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Oklahoma Family Network focuses on supporting families of children and youth with special needs via emotional support, resource navigation, and ensuring quality healthcare for all children and families through strong and effective family/professional partnerships.
Episodes
Nov 11, 2021
Nov 11, 2021
57 min
Today we welcome Melanie Hollins to the podcast as she discusses her delivery at just 25 weeks gestation. You will hear her story and how she processed the birth of her beautiful daughter Emily. She also speaks to the things she did that helped her survive mentally and physically, 156 days in NICU, not knowing from day to day what the outcome might be, but believing the truths she spoke out loud and over her daughter each day.
Thank you Melanie for sharing your story, family and journey!
Oct 22, 2021
Oct 22, 2021
1hr 4 min
Welcome back to Part Two of our conversation with Mandi and Cristina.
Today's podcast takes us further and deeper into the journey after Laurel was discharged from NICU and how they worked to obtain answers that might explain some unique attributes, as well as, bring closure to "momma gut" questions.
Positive attitudes, kindness in inquiry, surgeries, IEPs, cochlear implants, and so much more are discussed in this episode.
If you missed part one, please catch up with their story by clicking here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gbvyb-10fc4e8
#HIE #HypoixIschemicEncephalopathy #NICU #TermBaby #40and1 #NICUAwareness #Surviving #Fighter #GTube #Seizures #MiracleBaby #NewbornHearingScreening #H4H #HeartsForHearing #Therapies #GeneticTesting #HearingLoss #KabukiSyndrome
Oct 21, 2021
Oct 21, 2021
43 min
We are excited to introduce you to Laurel O'Connor and her Moms today!!
Carrying a baby to term is one incredible experience, and when a mother reaches 40 weeks gestation, one often thinks, nothing can go wrong now. Today you will hear Mandi and Cristina describe Laurel's delivery and NICU experience. You will hear how their excitement transitioned quickly; their hope turns to unbearable grief; and then grief to elation as they transition home! The transition home came with a few challenges, and today you will hear them share their journey, strength and positive outlook on life!!
We have saved you a special seat today, to hear a small piece of their journey with beautiful Laurel!!
#HIE #HypoixIschemicEncephalopathy #NICU #TermBaby #40and1 #NICUAwareness #Surviving #Fighter #GTube #Seizures #MiracleBaby #NewbornHearingScreening
Oct 19, 2021
Oct 19, 2021
52 min
Happy Birthday in Heaven, Evan!!!
Join us today and on Evan's birthday!! You'll hear about his celebration of life and hear how his parents are processing each day without him here; moving forward, choosing joy!!
Jump in and hear how Lauren works hard to choose joy every day, about the trips they've squeezed in as they learn to move forward with Evan, and hear how Lauren anticipated and processed her plans for this day!!
Today, Lauren and Sam, we help you celebrate your boy, Evan!!
Oct 14, 2021
Oct 14, 2021
1hr 33 min
"NICU Moms are my Heroes" - Quote from Cheryl Coleman as we discuss breastfeeding and pumping while in the NICU.
Today you will hear a beautiful and candid conversation with a Coalition of Oklahoma Breastfeeding Advocates Board Member and IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) Cheryl Coleman on the tough topic of breastfeeding our baby while in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Cheryl is a retired lactation consultant. She has been a registered nurse for over 45 years and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant for 10 years. She served as the lead for Hillcrest Medical Center's Baby-Friendly designation.
Prior to working at Hillcrest, Cheryl worked as an Education Specialist and Clinical Nurse Manager at Oklahoma State University Medical Center. She has served as a board member with the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) for 14 years in various capacities, including Director of Public Relations, Secretary, President-Elect and President. She was on the faculty for ICEA Basic Teacher Training and Postnatal Educator Workshops for many years.
Cheryl lives in Verdigris, Oklahoma with husband, Bob. They have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Cheryl is passionate about Sooner sports, the Chicago Cubs, Oklahoma City Thunder, breastfeeding families, and doing the Happy Breastmilk Dance.
Oct 7, 2021
Oct 7, 2021
32 min
Sixteen years ago today (10/7/2005) JB and Melanie Edwards endured a loss no young family ever thinks will happen to them. Their sweet girl, K.J., (born still), would help them create the organization we know and love, Kids Joining Eternity.
Today, you'll hear Melanie share her story and the reason they pour their heart and soul into supporting families across the state who have lost a child to pregnancy and infant loss.
Kids Joining Eternity (KJE) partners with many wonderful organizations to help hurting or grieving families know they are not alone and there are ways to move forward with their baby, their experience, and the grief they now carry. KJE also provides wonderful peer-to-peer opportunities ranging from coffee shop gatherings, dinner groups, family gatherings, and ceremonies to help kick off Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
Listen in today, as Melanie and JB celebrate and honor the life of their first born, Kendal Janae on what is her sweet 16 and discover how they help impact the lives of precious families, not only during the month of October, for pregnancy and infant loss awareness, but throughout the year.
#PregnancyAndInfantLossAwareness #KidsJoiningEternity #SweetSixteen #Stillborn #BornStill #BornSleeping #Miscarriage #InfantLoss #1in4
Sep 30, 2021
Sep 30, 2021
35 min
Today, We Saved You A Seat beside Tracy Whitaker for the second half of our conversation.
While Tracy has previously worked in education and is a certified Occupational Therapist, she currently works at the Toby Keith Foundation as the Guest Relations and Volunteer Coordinator for the OK Kids Korral. Her work supporting families experiencing a Childhood Cancer diagnosis is impactful and meaningful to those she meets.
In today's (part two) episode you'll hear how she continues to work with families through many organizations, partnerships, and programs raising funds and support for those in the community.
Her son, Mitchell, continues to have a lasting impact on those who knew him and his family, as well as, those who hear his story and their journey as a family!
We are all thankful for the impact the Whitaker family has had on the community and those around them! Thank you Tracy for sharing Mitchell, your vision, and bringing awareness, conversation, education, and support to Childhood Cancer.
#ChilhoodCancerAwareness #ChildhoodCancer #AcuteLymphoblasticLeukemia #ALL #Leukemia #SiblingEngagement #JEC #JimmyEverestCenter #14YearsAgo #GoGold #GoMitchGo #KeepFighting #TobyKeithFoundation #OKKidsKorral #OklahomaFamilyNetwork #BeTheMatch
Sep 27, 2021
Sep 27, 2021
44 min
Fourteen years ago today, (September 27th) a 10 year old little boy left this world and went to be with Jesus, because of Childhood Cancer. Today you will hear Mitchell's story, through his Mom, Tracy Whitaker.
This month our podcast series has focused on childhood cancer awareness and we released three incredible family stories, each with a different diagnosis and each with some really incredible outcomes.
I want to prepare our listeners today that our family story will shine a light on a piece of childhood cancer we really do not enjoy talking about, but is a conversation we want to have for several reasons. Childhood cancer sometimes has a devastating end. The child is not always cured and does not always go home after their treatment plan has ended. We want to talk about the hard, and the hardest.
This family story is a story of great strength, faith, fight, determination, never giving up, always bringing awareness, and provides each of us with information on how to live day to day when the hard turns to the hardest.
I had the incredible privilege to interview Tracy Whitaker, Mitchell’s mom, for our podcast today and I know her words will touch your heart. I want to thank you for listening today and hearing Mitchell’s story. I want to thank you for allowing Mitchell’s name to be said over and over as Tracy shares their journey through childhood cancer and the toll it took on their family!
Many hugs and much love to the Whitaker Family today as they celebrate Mitchell's life, legacy, contributions to Childhood Cancer treatment and support for others!
#ChilhoodCancerAwareness #ChildhoodCancer #AcuteLymphoblasticLeukemia #ALL #Leukemia #SiblingEngagement #JEC #JimmyEverestCenter #14YearsAgo #GoGold #GoMitchGo #KeepFighting
Sep 24, 2021
Sep 24, 2021
34 min
Relapse... Her AML is back... now what?
In part two of Michelle's podcast release today, you will hear what steps they had to take when Abby's AML returned. You will hear today how they balanced life and responsibilities and found the right resources at the right time.
The Gamble family works hard to celebrate and bring awareness to the important topic of childhood cancer and today you'll hear her heart and passion as she describes how they try to impact and support the community with their knowledge and experiences.
#AcuteMyeloidLeukemia #AML #AplasticAnemia #BellsPalsy #StevensJohnsonSyndrome #10thFloor #PediatricICU #JimmyEverestCenter #JEC #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #ChildhoodCancerAwarenessMonth #GoGold #Relapse #CavettKids #TobyKeithFoundation #KidsKorral #KidsKorralTobyKeithFoundation #BeTheMatch
Sep 23, 2021
Sep 23, 2021
55 min
