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Episode 195 | Mackenzie's Story- A daughter with Severe Tethered Cord and Caudal Regression Syndrome

Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist

Release Date: 11/08/2023

216: How to talk with Kids about Child Abuse - Jane's Story [Repost] show art 216: How to talk with Kids about Child Abuse - Jane's Story [Repost]

Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist

April is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. We have reposted this episode to bring awareness and give you tangible tools to speak with your kids about child abuse. Today’s guest expert is Jane Donovan, who is a child abuse prevention advocate.  "And like we say in child life, you have to prepare. So you know what to expect and you know how to cope with what's going to happen next." - Katie Taylor, CLOC In this crucial episode, Katie Taylor is joined by a child abuse prevention advocate, Jane Donovan, to delve into the sensitive and vital topic of child protection within the...

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215: Ruptured Appendix: Emergent Surgery, 6 Days in the Hospital & Struggles to Discharge - Aspen's Story show art 215: Ruptured Appendix: Emergent Surgery, 6 Days in the Hospital & Struggles to Discharge - Aspen's Story

Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist

"I've learned so much in this whole process. It's like you have a depth inside of you that resurrects as an advocate and high alert, and it lives inside of you when you need it."   -Aspen, Willa's Mom In this episode of Child Life On Call, host Katie Taylor and guest Aspen share an intense and educational journey through pediatric appendicitis. Aspen recounts her daughter Willa's sudden illness, misdiagnosis, and the emotional rollercoaster of a ruptured appendix leading to urgent surgery. This story not only highlights the challenges and nuances of navigating pediatric healthcare,...

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214: Sacrifice, Advocacy, Joy: Raising a Son with End Stage Kidney Disease - The Ransome Family's Story show art 214: Sacrifice, Advocacy, Joy: Raising a Son with End Stage Kidney Disease - The Ransome Family's Story

Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist

"Sometimes it's really therapeutic though to remember all that you have gone through because I feel like there are times when we look at each other and I'm like how did we get here?" -Tayler Ransome We're grateful for our sponsor for this episode, Nestle Health Science, and are thrilled to share their incredible website, your go-to online resource for valuable information and support. In this episode, Katie Taylor welcomes the Ransome family, known to many as the , where they share their daily life and the challenges of managing their son Sully's end-stage kidney disease. From their initial...

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213: Parents, CCLS, Students: Show Up Exactly As You Are show art 213: Parents, CCLS, Students: Show Up Exactly As You Are

Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist

In This Episode: Katie Taylor goes off the beaten path in this special episode to share a profound moment of inspiration that struck her. This episode is a heartfelt message to child life specialists, students, and parents, emphasizing the importance of showing up as you are, without the burden of imposter syndrome. Key Highlights: A Different Kind of Episode: Katie shares her spontaneous thoughts that came from a moment of inspiration, promising that the usual stories from the field and parental perspectives will return in future episodes. Message of Empowerment: The core message is about...

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212: CCLS Story: 18 Years of Supporting Kidney Families -Julie's Story show art 212: CCLS Story: 18 Years of Supporting Kidney Families -Julie's Story

Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist

"As a child life specialist, watching my tiniest patients grow and accomplish so many things is my favorite part of the job." - Julie, Certified Child Life Specialist Episode Summary: In this heartfelt episode of Child Life On Call, we celebrate Child Life Month by diving deep into the dedicated world of child life specialists and the resilient families they support. Host Katie Taylor talks to Julie, a remarkable child life specialist with 18 years of experience in the renal service at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas. Julie shares her profound journey of supporting children with...

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211: A Son Born with End-Stage Kidney Disease (Part 1): Lyndsey's Story show art 211: A Son Born with End-Stage Kidney Disease (Part 1): Lyndsey's Story

Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist

"Having a medically complex child, it's like everything's fine. And then, you know, we have a morning where we've thrown up a lot or our blood pressure is too low, and it just doesn't look good. You just never know what you're going to get." - Lyndsey, Episode 211 In this deeply moving episode, we are joined by Lyndsey, who shares the compelling journey of her son James's battle with post-urethral valves before birth, leading to kidney issues and eventually a kidney transplant. Through her narrative, we learn about the rollercoaster of emotions, the challenges of navigating the healthcare...

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210: Connection, Healing, and Love: Insights from Patrice Karst, Author of The Invisible String show art 210: Connection, Healing, and Love: Insights from Patrice Karst, Author of The Invisible String

Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist

"Love is the most powerful force in the universe, and the invisible string is a testament to the connections that bind us all." - Patrice Karst In this special Child Life Month episode, Katie Taylor sits down with Patrice Karst, the beloved author of "The Invisible String" and several other impactful books. They explore Patrice's journey from personal challenges to becoming a source of comfort and connection for families worldwide. This conversation delves into the power of storytelling in addressing themes of separation, loss, and the enduring strength of love. Patrice shares her inspiration...

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209: Research on Parent Caregivers of Children with Medical Complexities - Elise's Story show art 209: Research on Parent Caregivers of Children with Medical Complexities - Elise's Story

Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist

Advocacy, Compassion, Innovation: Elise's Child Life Journey "Working with children with medical complexity and developmental differences isn't just a job; it's rooted in who I am." - Elise Cofer, CCLS In this captivating episode of Child Life On Call, Katie Taylor sits down with Elise, a Nashville-born child life specialist who brings her passion and dedication to the hematology oncology unit at Vanderbilt. Elise's journey into child life, driven by a background deeply embedded in caring for children with special needs, showcases her commitment to enhancing pediatric healthcare. Through her...

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208: Military Life, Pediatric Complex Care Abroad & Resiliency: Kat's Story show art 208: Military Life, Pediatric Complex Care Abroad & Resiliency: Kat's Story

Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist

In this profound episode, we join Katie Taylor as she delves into the inspiring journey of a military family navigating pediatric healthcare for their two medically complex children. Through the voice of the remarkable mother, Kat, we explore the unique challenges and triumphs of securing continuous, specialized care amidst the frequent relocations and complexities inherent to military life. Kat shares her experiences with advocacy, the importance of resilience, and the deep bonds forged through their family's journey, offering invaluable insights into the realities faced by military families...

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Healing Without Surgery: Umbilical Hernia Solutions from a Physical Therapist show art Healing Without Surgery: Umbilical Hernia Solutions from a Physical Therapist

Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist

What if we could prevent more kids from having to have invasive surgery? During this episode, we are joined by Katie Corrado, who invented a product that works as an alternative to surgery for babies and children. Tune in to hear how her first-hand experience of watching her child struggle with an umbilical hernia led her to an innovative solution that she now offers to other families facing the same challenge. You’ll also learn why Katie is an advocate for proactive rather than reactive medical solutions and how her passion for connecting with kids led her to work as a Physical Therapist...

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More Episodes

Join Katie Taylor in an emotional conversation with Mackenzie Carolin as they discuss the unexpected medical journey she faced with her daughter. Learn how Mackenzie navigated the complexities of her child's healthcare needs and discover the importance of trust and human connections during challenging times. This episode of Child Life On Call provides valuable insights and support for parents who find themselves in similar situations. Don't miss this heartwarming and inspiring discussion that highlights the power of advocacy and the strength of a supportive community. Join us now and start watching to gain valuable knowledge and find solace in knowing you're not alone in your journey.

In this episode, you will be able to:

  • Discover the power of your personal experiences in transforming your child's healthcare journey.

  • Unlock the importance of building human connections to enhance your child's medical care.

  • Navigate the complexities of your child's healthcare with confidence and clarity.

  • Advocate for your child with disabilities and ensure they receive the support they need.

  • Learn how unexpected medical conditions can shape and strengthen your parenting journey.

My special guest is Mackenzie Carolin.

Mackenzie Carolin, a parent from Florida, joins us on this episode of Child Life On Call. Mackenzie shares her personal journey as a mom navigating unexpected medical conditions with her child. With a background in the medical field and surrounded by family members in healthcare professions, Mackenzie brings a unique perspective to the challenges faced by families in similar situations. From the initial shock of discovering her daughter's condition to the emotional rollercoaster of hospital visits and uncertainty, Mackenzie's story highlights the importance of trust, human connections, and advocating for your child's healthcare needs. Join us as Mackenzie shares her experiences and provides valuable insights for parents in similar situations.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:05 - Introduction

00:01:13 - The Power of One-on-One Conversations

00:02:47 - Tips for Effective Doctor's Visits

00:03:17 - Introduction to Mackenzie Carolin

00:05:17 - Unexpected News at the Hospital

00:16:05 - Empowerment through Seeking Second Opinions

00:17:05 - Finding Her Voice in Advocating for Her Child

00:19:30 - Becoming an Advocate for Other Moms

00:21:43 - The Power of Mom-to-Mom Support

00:24:06 - Personal Growth and Learning from Liv

 

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  • Create and use a coping plan for any medical appointment or procedure

The first sign of sniffles, or worse, shouldn’t send you into a tailspin. Feel confident in your role as a parent and advocate, no matter what medical situation you’re facing.

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