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.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you don’t miss Part 2.
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Pick up Jim’s book: Learn to Fish Without Bait https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4