A Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis: Traumatic Birth, Micropreemie Twins & the Power of Hope {REPOST}- Savannah’s Story (247)
Release Date: 03/26/2025
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Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
When Camryn’s fearless 4-year-old suddenly became anxious, her gut said something deeper was wrong. Multiple “all clear” evaluations followed—until a post-virus crash at age 6 that led to a diagnosis under the PANS/PANDAS umbrella (autoimmune encephalitis). Camryn shares how a steadfast pediatrician, early referrals, and balancing clinical guidance with peer support helped her daughter reclaim everyday life—right down to summer swim league. She also opens up about protecting her child’s privacy, supporting siblings, starting trauma therapy, and building margin for joy. This is a...
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A daughter with Down Syndrome, AVSD and Pulmonary Hypertension [REPOST] (268)- Courtney's Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
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Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, epilepsy in children, and autism parenting—in this powerful episode, women’s health coach and mom of four, Erin Trier, shares her family’s eight-year journey to finally receiving a TSC diagnosis for her son, Brendan. She talks about the early seizures, navigating a rare genetic disorder, and managing the added challenges of autism and uncontrolled epilepsy. Erin opens up about the emotional and mental toll, the power of vulnerability, and the practical organization systems that help her family thrive—including her genius laundry strategy. She also shares why...
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Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
Victoria Garcia—lovingly known as “Nurse Vic”—shares her powerful journey as a nurse and mom of two, including her daughter Julia, who was diagnosed with achondroplasia during pregnancy. In this heartfelt episode, Victoria opens up about the emotional and logistical challenges of navigating a rare diagnosis while working at the very hospital where she received the news. She talks about the strength she found in community, the importance of informed advocacy, and what it truly means to be in alignment with your purpose. 🎧 This is an inspiring listen for any parent facing a diagnosis...
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Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
In this moving and hope-filled episode, mother-daughter duo Quinn Wyatt and Kirby Larson share the deeply personal story behind their middle grade novel, Gut Reaction. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease as a teen after years of being dismissed, Quinn opens up about her experience living with a misunderstood chronic illness. Kirby, an acclaimed author, reveals what it took to revisit this painful chapter of their lives and co-write a book that helps kids feel seen. Together, they explore diagnosis delays, self-advocacy, parenting through illness, and how their storytelling became a form of...
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Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
“What started as a terrifying diagnosis became a mission to help other families feel seen, supported, and brave.” – Kate, founder of Brave Bears Club In this reposted and newly updated episode, we revisit Kate’s emotional and empowering story as she shares her daughter Charlotte’s unexpected diagnosis of infantile spasms (IS) at 22 months old. What began as a terrifying medical journey transformed into an advocacy movement—Brave Bears Club—that now supports children with pediatric epilepsy around the world. Kate reflects on the early signs of IS, how her instincts as a mom led...
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Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
“The tears legitimately just turned to curiosity—and she wanted to play.” – Mary Jenner, BSN and Founder of the Butterfly Pig Meet Mary, a former pediatric oncology nurse turned full-time entrepreneur and founder of The Butterfly Pig. In this heartfelt episode, Mary opens up about how play transformed her bedside care, her daughter’s unexpected NICU stay due to HIE, and how she’s now helping families and clinicians reduce pediatric medical trauma through imaginative medical play tools. Listen in to discover how Mary's passion is revolutionizing how we empower kids and...
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Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
“I was pumping in the NICU, feeling completely disconnected—and my husband looked at me and said, ‘Can you invite her in?’ That moment changed everything. A nurse handed me a swab, I gave my baby colostrum for the first time, and I thought, ‘I’m a mommy.’” – Tanisha NICU mom and advocate Tanisha shares her deeply moving journey through an unexpected fetal diagnosis, a 157-day NICU stay, and the powerful moments that helped her reconnect with motherhood. Diagnosed at 20 weeks with Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction (LUTO)—a rare, life-threatening condition—Tanisha’s son...
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Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
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When your Child is Diagnosed with Leukemia: Wisdom from a Cancer Parent (260)- Laura's Story
Child Life On Call | Medical, Parenting, Healthcare, Grief, Trauma, Pediatrics, Coping Skills, Community & Support
When Laura's daughter was diagnosed with leukemia, her world stopped. What followed was a powerful journey through fear, resilience, and fierce advocacy. In this episode, Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree—a lifelong educator and now author of The Cancer Parent’s Handbook—opens up about the most terrifying day of her life, how she transformed pain into purpose, and why parent-to-parent support is critical in the childhood cancer community. Her reflections are raw, heartfelt, and offer wisdom for every parent facing a medical diagnosis with their child. 🗝️ 5 Key Topics in This Episode: ...
info_outline“It wasn't any kind of strength within myself that helped me get through the NICU. It was the strength they had—they gave it to me.”- Savannah O'Malley
We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsor for this episode, Gebauer PainEase®. We are pleased to provide more information about this product, and we invite you to learn more by visiting their website.
What happens when your birth plan is shattered in an instant? For Savannah, the unexpected arrival of her micropreemie twins at just 24 weeks turned her world upside down. One of her sons faced significant medical challenges, including brain bleeds and a cerebral palsy diagnosis, while the other grew without complications. Through it all, Savannah found healing in advocacy, art, and the power of sharing her story.
In this moving episode, we explore:
✅ The emotional and medical complexities of delivering micro-preemie twins
✅ How a cerebral palsy diagnosis reshaped their family’s journey
✅ The silent struggle of maternal mental health after a traumatic birth
✅ Why peer support and storytelling matter in healing and advocacy
✅ How Savannah’s Cards of Hope project is making a difference for other NICU moms
Savannah’s story is a testament to resilience, love, and the incredible strength of mothers navigating complex medical journeys. Whether you're a NICU parent, a healthcare professional, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode will leave you feeling empowered.
Timestamps & Key Topics
⏱️ [00:00] – Episode Intro
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Welcome to today’s episode featuring Savannah O’Malley
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The importance of sharing NICU and maternal mental health stories
⏱️ [01:00] – Meet Savannah
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Mom to three, including twin micro-preemies
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Advocate for maternal mental health and children with disabilities
⏱️ [03:00] – The Unexpected Arrival: 24-Week Twins
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How Savannah’s pregnancy took a sudden turn
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Navigating a traumatic birth and immediate NICU admission
⏱️ [09:00] – The Medical Rollercoaster Begins
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Brain bleeds, heart complications, and emergency surgeries
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Balancing hope with overwhelming medical challenges
⏱️ [13:00] – A Life-Changing Diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy & Hydrocephalus
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How Lachlan’s brain injury shaped their early intervention journey
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The emotions of receiving a CP diagnosis and shifting expectations
⏱️ [24:00] – Maternal Mental Health: The Hidden Battle
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Why Savannah struggled with PTSD and anxiety
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The moment a medical professional finally validated her trauma
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Why maternal mental health screenings should extend beyond the NICU
⏱️ [30:00] – The Power of Peer Support
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Finding community in other NICU and disability moms
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How social media became a lifeline for connection and hope
⏱️ [38:00] – Turning Pain into Purpose: Cards of Hope
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How Savannah combined her love for art with her advocacy
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Sending free, uplifting artwork to mothers of traumatic births
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How small acts of kindness can have a profound impact
⏱️ [44:00] – Lessons from Motherhood & Advocacy
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Why Savannah wouldn’t change a thing about her son’s journey
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The importance of celebrating progress, not just milestones
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How caregivers can find strength in their child's resilience
⏱️ [50:00] – Where to Find Savannah & How to Support Cards of Hope
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How you can receive or gift a Card of Hope
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Why sharing your story can be the start of healing
Resources & Links
📌 Sign Up for a Card of Hope: SavvyJane.com
📥 Follow Savannah’s Journey on Instagram: @SavvyJaneOMalley
🎨 Support the Cards of Hope Project: Purchase art prints to fund outreach
🎧 Listen to more episodes: Child Life On Call
Share Your Thoughts!
Did Savannah’s story resonate with you? Have your own experience with micropreemies or maternal mental health? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or tag us on social media.
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The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.