From the uncertainty of the PICU to the first small signs of awareness, Emily walks us through the emotional highs and devastating lows of recovery. She recounts moments of hope—like McKenna responding for the first time—and moments where that hope seemed to disappear just as quickly.

As the journey unfolds, Emily shares what it was like to advocate fiercely for her daughter in life-or-death situations, including a critical moment where speaking up quite literally saved McKenna’s life. Through it all, time lost meaning, routines became survival, and resilience became essential.

This episode also explores the long road of recovery—rehabilitation, regaining movement, and the emotional milestone of bringing McKenna home. But the journey didn’t end there. Emily shares the next challenge: kidney failure, the transplant process, and her unwavering certainty that she would be the one to donate.

This is a story of courage, advocacy, and the deep connection between parent and child—where love becomes the driving force through unimaginable circumstances.

This is Part 2 of Emily’s story.

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Emily describes how she sensed something was wrong with her healthy two-year-old daughter weeks before doctors confirmed it. Despite multiple visits and reassurances that it was “just a virus,” her body told her otherwise. The anxiety built until one terrifying afternoon when her daughter collapsed in her arms.

From calling 911, to the helicopter ride to Children’s Hospital, to hearing the words “open heart surgery,” Emily walks us through the moment-by-moment unfolding of crisis. She reflects on fear, being unheard, trust in medical professionals, and the power of intuition.

This is Part 1 of a deeply moving story about resilience, advocacy, recovery, and the spiritual strength that carried her through.

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Raised in a rigid evangelical environment, Jenni shares the personal challenges and pivotal moments that led her to relocate to New York City, ultimately pursuing a career that harmonizes spirituality with social justice. After a transformative experience in advertising and the corporate world, Jenni's quest for deeper understanding propelled her into seminary at Union Theological Seminary, where she studied interfaith social justice and political science.

Discover how Jenni's personal struggles with complex PTSD and her discovery of yoga and mindfulness as powerful tools for her own healing inspired her to assist others facing similar challenges. Learn about her journey through yoga teacher training during the COVID-19 pandemic, which connected her with Kula for Karma, an organization dedicated to integrating yoga and mindfulness to support those dealing with trauma and mental health issues.

Jenni also discusses her book "Femi-Evangelical," where she critiques the religious doctrines that shaped her early life and advocates for a reclamation of faith grounded in justice, equality, and personal empowerment, especially for women.

This enlightening conversation not only sheds light on Jenni's impactful work and personal growth but also offers valuable insights into the healing power of integrating mind, body, and spirit practices into recovery and wellness frameworks.

Tune in for an engaging and uplifting discussion that promises to enrich your understanding of faith, healing, and personal transformation.

Find out more about Kula for Karma at www.kulaforkarma.org

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