his inclination to seek the Lord’s counsel. David was placed in a position of power as king, and instead of being led by man or power, he constantly sought the Lord when making decisions. We see this in 1 and 2 Samuel, David sought God from when King Saul was hunting him to when he was on the throne, making royal decisions. How often are you leaning on the Lord for counsel? We also had Jessica Ronne join us to discuss resources for caregivers. Jessica is an author, caregiver advocate, podcast host of “Coffee with Caregivers,” and the associate producer of the documentary “Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters.” She is also the founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a nonprofit dedicated to serving parent caregivers. She has also authored several books, including her latest, “Caregiving with Grit and Grace.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on Karl and Crew Showcast.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly focus on David as we analyzed his leadership and his inclination to seek the Lord’s counsel. David was placed in a position of power as king, and instead of being led by man or power, he constantly sought the Lord when making decisions. We see this in 1 and 2 Samuel, David sought God from when King Saul was hunting him to when he was on the throne, making royal decisions. How often are you leaning on the Lord for counsel? We also had Jessica Ronne join us to discuss resources for caregivers. Jessica is an author, caregiver advocate, podcast host of “Coffee with Caregivers,” and the associate producer of the documentary “Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters.” She is also the founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a nonprofit dedicated to serving parent caregivers. She has also authored several books, including her latest, “Caregiving with Grit and Grace.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on Karl and Crew Showcast.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly focus on David as we analyzed his leadership and his inclination to seek the Lord’s counsel. David was placed in a position of power as king, and instead of being led by man or power, he constantly sought the Lord when making decisions. We see this in 1 and 2 Samuel, David sought God from when King Saul was hunting him to when he was on the throne, making royal decisions. How often are you leaning on the Lord for counsel? We also had Jessica Ronne join us to discuss resources for caregivers. Jessica is an author, caregiver advocate, podcast host of “Coffee with Caregivers,” and the associate producer of the documentary “Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters.” She is also the founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a nonprofit dedicated to serving parent caregivers. She has also authored several books, including her latest, “Caregiving with Grit and Grace.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on Karl and Crew Showcast.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly focus on David as we analyzed his leadership and his inclination to seek the Lord’s counsel. David was placed in a position of power as king, and instead of being led by man or power, he constantly sought the Lord when making decisions. We see this in 1 and 2 Samuel, David sought God from when King Saul was hunting him to when he was on the throne, making royal decisions. How often are you leaning on the Lord for counsel? We also had Jessica Ronne join us to discuss resources for caregivers. Jessica is an author, caregiver advocate, podcast host of “Coffee with Caregivers,” and the associate producer of the documentary “Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters.” She is also the founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a nonprofit dedicated to serving parent caregivers. She has also authored several books, including her latest, “Caregiving with Grit and Grace.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on Karl and Crew Showcast.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly focus on David as we analyzed his leadership and his inclination to seek the Lord’s counsel. David was placed in a position of power as king, and instead of being led by man or power, he constantly sought the Lord when making decisions. We see this in 1 and 2 Samuel, David sought God from when King Saul was hunting him to when he was on the throne, making royal decisions. How often are you leaning on the Lord for counsel? We also had Jessica Ronne join us to discuss resources for caregivers. Jessica is an author, caregiver advocate, podcast host of “Coffee with Caregivers,” and the associate producer of the documentary “Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters.” She is also the founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a nonprofit dedicated to serving parent caregivers. She has also authored several books, including her latest, “Caregiving with Grit and Grace.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on Karl and Crew Showcast.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly focus on David as we analyzed his leadership and his inclination to seek the Lord’s counsel. David was placed in a position of power as king, and instead of being led by man or power, he constantly sought the Lord when making decisions. We see this in 1 and 2 Samuel, David sought God from when King Saul was hunting him to when he was on the throne, making royal decisions. How often are you leaning on the Lord for counsel? We also had Jessica Ronne join us to discuss resources for caregivers. Jessica is an author, caregiver advocate, podcast host of “Coffee with Caregivers,” and the associate producer of the documentary “Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters.” She is also the founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a nonprofit dedicated to serving parent caregivers. She has also authored several books, including her latest, “Caregiving with Grit and Grace.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on Karl and Crew Showcast.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly focus on David as we analyzed his leadership and his inclination to seek the Lord’s counsel. David was placed in a position of power as king, and instead of being led by man or power, he constantly sought the Lord when making decisions. We see this in 1 and 2 Samuel, David sought God from when King Saul was hunting him to when he was on the throne, making royal decisions. How often are you leaning on the Lord for counsel? We also had Jessica Ronne join us to discuss resources for caregivers. Jessica is an author, caregiver advocate, podcast host of “Coffee with Caregivers,” and the associate producer of the documentary “Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters.” She is also the founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a nonprofit dedicated to serving parent caregivers. She has also authored several books, including her latest, “Caregiving with Grit and Grace.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on Karl and Crew Showcast.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Ronne has endured more heartache than most can even fathom. She found out when she was pregnant with her second son that he'd had a stroke in utero and would be profoundly disabled if she carried him to term. She and her husband made the decision to carry him to full term and let God handle the details. Lucas does have those disabilities, but Jess and her husband never wished they'd made a different choice. Then, several years and two more children later, Jess's husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor and passed away at the age of 33, leaving her to take care of their four small children. But God didn't leave her in her grief. She met a wonderful man, a widower with three children and they married, blended their families and even added one more to the mix. Even though Jess has a hard story, she's used her experience to create The Lucas Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to serving parent caregivers with respite, recognition and resources. She is also the associate producer of the documentary Unseen and the author of four books, including her most recent, Caregiving with Grit and Grace. Jessica's pain led her to create resources to help others, because she understands what it means to be in an unfamiliar world of grief and caregiving, not knowing how to navigate it all. Her relationship with Jesus is even stronger today than when she was a young mom because she learned to lean on Him, and even question Him, through it all. Even though her story is hard, she fought her way through it and made it to the other side to let you know whatever you're going through, God's got you. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 1:4 that “He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” Here's Jess' story... For show notes go to CarolRoper.org/podcast

Jess Ronne is a mother of eight, author, and founder & executive director of the Lucas Project, a non-profit organization supporting special needs families. She shares her family's incredible story of courage, tragedy, faith, and endurance. Links & Episode Notes Jess Ronne The Lucas Project Coffee with Caregivers UNSEEN documentary The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster Caregiving with Grit and Grace by Jessica Ronne ReTreat - A Day of Rest, Renewal, & Rejuvenation for Caregivers & Those Who Care | The Lucas Project Uncertain documentary Made to Advance is a production of Engedi Church and is hosted by Brian Aulick. Send us your feedback at mta@engedichurch.com.

Welcome back to the Significant Women Podcast with Carol McLeod! On today's episode Carol is joined by Jessica Ronne: author, speaker, podcast host, CEO of The Lucas Project, caregiver advocate and mom of 8. Jessica loves chatting about faith, grief, food, simplicity, blended families, gardening, special needs, clean living, and everything else in between. Jessica has faced the unexpected grief of being a young widow alongside the challenges of being a mother to a special needs child, but has found peace in saying, like Christ, “not my will by thine be done.” Listen in for encouragement from someone who knows what it is to surrender her plans and dreams for what God has in store for her.Connect with Jessica at https://www.jessplusthemess.com/Learn more about the Lucas Project at https://thelucasproject.org/ Connect with Carol at https://www.carolmcleodministries.com/ or email her at carolmcleod@carolmcleodministries.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolmcleodministriesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolmcleodministriesYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQE6z9U5VR9tjoJB1NAsgMw

Hello Brave Friends! Welcome to today's story episode, #206. These are true stories from a moment in the life of a caregiving parent. We hear a crafted story, and then have a conversation with our guests that goes deeper into their experience.In this conversation, hosted by Dr. Zoe Shaw, Jess Ronne shares her profound journey as a caregiver, navigating the challenges of raising a child with special needs while dealing with personal loss. She discusses the emotional and practical aspects of caregiving, the importance of community support, and the judgment faced from others in similar situations. Jess emphasizes the need for resilience and the creation of spaces for advocacy and support for families like hers. Jess also talks about her new book, 'Caregiving with Grit and Grace,' which serves as a devotional for caregivers, emphasizing the therapeutic nature of writing and the need for caregivers to step out of isolation and engage with their communities.Jess Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host at Coffee with Caregivers, associate producer of the Unseen Documentary, and caregiver advocate. She is founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a non-profit dedicated to providing recognition, resources and respite support for special needs families. She and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their 8 children, including their son Lucas who has profound disabilities. Her story of beauty from ashes has been shared on The Today Show, Daily Mail and Huffington Post and is detailed in her memoir Sunlight Burning at Midnight. Want more Jess Ronne? Here are some links: www.thelucasproject.orgwww.caregiverdoc.comwww.facebook.com/jessronneofficialwww.instagram.com/jessplusthemessFind our first book from We Are Brave Together here.Find full episodes from Season 7 and clips from Season 8 on Youtube here.This episode was sponsored by Rise Educational Advocacy. Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys. JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.Donate to keep this podcast going here.Can't get enough of the Brave Together Podcast?Follow us on Instagram or on Facebook.Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: jpatay@wearebravetogether.orgIf you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!Disclaimer

In this episode I speak with Jess Ronne, founder of The Lucas Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting special needs caregivers. Jess shares her personal journey of caregiving, the challenges faced, and the importance of respite for caregivers. The conversation highlights the role of the church in supporting families with special needs, the need for inclusive spaces, and practical steps for individuals and communities to support caregivers. Jess emphasizes the significance of viewing caregiving as holy work and encourages listeners to cultivate relationships with caregivers to provide meaningful support.Takeaways Jess Ronne is the founder of The Lucas Project, which supports special needs caregivers. Caregiving has been a lifelong role for Jess, stemming from her experiences with her son Lucas and her late husband. The Lucas Project provides respite opportunities for caregivers, allowing them to take necessary breaks. Many caregivers struggle with accepting help due to the ‘martyr caregiver syndrome.' Churches can play a vital role in supporting families with special needs by creating inclusive spaces. Sensory rooms are essential for children with special needs to feel safe and valued during church services. Building relationships with caregivers is crucial before offering respite or support. Caregivers often feel isolated and need companionship and understanding from their communities. The importance of recognizing caregiving as holy work that reflects Christ's service to others. Practical steps for supporting caregivers include providing meals, gift cards, and offering to help with household tasks.Chapters00:00Introduction to Caregiving and The Lucas Project03:12The Journey of Caregiving: Personal Experiences06:02The Birth of The Lucas Project09:01The Importance of Respite for Caregivers12:06Understanding Different Caregiving Scenarios15:09The Role of the Church in Supporting Families18:02Creating Inclusive Spaces for Special Needs Families21:03Practical Steps for Supporting Caregivers24:13Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Caregiver

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Our guest this week is Jessica Ronne of Holland, MI, author, speaker, podcast host, founder & executive director of the Lucas Project and perhaps most importantly, wife and the mother of eight, including one with special needs.Jess and her second husband, Ryan, have been married for 14 years and between them are the proud parents of eight children: four from her first marriage: Caleb, Lucas, Mable and Joshua, three from Ryan's first marriage: Tate, Mia, and Jada and Annabelle (9) who they had together.  Their son Lucas suffered a stroke in vitro at 20 months; has global developmental delays, is non-verbal, has hydrocephalous, severe Autism, scoliosis, and low muscle tone.Very sadly Jess' first husband Jason, died of brain cancer in 2010.  And Ryan's first wife, Kaci, also passed away from cancer in 2010.  The couple met through some mutual acquaintances and married after a brief courtship to go on to have their 8th child, Annabelle.  Jess is a prolific author having published four books: -- Sunlight Burning At Midnight (2013) a memoir-- Lovin' With Grit & Grace (2017) reprinted in 2023-- Blended With Grit & Grace (2021)-- Caregiving With Grit & Grace (2024)Jess is also the founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a nonprofit organization, whose mission is "to provide recognition, respite and resources to family caregivers of those with special needs."She also hosts the Coffee With Caregivers Podcast and a blog that goes by the name: Jess Plus The Mess.   Jess is the oldest of 12 children, a dynamo and caregiver extraoridInaire.  We'll hear all about Jess' journey, her deep faith and her wonderful sense of humor on this week's SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.Show NotesPhone – (616) 617-9077Email – jess@thelucasproject.orgLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-ronne-4b412670/Podcast Coffee With Caregivers -  https://anchor.fm/jess-ronneWebsite – https://www.jessplusthemess.com/Website:   https://www.thelucasproject.org/Documentary Unseen - https://caregiverdoc.com/ .Books –       Sunlight Burning At Midnight - https://tinyurl.com/3fsrekay      Blended With Grit & Grace - https://tinyurl.com/mr25k2rm       Lovin' With Grit & Grace - https://tinyurl.com/3janr2sv      Caregiving With Grit & Grace - https://tinyurl.com/bdhted3vFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jessplusthemess Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessplusthemessPinterest:  pinterest.com/jessplusthemess/Twitter:      twitter.com/jessplusthemessSpecial Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  

You have to PRUNE to create room for real GROWTH, this is a sentiment gardeners understand but often busy parent caregivers forget. Are you making space in your life to experience peace? To exhale? To hear your own thoughts? In our busy world and even busier caregiving lives, it's easy to get overwhelmed and out of touch with what we really require to thrive as human beings. On this episode, host Jessica Patay, speaks with our story teller, Jess Ronne, about getting in touch with ourselves, embracing our instincts and pruning anything from our lives that's keeping us from reaching our full potential.Jess Ronne is a non-profit CEO of The Lucas Project, author of Sunlight Burning at Midnight and special needs mama to her son Luke.Find The Lucas Project here.Find the trailer for UNSEEN: How We're Failing Parent Caregivers & Why it Matters here.Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys. JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.Donate to keep this podcast going here.Can't get enough of the Brave Together Podcast?Follow our Instagram Page @wearebravetogether or on Facebook.Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: jpatay@wearebravetogether.orgIf you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

Guest: Jessica RonneOrganization: The Lucas ProjectPosition: Executive DirectorBook: Caregiving with Grit and Grace: 100 Days of Hope and EncouragementWebsite: jessronne.com, thelucasproject.org

Guest: Jessica RonneOrganization: The Lucas ProjectPosition: Executive DirectorBook: Caregiving with Grit and Grace: 100 Days of Hope and EncouragementWebsite: jessronne.com, thelucasproject.org

How can caregivers unwrap strength when caregiving has depleted them? Today's episode of Flourish-Meant dives deep into the challenges of caregiving and reveals essential tips to sustain those who support others' lives.  Our featured guest this week is Jess Ronne, founder and director of the Lucas Project, an organization dedicated to supporting caregivers. Jess is a caregiver herself and a multi-published author. Ronne brings invaluable insights from her personal experience raising a son with multiple diagnoses and caring for her late husband who battled brain cancer. Jess shares practical advice on cultivating strength, managing soul care, combating isolation and compassion fatigue, and finding joy in obedience and daily micro-pleasures. Whether you're a caregiver or someone who loves and supports them, this episode is filled with heartfelt wisdom and encouragement to help you unwrap strength, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. Here are three key takeaways:

Today's episode is with Jessica Ronne—author, speaker, nonprofit executive director, documentary producer, and a mother of eight, including a son with profound disabilities. Jessica's newest devotional, Caregiving with Grit and Grace, is a powerful resource of encouragement and hope for caregivers navigating the complexities of caregiving. Jessica shares her journey of faith, beginning with her son Lucas' diagnosis after a devastating stroke and the heartbreaking season of walking alongside her late husband through brain cancer. Through these experiences, Jessica's relationship with God deepened as He shepherded her through unimaginable pain, strengthening her trust and surrender to His plan. In this episode, Jessica opens up about: • How God transformed her understanding of His role as a loving Father during her most difficult seasons. • The importance of self-care for caregivers and trusting God in seasons of exhaustion and burnout. • Why caregivers need recognition, respite, and tangible support—and how her nonprofit seeks to meet those needs. • Stories of caregiving challenges and the importance of community support, even in long-term situations where help often fades over time. • The inspiration behind her devotional and how it became a lifeline during her hardest moments. Jessica also encourages us to surrender our plans to God and trust that He is working for our good, even when we don't understand His timing or will. Whether you're a caregiver or know someone walking this road, Jessica's message is a beacon of hope and practical wisdom for finding strength in God's presence. Bio: Jessica Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host of Coffee with Caregivers, associate producer of the “Unseen Documentary,” and caregiver advocate. She is founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a non-profit dedicated to serving parent caregivers with recognition, respite, and resources. She and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their eight children, including their son Lucas who has profound disabilities. Her story of beauty from ashes is detailed in her memoir “Sunlight Burning at Midnight.” Anchor Verses: Psalm 23 Luke 22: 39-44 Connect with Jess: Website: https://www.jessplusthemess.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessplusthemess FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AcdtaY5Mz/?mibextid=wwXIfr Learn about her nonprofit and caregiving resources: The Lucas Project Order Jessica's newest devotional, Caregiving with Grit and Grace: Available here. ***We're thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

About Jess Jess Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host at Coffee with Caregivers, associate producer of the Unseen Documentary, and caregiver advocate. She is founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a non-profit dedicated to providing recognition, resources and respite support for special needs families. She and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their 8 children, including their son Lucas who has profound disabilities. Her story of beauty from ashes has been shared on The Today Show, Daily Mail and Huffington Post and is detailed in her memoir Sunlight Burning at Midnight. To follow the ongoing saga she can be found at www.jessplusthemess.com or purchase her latest books Blended with Grit & Grace, Lovin' with Grit & Grace, and Caregiving with Grit & Grace. Related Links Rising Above app Jess's Facebook Page Caregiving with Grit & Grace Devotional  

Tuesday, November 26, 2024 Today's show is led by Kerby Anderson. In the first hour, he welcomes Jessica & Ryan Ronne. They bring us their new book, Caregiving with Grit and Grace and they will talk about their ministry, The Lucas Project. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/pointofviewradio and on Twitter @PointofViewRTS with your opinions or […]

This week on The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast, we welcome Jess Ronne, founder of The Lucas Project and author of the upcoming book Caregiving with Grit and Grace: 100 Days of Hope and Encouragement (available for pre-order now, launching December 3rd, 2024). Jess is a fierce advocate for caregivers, a mother to eight, and a trailblazer in supporting families who care for individuals with disabilities. In this heartfelt conversation, Jess opens up about her personal journey, including the challenges and triumphs she has faced as a caregiver to her son Lucas, who has profound disabilities, and caregiver to her husband Jason before he passed away from brain cancer. She shares how she found love again and merged families - and how they became a family of 8. Jess discusses why she started The Lucas Project, her mission to create more support, awareness, and respite resources for caregivers, and the reality of balancing advocacy with her own caregiving responsibilities. The Lucas Project is dedicated to transforming the world for caregivers and their families, offering community, resources, and most importantly, a voice for those navigating this path. Jess's story is one of resilience, faith, and a relentless drive to provide hope to others walking this often difficult road. In this episode, you'll hear: Jess's inspiring life story and her journey into caregiving; How The Lucas Project came to be and the impact it's making for families with similar experiences; The story and heart behind Jess' new book Caregiving with Grit and Grace, and why it's so important to offer hope and encouragement to caregivers; Honest insights into the highs and lows of caregiving and the transformative power of community support; Powerful stories from families who have been uplifted through The Lucas Project's work; And so much more! For more information on Jess and The Lucas Project, please visit: www.1GirlRevolution.com/jessronne  Pre-order Jess' new book here: https://shorturl.at/UB9rl  Listen and Subscribe: Don't miss this inspiring episode – and so many others! Listen to The 1 Girl Revolution Podcast on #ApplePodcasts, #Spotify, #YouTube, and subscribe to stay up-to-date with our latest episodes. Join the movement to empower girls and change the world, one story at a time! For more information on 1 Girl Revolution and to hear more stories from world-changing women and girls, please visit: www.1GirlRevolution.com

The Lucas Project provides recognition, respite, and resources to family caregivers of those with special needs. 16.3 million People in the U.S. are caregivers to a child with special needs. That number is staggering and also a wake-up call.  Most of us know of someone who is caring for a child with special needs and if you don't personally know of someone, you can be assured that they are in your neighborhood; probably hiding behind closed doors isolated and exhausted. Caregivers often project the perception that “everything is okay,” when in fact, it probably is not okay and they would so appreciate having someone reach out and lend a hand.  It is our job as a society to surround these caregivers and support them through the difficult times, because a child is only as healthy as the caregiver, and society is only as healthy as the families within it. At The Lucas Project, we care for the caregivers. Get Jess Ronne's books from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4b6jQCF Lisa Whittle's books from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3S8EbhQ Atomic Habits: https://amzn.to/48OhrdY Connect to learn more: Website: https://thelucasproject.org/ Email: info@thelucasproject.org As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases. For more information about True North Disability Planning you can find us here: Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://truenorthdisabilityplanning.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Waypoints - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://waypoints.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: @TrueNorthDisabilityPlanning X (Twitter): @NeedsNavigator --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/abcs-disability-planning/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/abcs-disability-planning/support

Guest Bio: Jess Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host at Coffee with Caregivers, associate producer of the Unseen documentary, and caregiver advocate.  She is the founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a non-profit dedicated to providing recognition, resources, and respite support for special needs families. She and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their eight children, including their son Lucas who has profound disabilities. Her story of beauty from ashes has been shared on The Today Show, Daily Mail, and Huffington Post and is detailed in her memoir Sunlight Burning at Midnight.    Show Summary: Jesus tells us that we will have struggles in our lives. What do we do while we're facing those struggles? Jess Ronne is an example of someone who faces trouble with grit and determination. She did not give up in the face of many challenges and because of it she now has a non-profit that helps caregivers like her. During this conversation on God Hears Her, join Jess as she shares her story with hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Adkins.   Notes and Quotes:  “God and I have gone through a lot of wrestling together with anger.” –Jess Ronne “I'm a doer, and when I see a problem I say, ‘How are we going to fix this?'” –Jess Ronne “It's an honor to do this work, but we all need breaks.” –Jess Ronne “I don't want to be his forever caregiver, I want to be his mom.” –Jess Ronne “The child is only as healthy as the caregiver.” –Jess Ronne  “I don't think grief ever really ends, it just looks different.” –Jess Ronne  “We weren't necessarily made for this world, we were made for something better.” –Jess Ronne   Verses:  Job 33:12   Links:  The Lucas Project: https://thelucasproject.org/about/ Jess's Website: www.jessplusthemess.com God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisamorganauthor/ Eryn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eryneddy/   MB01SZFBGUPWGDH

Guest Bio: Jess Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host at Coffee with Caregivers, associate producer of the Unseen documentary, and caregiver advocate.  She is the founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a non-profit dedicated to providing recognition, resources, and respite support for special needs families. She and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their eight children, including their son Lucas who has profound disabilities. Her story of beauty from ashes has been shared on The Today Show, Daily Mail, and Huffington Post and is detailed in her memoir Sunlight Burning at Midnight.    Show Summary: Jesus tells us that we will have struggles in our lives. What do we do while we're facing those struggles? Jess Ronne is an example of someone who faces trouble with grit and determination. She did not give up in the face of many challenges and because of it she now has a non-profit that helps caregivers like her. During this conversation on God Hears Her, join Jess as she shares her story with hosts Elisa Morgan and Eryn Adkins.   Notes and Quotes:  “God and I have gone through a lot of wrestling together with anger.” –Jess Ronne “I'm a doer, and when I see a problem I say, ‘How are we going to fix this?'” –Jess Ronne “It's an honor to do this work, but we all need breaks.” –Jess Ronne “I don't want to be his forever caregiver, I want to be his mom.” –Jess Ronne “The child is only as healthy as the caregiver.” –Jess Ronne  “I don't think grief ever really ends, it just looks different.” –Jess Ronne  “We weren't necessarily made for this world, we were made for something better.” –Jess Ronne   Verses:  Job 33:12   Links:  The Lucas Project: https://thelucasproject.org/about/ Jess's Website: www.jessplusthemess.com God Hears Her website: https://www.godhearsher.org/ God Hears Her newsletter sign-up: https://www.godhearsher.org/signup Subscribe on iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/god-hears-her-podcast/id1511046507?utm_source=applemusic&utm_medium=godhearsher&utm_campaign=podcast Elisa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisamorganauthor/ Eryn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eryneddy/   MB01SZFBGUPWGDH

Future Planning Series: “Creating Residential Opportunities” with Jess Ronne Jess Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host at Coffee with Caregivers, associate producer of the Unseen Documentary. She is founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a non-profit dedicated to providing recognition, resources and respite support for special needs families. She and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their 8 children, including their son Lucas who has profound disabilities. Her story of beauty from ashes has been shared on The Today Show, Daily Mail and Huffington Post and is detailed in her memoir “Sunlight Burning at Midnight” as well as her latest books “Blended with Grit and Grace” and “Lovin' with Grit & Grace”. Contacts: www.jessplusthemess.com www.thelucasproject.org www.caregiverdoc.com Founder and Executive Director of The Lucas Project, caregiver advocate, speaker, podcast host, featured in Unseen, & author of Sunlight Burning at Midnight, Blended with Grit and Grace & Lovin with Grit & Grace (release Feb 2023)                                     Buy Now  Order  Buy Now  Watch Trailer  Website:   jessplusthemess.com Website:   https://www.thelucasproject.org/ Podcast:   https://anchor.fm/jess-ronne Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jessplusthemess Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessplusthemess Pinterest:  pinterest.com/jessplusthemess/ Twitter:      twitter.com/jessplusthemess   Connect with Us: If you enjoy this podcast please share us with others and be sure to follow us so won't miss an episode.  We'd love to hear from you so please leave us a comment or rating and connect with us on social media or on our website.  Email us Website: hopeonthehardroad.org Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/ Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459/?source_id=105530184205752 Free Youtube Resource Library https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz  

On today's show Jess Ronne discusses her life story, grief, raising a disabled child, nonprofit word, Unseen Documentary, caregiver advocacy and books written. Isaac Lopez then discusses advertising strategy that goes straight at the 'Woke Corporation' narrative.   GUEST 1 OVERVIEW: Jess Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host at Coffee with Caregivers, associate producer of the Unseen Documentary, and caregiver advocate. She is founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a non-profit dedicated to providing recognition, resources and respite support for special needs families. She and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their 8 children, including their son Lucas who has profound disabilities. Her story of beauty from ashes has been shared on The Today Show, Daily Mail and Huffington Post and is detailed in her memoir Sunlight Burning at Midnight. To follow the ongoing saga she can be found at http://www.jessplusthemess.com/ or purchase her latest books Blended with Grit and Grace and Lovin' with Grit & Grace.   GUEST 2 OVERVIEW: Isaac is Director of PR at Red Balloon which was founded in 2021 as the solution to government over-reach and 'cancel culture'.   

You have to PRUNE to create room for real GROWTH, this is a sentiment gardeners understand but often busy parent caregivers forget. Are you making space in your life to experience peace? To exhale? To hear your own thoughts? In our busy world and even busier caregiving lives, it's easy to get overwhelmed and out of touch with what we really require to thrive as human beings. On this episode, host Jessica Patay, speaks with our story teller, Jess Ronne, about getting in touch with ourselves, embracing our instincts and pruning anything from our lives that's keeping us from reaching our full potential.Jess Ronne is a non-profit CEO of The Lucas Project, author of Sunlight Burning at Midnight and special needs mama to her son Luke.Find The Lucas Project here.Find the trailer for UNSEEN: How We're Failing Parent Caregivers & Why it Matters here.Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys. JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.Donate to keep this podcast going here.Can't get enough of the Brave Together Podcast?Follow our Instagram Page @wearebravetogether or on Facebook.Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: jpatay@wearebravetogether.orgIf you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!

In this episode, Host Annette Hines welcomes back Author Jess Ronne to the show to discuss her newest book, Lovin' with Grit and Grace that was just released in February. Jessica Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host of Coffee with Caregivers, associate producer of the “UNSEEN” documentary, and caregiver advocate. She is founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a non-profit dedicated to serving parent caregivers with recognition, respite, and resources. Jess and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their eight children, including their son Lucas who has profound disabilities. Her story of beauty from ashes is detailed in her memoir, Sunlight Burning at Midnight.    Lovin' with Grit and Grace: https://www.amazon.com/Lovin-Grit-Grace-Straight-Talk-Romance/dp/1684260922   You can listen to the previous episode with Jess on our website: https://specialneedscompanies.com/episode-126-caregivers-need-our-support-with-jess-ronne   Connect with Jess Ronne:  Website: www.thelucasproject.org Facebook: Facebook/theofficiallucasproject LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-ronne-4b412670/

Today we're welcoming Jess Ronne to the podcast. Jess is the author of Sunlight Burning at Midnight, founder of a non-profit, and mom of 8 including her son, Lucas, born with profound disabilities. Jess became a widow and single mom at 33, after losing her husband to a brain tumor. She had 4 children under 6, and after several years, she met Ryan Ronne, a widower with 3 children. They married and had a child together in 2015. At that point, her son Lucas was entering puberty, and raising him became more challenging every day. She and Ryan sought out resources and support for caregivers, but, try as they might, they couldn't find any community for caregivers desperate for a break. So she founded her own non-profit, The Lucas Project, to help families with special needs. She realized early on, her efforts needed to include respite care for the caregivers, advice to help all of us to recognize their needs, and practical ways we can help. Not only do disabled individuals need lifelong care, but their caregivers do as well. Resources & Links: Sunlight Burning at Midnight, the new book by Jess Ronne Unseen: How We're Failing Parent Caregivers and Why it Matters, an unfiltered, honest documentary that takes a glimpse into the lives of the Ronnes, to enable a change for millions of caregivers and their families. The Lucas Project, providing recognition, respite and resources to family caregivers of those with special needs. Jess Ronne's blog, jessplusthemess.com The Ostrich and Other Lost Things by Beth Hautala

If life has blindsided you, you don't need hollow encouragement, you need someone who understands. Jess Ronne joins the team to share her blind-sided-by-life story. Jess is the founder of The Lucas Project, helping families with special needs kids. In 2004 her son Lucas had a stroke in the womb. He was born and lives with profound special needs. Her husband Jason died of a brain tumor in 2010. In 2011 she re-married to Ryan to become a blended family of 8. Then Ryan was told he might have cancer. Blindsided by life. Beauty from ashes. Please share!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We had the opportunity of chatting with the inspiring and amazingly driven Jess Ronne. We chat about her son Lucas and all of the lovely projects she has going on right now. One thing we can all take away from this interview is that we need to get back to caring for each other. Jess recently purchased a farm, Hope Farm, to provide a place for not only her son but several other families in the area. She highlights some of the challenges of being a caregiver in her documentary and throws herself into advocacy with her non-profit, The Lucas Project. Did we mention she is also an author? Author of Sunlight Burning at Midnight, Blended with Grit and Grace, and Lovin with Grit and Grace, Mom of 8, Founder of The Lucas Project, podcast host at Coffee with Caregivers, filmmaker of the documentary "Unseen" and all-around amazing human being. Here is the link to donate to Hope Farm Fundraiser by Jessica Ronne : Help us raise $350,000 for Hope Farm! (gofundme.com) help support the mission of Hope Farm. Find additional information about Jess Ronne and her family at (6) The Lucas Project | Facebook (6) Jess Ronne | Facebook coffeewithcaregivers ☕️ (@coffeewithcaregivers) • Instagram photos and videos Jess Ronne (@jessplusthemess) • Instagram photos and videos The Lucas Project (@the_lucas_project_) • Instagram photos and videos You can find us at Table for Five, No Reservations | Facebook Table for Five Podcast (@tableforfivenoreservations) • Instagram photos and videos

Episode Summary: Jess Ronne and I talk about self-care for the caregiver. You may not currently be in a caregiver role but at some point in our lives many of us find ourselves there. Today's guest is the mother of eight children, one of whom has profound special needs, and she was the caregiver for her husband who suffered for three years with brain cancer. She shares today about what she's learned regarding self-care for the caregiver. Quotables from the episode: As a caregiver, my life depends on respite. Sometimes we have to search for pockets of respite. As a caregiver, we need to be intentional about good habits to take care of ourselves so we can continue caring for others. Self-care is taking care of your body (exercise, nutrition, adequate sleep) so we can continue caring for others. As a caregiver, you may need to ask your spouse when they can give you a little time for yourself that fits around their needs and schedule. One of the biggest lessons I've learned through caregiving is not to get caught up looking at the future and trying to control it. As a caregiver, your job is to stay obedient to what God called you to do and release control to God. The caregiver's to-do list never ends. Caregivers desperately want to be seen.  Scripture References: Psalm 23:1-3 “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths bringing honor to his name. Isaiah 35:10 NLT “Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness.”   Recommended Resources:  Sunlight Burning at Midnight by Jessica Ronne Blended with Grip and Grace: Just Keep Livin' When Life is Unexpected by Jessica Ronne Unseen: Exposing the Mental Health Crisis Among Special Needs Caregivers  TheLucasProject.org 10 Scriptures of Encouragement for Caregivers Hope and Help for How To Avoid Caregiver Burnout – Episode 12 Caring for the Caregiver Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide  Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety's Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award How To Help a Depressed Loved One free eBook Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Jess Ronne: Website Jess / Website Lucas Project / Facebook Lucas Project / Instagram Jess / Instagram Lucas Project For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety's Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Jess Ronne is an author, speaker, documentary producer, and caregiver advocate. She is the founder and executive director of The Lucas Project—a non-profit dedicated to provide recognition, resources, and respite for special needs families. She and her husband, Ryan, live in Tennessee with their 8 children, including their son, Lucas, who has profound special needs. Her story of beauty from ashes has been shared on The Today Show, Daily Mail, and Huffington Post, and is detailed in her memoir Sunlight Burning at Midnight. To follow the ongoing saga, she can be found at Jessplusthemess.com or thelucasproject.org. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

FASD Hope is a podcast series about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), through the lens of parent advocates with over nineteen years of lived experience.   BONUS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH EPISODE!   May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Episode 134 shines a light on Jess Ronne! Jess Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host at Coffee with Caregivers, associate producer of Unseen, and caregiver advocate.  She is founder and executive director of The Lucas Project—a non-profit dedicated to providing recognition and respite for special needs families. She and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their 8 children, including their son Lucas who has profound special needs. Her story of beauty from ashes has been shared on The Today Show, Daily Mail and Huffington Post and is detailed in her memoir Sunlight Burning at Midnight.  To follow the ongoing saga she can be found at www.jessplusthemess.com or purchase her latest book, Blended with Grit and Grace.    In this critically important episode, which airs in conjunction with the release of "Unseen: Caregiver Documentary", Jess shares the following: her parenting / family's journey, their family's challenges, becoming a ROCK STAR advocate for the Parent Caregiver Community, the importance of caregiver mental health, her many initiatives (including the new Unseen Caregiver Documentary", her faith in her journey, key facts about parent caregivers and her words of hope and encouragement.   EPISODE RESOURCES -  Jess Ronne https://www.jessplusthemess.com/   Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/coffeewithcaregivers Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/caregiverdoc/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jessplusthemess/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-ronne-4b412670/ Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/jessplusthemess   The Unseen Caregiver Documentary, which features The Ronne family, is to view online from May 20-26th, 2022. For more information or to purchase a ticket - https://caregiverdoc.com/   FASD Hope - https://www.fasdhope.com/ natalie@fasdhope.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fasdhope/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fasdhope1 Twitter - https://twitter.com/fasdhope LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-vecchione-17212160/ Racket - @fasdhope Clubhouse - @natalievecc Check out our  book “Blazing New Homeschool Trails: Educating and Launching Teens with Developmental Disabilities” by Natalie Vecchione & Cindy LaJoy  BUY IT NOW!

Author, speaker, podcast host, CEO of The Lucas Project, caregiver advocate and mom of 8 - any one of these is a full time job but my friend and guest of today's show, Jess Ronne does them all! Jess has walked an incredible story of becoming a special needs mom, young widow and meeting her husband, Ryan, to become a blended family. She has learned how to ‘just keep livin' when the unpredictable becomes reality and she has a heart to share God's message of love and hope for families, caregivers and the unseen.    In today's conversation, Jess and I discuss:   How to wrestle with and lean into God in the painful and unpredictable moments of life Understanding the beautiful story He is writing for each of us How to bless special needs families How to be a more present people and set boundaries to protect family time   This was such an amazing conversation that could have lasted for hours but friend, be sure to listen all the way through and let Jess encourage you to put one foot in front of the other when you feel unseen or the responsibilities of life have exhausted you beyond measure.   JESSICA RONNE is an author, speaker, podcast host of Coffee with Caregivers, and advocate. She is founder and Executive Director of The Lucas Project—a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing recognition, resources, and respite for special needs families. She and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their eight children.   Connect with Jess on Facebook, Instagram and at jessplusthemess.com   To watch Jess' newly released documentary, Unseen, click HERE!   Jess' books, Sunlight Burning at Midnight and Blended With Grit and Grace: Just Keep Livin' When Life is Unexpected are available to purchase HERE   Connect with Somer on Facebook and Instagram   Join Somer for the 3rd annual Wives of Integrity Conference HERE! Sign up to receive weekly emails and resources from Somer HERE!   FAVORITE TAKEAWAYS: I never lost my faith but there was a lot of wrestling and a lot of screaming and a lot of questions   Anger was a fuel I was leaning into   God can handle our questions, He can handle our wrestling and He can handle our “why”   Today I can say, He wrote my story perfectly   He is God and I am not and everything He has created on this earth is to bring Him glory and that includes my story   A child cannot be healthy if the caregivers are not   Use whatever skillset you have that the Lord has blessed you with to do something.   We are not a present people - A “yes” to my phone is a “no” to my family   There is no holier work this side of heaven than caring for those who cannot care for themselves

Author, speaker, podcast host, CEO of The Lucas Project, caregiver advocate and mom of 8 - any one of these is a full time job but my friend and guest of today's show, Jess Ronne does them all! Jess has walked an incredible story of becoming a special needs mom, young widow and meeting her husband, Ryan, to become a blended family. She has learned how to ‘just keep livin' when the unpredictable becomes reality and she has a heart to share God's message of love and hope for families, caregivers and the unseen.    In today's conversation, Jess and I discuss:   How to wrestle with and lean into God in the painful and unpredictable moments of life Understanding the beautiful story He is writing for each of us How to bless special needs families How to be a more present people and set boundaries to protect family time   This was such an amazing conversation that could have lasted for hours but friend, be sure to listen all the way through and let Jess encourage you to put one foot in front of the other when you feel unseen or the responsibilities of life have exhausted you beyond measure.   JESSICA RONNE is an author, speaker, podcast host of Coffee with Caregivers, and advocate. She is founder and Executive Director of The Lucas Project—a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing recognition, resources, and respite for special needs families. She and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their eight children.   Connect with Jess on Facebook, Instagram and at jessplusthemess.com   To watch Jess' newly released documentary, Unseen, click HERE!   Jess' books, Sunlight Burning at Midnight and Blended With Grit and Grace: Just Keep Livin' When Life is Unexpected are available to purchase HERE   Connect with Somer on Facebook and Instagram   Join Somer for the 3rd annual Wives of Integrity Conference HERE! Sign up to receive weekly emails and resources from Somer HERE!   FAVORITE TAKEAWAYS: I never lost my faith but there was a lot of wrestling and a lot of screaming and a lot of questions   Anger was a fuel I was leaning into   God can handle our questions, He can handle our wrestling and He can handle our “why”   Today I can say, He wrote my story perfectly   He is God and I am not and everything He has created on this earth is to bring Him glory and that includes my story   A child cannot be healthy if the caregivers are not   Use whatever skillset you have that the Lord has blessed you with to do something.   We are not a present people - A “yes” to my phone is a “no” to my family   There is no holier work this side of heaven than caring for those who cannot care for themselves

If you are a caregiver of a child with special needs, then you'll probably relate to the feeling of being overwhelmed and never getting a break. Which begs the question: who is caring for the caregivers? Today's guest, Jessica Ronne, is a true warrior and inspiration: she is a wife, mother to 8 kids, author, teacher, and founder of a non-profit dedicated to providing respite breaks for special needs caregivers, The Lucas Project.  After losing her first husband to a long battle with brain cancer and suddenly becoming a young widow and mom to 4 children under the age of 6 (including a child with special needs and a newborn), she decided she had two choices: wallow in her misfortune forever, or make the best of her difficult and wonderful journey. In this episode, Jessica shares with us the importance of finding people who can truly relate to your journey, how she met her current husband Ryan (a widower and parent like herself), how caregivers can find help and respite, and what to do in the face of isolation.  Her documentary, Unseen, will be premiering in May of 2022 and is an eye-opening project that helps illustrate the struggles of caregivers, why it matters, and what we can do to help.  Key Takeaways with Jessica Ronne How caregivers can seek rest and support, and why this is so important. What to do if you feel isolated/alone in your community. The reality of a day in the life of a caregiver. How society is failing parents of children with special needs that are dependent for life. Making the distinction between mothers and caregivers. How important it is for caregiving mothers to eventually outsource some responsibility. Show Notes: Get Full Access to the Show Notes by visiting: MatteasJoy.org/20. Rate & Review If you enjoyed today's episode of The Joy In The Journey, hit the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen, so future episodes are automatically downloaded directly to your device. You can also help by providing an honest rating & review over on Apple Podcasts. Reviews go a long way in helping us build awareness so that we can impact even more people. THANK YOU!

S4 EP.08 - Jessica Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host of Coffee with Caregivers, and advocate. She is founder and Executive Director of The Lucas Project–a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing recognition, resources, and respite for special needs families. She's the producer of a new documentary called Unseen and has also been featured on NBC's Today Show and in numerous publications. Her newest book is called Blended With Grit & Grace: Just Keep Livin When Life is Unexpected. We are absolutely positive you will be inspired and encouraged by Jessica's remarkable story

Have you ever gone through life wondering, "where is God in all of this mess, and is he still good?" We know we have, and our guest on today's show definitely has as well!   Today, we are excited to share an interview with Jess Ronne. In this interview, we talk about how she lost her husband and the grief that came as a result, how she is raising her special needs son (along with her other 7 children), how she has blended two families to become one, and how she watched God show up and work in the mess of her life.   Jess Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host, CEO of The Lucas Project, caregiver advocate, and mom of 8. You'll often find her chatting about faith, grief, food, simplicity, blended families, gardening, special needs, clean living, and everything else in between. Jess has 2 books, “Blended with Grit and Grace” and “ Sunlight Burning at Midnight," with a third book in the works!   We hope that through this episode, you see the goodness of God, and trust that even if you're in the middle of the mess, that He will show up and take care of you.   // Where to learn more about Jess and her ministries //   Website: https://www.jessplusthemess.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessplusthemess/ The Lucas Project: https://thelucasproject.org Coffee with Caretakers Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/coffeewithcaregivers/ New Documentary on the Mental Health Crisis of Special Needs Caregivers: https://caregiverdoc.com   // Other Episodes You May Enjoy //   118: Following God into the Unknown with Beth Guckenberger of Back2Back Ministries: https://realtalkchristianpodcast.com/episodes/118-following-god-into-the-unknown-with-beth-guckenberger-of-back2back-ministries/   105: Is My Family Saved? Approaching Those Who Claim Christianity: https://realtalkchristianpodcast.com/episodes/105-is-my-family-saved-approaching-those-who-claim-christianity/   091: Should We Fight to Get God Back Into Schools?: https://realtalkchristianpodcast.com/episodes/091-should-we-fight-to-get-god-back-into-schools/   084: Forgiveness: Why is it so hard?: https://realtalkchristianpodcast.com/episodes/084-forgiveness-why-is-it-so-hard/   063: What is Undeserved Grace?: https://realtalkchristianpodcast.com/episodes/063-what-is-undeserved-grace/   // Helpful Links //   The Christian Standard Bible: https://bit.ly/3rulKqi Brew it Forward Coffee Co: https://bit.ly/3k2Iz1Q Lifeway Christian Resources: https://bit.ly/3qka4Wv Got Questions?: https://bit.ly/3vSMJfq Dwell Bible App: https://bit.ly/3zUYq8E Cross Formed Kids from Ryan Coatney: https://bit.ly/3h19isZ RTC Quick Links: https://linktr.ee/realtalkchristianpodcast RTC Merch Store: https://real-talk-christian-podcast.creator-spring.com/ RTC Online: www.realtalkchristianpodcast.com

We are so excited to share this week's episode, "Blending Families After Tragedy and Loss" with Scott and Vanessa Martindale, and special guest, Jessica Ronne. This podcast is for you if you're looking for support as a caregiver, would like to learn how to support the caregiving community, or you're in need of hope in the season of blending your family after tragedy and loss.Jessica and her husband, Ryan, are parents to 8 children one of which, Lucas, has profound special needs. She is an author, speaker, podcast host, documentary producer, caregiver, advocate, and executive producer of “The Lucas Project.” Jessica's book “Blended with Grit and Grace,” tells the story of her family and their trials and tribulations through stories about their blended life together, and she wrote it as a follow up to her first memoir about meeting Ryan. She and her family live in Michigan and are working to build their dream accessible home. Jessica's mission through her work with The Lucas Project is to provide recognition and respite to special needs caregivers.IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:Jessica's story of blending her family after tragedyProcessing grief and healing as a familyThe Lucas Project and caring for a child with profound special needsWalking in obedience to what God is calling you toAnd more!!This podcast is available on all major podcast platforms! You can also find our podcast on our website at www.blendedkingdomfamilies.com. Be sure to subscribe to never miss an episode!! We pray that this podcast blesses you today!#blendedkingdomfamilies #restoredfamilymovementWant to connect with Jessica Ronne?Facebook: https://Facebook.com/jessplusthemess Instagram: https://Instagram.com/jessplusthemessTwitter: https://Twitter.com/jessplusthemessWebsite: www.jessplusthemess.com or www.thelucasproject.org

Wow! Jess is an amazing woman! She's an author, speaker, podcast host of Coffee with caregivers, CEO of The Lucas Project, caregiver advocate and mom of 8. Plus she has a documentary coming soon, a film crew spent years documenting the Ronne Family. You will love our chat!    Find more here: https://www.jessplusthemess.com/ https://thelucasproject.org/ https://caregiverdoc.com/ ______________________   Contact us here:  inclusion@autismmastermind.co IG, FB, YouTube @autismmastermind  Please Write, review, subscribe and share 

Caregivers are often the unseen and overlooked part of special needs care. In this podcast episode, Annette speaks with Jessica Ronne, an author, caregiver advocate, and mom of 8, about caregiver support, her caregiver nonprofit The Lucas Project, her blog “Jess + the Mess” and her 2 books “Sunlight Burning at Midnight” and “Blended with Grit and Grace.”   Jess' family story is one of heart break that leads to happiness. Her second child Lucas was born profoundly disabled due to a stroke in utero.  A few years later, her first husband passed away from brain cancer leaving her a widow at 33 with 4 children under 7, one profoundly disabled.  Jess had been blogging throughout all this as writing to her is a form of release. A chance comment on her blog from one of her followers lead her to her current husband – his wife had passed away from brain cancer around the same time as Jess' husband.  They have been married now for 11 years and have a blended family of 8 children.

Continuing the Brave Together series celebrating Trailblazing Moms, this week Jessica speaks with Jess Ronne, an author, speaker, podcast host, and caregiver advocate.  Jess Ronne is founder and executive director of The Lucas Project—a non-profit dedicated to providing recognition, resources, and respite for special needs families. She and her husband Ryan live in Tennessee with their 8 children, including their son Lucas who has profound special needs. Her story of beauty from ashes has been shared on The Today Show, Daily Mail and Huffington Post and is detailed in her memoir Sunlight Burning at Midnight.  To follow the ongoing saga she can be found at www.jessplusthemess.com or www.thelucasproject.org.Brave Together Podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp, an organization working to make professional counseling accessible, affordable, convenient - so anyone can get help, anytime, anywhere from the world's largest network of licensed, accredited, and experienced counselors.  For a 10% discount off of your first month, visit www.betterhelp.com/wearebrave together.

Today's conversation with Jess Ronne covers a lot of ground. From puberty to poopy diapers, and the grief of not giving enough to your other children, we explore what it means to be a caregiver vs. a mom. Jess Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host at Coffee with Caregivers, and the founder and executive director of The Lucas Project—a non-profit dedicated to providing recognition and respite for special needs families. She and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their 8 children, including their son Lucas who has profound special needs and autism. Her story of beauty from ashes has been shared on The Today Show, Daily Mail and Huffington Post and is detailed in her memoir Sunlight Burning at Midnight and in her new book Blended with Grit & Grace releasing June 15, 2021. Host, Lara Kitts Website, Flight Club and Blog https://www.larakitts.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/larakittsllc Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lara.kitts/?hl=en Guest, Jess Rone Websites at www.jessplusthemess.com www.thelucasproject.org, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jessplusthemess/?hl=en Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Jessplusthemess --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/larakitts/message

Stephanie Simoes is a wife & mother to four beautiful children from Pennsylvania and enjoys being a Cause Entrepreneur with ONEHOPE. She hosts private wine events to raise awareness and donations for different causes. Supporting medical research and support for special needs families is really important to her because she has three children who have been diagnosed with PANS. She is extremely passionate about raising awareness and believes that if her journey with PANDAS/PANS can help even just one other family, it is worth it. To learn more about One Hope Wine check out - Onehopewine.com/myshop/winewsteph To support The Lucas Project with a purchase head to - onehopewine.com/event/97722 To stay connected with Jess, head to www.jessplusthemess.com. If you are interested in being a guest please contact me at jess@thelucasproject.org I'd love to hear what you think, so please rate and review! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jess-ronne/support

Jess Ronne is no stranger to the unexpected. After her son Lucas had a stroke in utero and was born with profound special needs, Jess soon thereafter lost her beloved husband to brain cancer. Forever the fighter, Jess turned hardship into hope becoming a renowned author, speaker, podcast host, documentary producer, and caregiver advocate. She is the founder and executive director of The Lucas Project—a non-profit dedicated to providing recognition, resources, and respite for special needs families, as well as author of her brilliant memoir Sunlight Burning at Midnight, and soon to be released second book, Blended with Grit and Grace. Jess lives with her eight children and husband Ryan in Tennessee and can be found on The Today Show, Daily Mail, Huffington Post and www.jessplusthemess.com.

"The average person really has no idea how to help caregivers.” Lindsay Spitler In this debut episode of Coffee with Caregivers, Jess sits down with one of her oldest and dearest friends Lindsay Spitler to discuss life as a caregiver to her 16 year old son Lucas who has profound special needs. In addition to caring for the Lucas, Jess has 7 other children, is married to her husband Ryan, is a published author, speaker, founder of the non-profit The Lucas Project and now podcast host. During this episode, Jess and Lindsay talk about the details of Lucas's needs, what a daily routine looks like for him, and some common misconceptions that others may have about her life as a caregiver. They also dive into one of Jess's favorite subjects – self-care and how she manages to prioritize pockets of time for herself in the midst of the chaos. Jess can be found at www.jessplusthemess.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jess-ronne/support