A Place of Yes | A Grief Podcast

What if the standard support systems for people with disabilities are just not enough? In this episode, we explore how AIM is challenging the status quo by offering innovative, personalized services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and traumatic brain injury. We also discover how AIM empowers those it serves by providing more opportunities, choices, and meaningful connections, helping them shape their futures. Because at AIM, simply getting by isn’t the goal—we’re always AIMing for more. AIM Services: https://www.aimservicesinc.org/ Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to guide families through their most painful moments? In this episode of A Place of Yes, Brittany DeMarco-Furman, a fourth-generation funeral director, shares the emotional highs and lows of working with grief daily. She reveals how creating meaningful moments for families isn’t just part of the job—it’s a calling. Join us as Brittany uncovers the power of compassion, connection, and love in helping families honor their loved ones and navigate the darkest times of their lives. If you think you know what it’s like to work in the funeral industry, think again! Connect with Brittany: https://www.instagram.com/buriedinconversation/ Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s it like to raise a child with a rare disease? In this episode of A Place of Yes, Heather connects with Jeff Ames, whose daughter Tessa lives with Dravet syndrome. As rare disease parents, Heather and Jeff share the unique struggles and unexpected joys of raising a child in a world that feels so different from everyone else’s. They discuss the emotional toll, the constant challenges, and the overwhelming love that defines their journeys. It’s a conversation about resilience, community, and what it means to live a life that few others can truly understand. Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when unimaginable grief and trauma share the same emotional space? In this episode of A Place of Yes, Heather connects with Kara and Kim, hosts of Survivors Guide to True Crime. Though their experiences differ — Heather grieving the loss of her son and Kara and Kim surviving traumatic, life altering experiences — they find common ground in the overlap of their pain. They discuss the harmful clichés they’ve heard, toxic positivity, and the fear of raising children while carrying the weight of their trauma. It’s a raw, honest look at how grief and trauma are more connected than we often realize. Magic Mind: https://magicmind.com/placeofyes USE CODE placeofyes20 FOR 20% OFF Find Kim & Kara: https://www.survivorsguidetotruecrime.com Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when life hits you with loss after loss, leaving you gasping for air? Just five weeks after losing her father to a rapid four-month battle with cancer, Steph Hogan sits down with Heather to share her story. On top of losing her father, Steph has endured the heartbreak of losing her beloved dogs, Ted and Sadie and struggling through the pain of IVF and pregnancy loss. Together, they dive into the raw and messy realities of anticipatory grief, losing a parent, and how the weight of cumulative grief can feel unbearable. Steph's story is a powerful reminder that grief has no hierarchy; every loss is profound and valid. Magic Mind: https://magicmind.com/placeofyes USE CODE placeofyes20 FOR 20% OFF Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine facing your mortality before you even graduate high school. Gabe Donovan knows this reality all too well. Born with NF1, a rare and complex genetic disorder that affects every part of his body, Gabe’s journey has been filled with unimaginable challenges, from painful tumors to feeling completely isolated. In this episode of A Place of Yes, host Heather sits down with Gabe and his mother, Maureen, to discuss how this disease has shaped Gabe's life, the battles they’ve fought together, and the resilience he’s found along the way. It’s a raw, eye-opening conversation about strength, vulnerability, and the profound impact of living with a rare illness that constantly tests the limits of the human spirit. Double H Ranch: https://www.doublehranch.org Find Gabe: https://www.instagram.com/the_original_mad_gabe Find Maureen: https://www.instagram.com/maureeneobrien/ Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subrina Dhammi, a TV Journalist with WNYT, News Channel 13 in Albany, NY shares the deeply personal story of her difficult childhood and her estranged relationship with her parents. In this episode of A Place of Yes, host Heather Straughter interviews Subrina Dhammi to explore the complexities of sharing stories of grief, loss, and tragedy on the news. Together, they discuss the weight of ambiguous grief and the struggle to find closure in relationships that are still unresolved. Subrina discusses the emotional challenges of connecting with families during their darkest moments and how she strives to tell their stories with compassion and respect. Magic Mind: https://magicmind.com/placeofyes USE CODE placeofyes20 FOR 20% OFF Subrina: https://www.instagram.com/subrinadhammi/?hl=en Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ A Place of Yes Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceofyespodcast ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this heartwarming episode of the “A Place of YES” podcast, we delve into the extraordinary story of Esme, a resilient child with medical needs. Her mother, Hillary, shares Esme’s journey and how she has come to learn more about supporting Ezzy’s needs and ensuring that she has an empowering community behind her daughter. Despite facing numerous medical challenges and lacking a formal diagnosis, Esme has defied all odds and achieved incredible milestones. Join us as we explore the power of resilience, the importance of community support, and the limitless potential within every child, regardless of their circumstances. Find Heather and Jake's Help from Heaven: ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of A Place of Yes, host Heather interviews Annie Sklaver Orenstein, a cultural researcher, writer, and storyteller whose work has touched lives around the globe. Annie shares the deeply personal story of losing her older brother, Ben, and sheds light on how sibling grief is often overlooked in society. As Heather reflects on her own family's journey after the loss of her son, Jake, she gains invaluable insights on how to support her surviving son, Ethan, better. Together, they explore the complexities of grief, the power of storytelling, and the importance of acknowledging every voice in the healing process. FIND ANNIE: https://www.annieorenstein.com/about Always a Sibling Book: https://www.amazon.com/Always-Sibling-Forgotten-Mourners-Guide/dp/030683149X FIND HEATHER & JAKE'S HELP FROM HEAVEN ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever wondered what it takes to assemble a powerful non-profit, especially after a loved one's death, this episode is for you. President and Founder of Jake's Help From Heaven, Heather Straughter sits down with four dedicated board members. They delve into the "why" behind their commitment to the cause, sharing personal stories of grief and loss that have shaped their journeys. Each story is a testament to the transformative power of turning pain into purpose, illustrating how their experiences have fueled their passion for helping others. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, community, and the profound impact of giving back. FIND HEATHER & JAKE'S HELP FROM HEAVEN ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Heather Straughter in this inspiring episode of A Place of Yes as she sits down with Allie Bange-Hall to discuss her journey with cancer. Allie opens up about her challenges and triumphs while living with the illness, sharing her story of resilience, strength, and hope. Whether you're personally affected by cancer or looking for inspiration, this heartfelt conversation is a testament to the power of living with grace and courage. Find Allie & Piper Boutique: Piper Online: https://www.piperboutique.com Piper on IG: https://www.instagram.com/piperboutique FIND HEATHER & JAKE'S HELP FROM HEAVEN ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of A Place of Yes, Heather sits down with Francine Apy, an experienced adoption coach and adoptive mother of three. Francine shares her journey of normalizing adoption within her family and the importance of keeping open conversations about adoption, even when it involves addressing taboo topics. Dive into the concept of ambiguous grief and how it affects adoptive families. Join us for a discussion filled with insights, empathy, and practical advice for anyone touched by adoption. Find Francine & Soul Filling: http://soulfillingadoption.com FIND HEATHER & JAKE'S HELP FROM HEAVEN ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel DeFabio turned his personal tragedy into a mission to support others. After losing his son Lucas to Menkes syndrome at just 11 years old, Daniel dedicated himself to the rare disease community, now serving as the Director of Community Engagement for Global Genes. Learn about Lucas’s journey, from his premature birth to his brave fight with Menkes syndrome. Hear Daniel’s story of grief, resilience, and the milestones that marked Lucas's life.Discover how Daniel found purpose in advocacy, transforming his experience into a force for positive change in the rare disease community. Join us for an emotional and inspiring conversation about love, loss, and the power of turning personal pain into community strength. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more impactful stories. Find Daniel & His Impactful Work 🌟 https://globalgenes.org/blog/tell-your-story-daniel-defabiorare-dad-filmmaker-advocate/ https://tinyurl.com/5n6fjzay FIND HEATHER & JAKE'S HELP FROM HEAVEN ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Dear God, I just want to live..." was the last journal entry made by 18-year-old Olivia Allen. The Saratoga Springs teen was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a rare form of cancer, and passed away within the same year - shocking her community. In this episode, her mother Mellisa Allen takes us into her mindset during that last year and those final days. We learn about her daughter's resilience and positive outlook even in the and face of a difficult diagnosis. We learn of her frustrations with the healthcare system, and how the "Live LIke Liv" legacy got started.   Join us as we discuss Olivia's incredible spirit, unyielding strength in the face of illness, and profound impact on those who knew her.  This episode is a tribute to Olivia's inspiring journey and the enduring love she continues to inspire. Remember Olivia with a contribution to Live Like Liv & The Bernard and Millie Duker Children's Hospital: https://www.walmart.com/registry/ER/45be3cad-eb47-44be-8f33-0951fe4fc7b2 FIND HEATHER & JAKE'S HELP FROM HEAVEN ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Heather to discuss the devastating murder of Philip Rabadi in 2022. Philip's father, Shaw Rabadi, discovered his son's brutally tortured body, marking the beginning of an intense investigation that revealed a chilling tale of stalking and violence. Heather, a longtime family friend, shares her insights and the emotional toll this tragedy has taken on the Rabadi family and their close-knit community. We delve into the details of the case, the quest for justice, and the profound impact of losing a loved one to such a heinous crime. Phil With Love Foundation: http://philwithlove.org FIND HEATHER & JAKE'S HELP FROM HEAVEN ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jessica Fein is the author of Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes and host of the "I Don't Know How You Do It" podcast. She's a seasoned media contributor, with forums including Newsweek, Psychology Today, The Boston Globe, HuffPost, Scary Mommy and more. Heather and Jessica connect on child loss, friendship and when people say the wrong thing. Get the book: Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us on A Place of Yes as we interview Kayla, mother of Jax, who was diagnosed with autism. Kayla shares their journey as special needs parents, detailing how they support and love Jax through his struggles. She also discusses a pivotal moment when a doctor administered the wrong dose of a vaccine to Jax, highlighting the importance of advocating for your child. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience, love, and the power of parental advocacy. Find Kayla, Jax's Mom https://www.tiktok.com/@miss_malibu_?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc FIND HEATHER & JAKE'S HELP FROM HEAVEN ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Father and son, Shaun and Shamus Evans have inspired the nation with their running achievements. From a 3,200 mile run across America when Shamus was nine, to the prestigious Boston Marathon now that Shamus is 18. Shamus was born with Cerebral Palsy – a condition which limits his primary means of mobility to a wheelchair, but does not limit his ability to dream and inspire others.  Right before Thanksgiving 2013, Shamus said “Dad, when we run across the country, can we donate chairs to kids like me so they can feel what it is like to run...so they can go fast too.” In this episode they discuss triumphs, setbacks, and the unbreakable bond that fuels their determination. FIND HEATHER & JAKE'S HELP FROM HEAVEN ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inspiring episode of "A Place of Yes," we interview Skip Carlson, the renowned Vice President of External Affairs at Saratoga Casino. With a career spanning several decades at the same organization, Skip shares his unique insights on the importance of community involvement and the impact of steadfast dedication to one’s profession. We delve into his experiences giving back to the community, his role in supporting local non-profits, and how his commitment has made a lasting difference. Tune in for an engaging conversation about leadership, service, and the power of staying true to your roots. FIND HEATHER & JAKE'S HELP FROM HEAVEN ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Heather & Perrier as they share their journeys as parents of children with disabilities, including Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome. In this heartfelt episode, they discuss societal struggles, balancing work and caregiving, and coping with grief. They highlight the importance of empathy, self-care, and strong support systems. Heather and Perrier also emphasize recognizing and celebrating the individuality of children with special needs. FIND HEATHER & JAKE'S HELP FROM HEAVEN ❤️ Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathersstraughter/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven: http://jakeshelpfromheaven.org/ ❤️ Jake's Help from Heaven IG: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshelp/ ❤️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeshelpfromheaven ❤️ Our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@APlaceofYesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices