Episode 5 - Starting a family is not always as easy as it sounds with Cassandra
Release Date: 06/02/2020
Episode 10 - Discussing the impact of Domestic Violence with Telina
My Story
In this episode of the “My Story” Podcast, we are joined by Telina who shares with us her experience of Domestic Violence. We both agreed that this can sometimes be an uncomfortable conversation, however, it is an important one.
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Episode 9 - Facing the odds and Endometriosis, with Holly
My Story
In this episode of the “My Story” Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Holly. Holly has been diagnosed with endometriosis. 1 in 10 women suffer from the disease, and most take 7 years to receive a diagnosis. In Holly’s case, it is causing unexplained infertility. She opens up to us about her experience with ‘Edno’ and how she has managed to keep a positive mindset. Holly also shares some amazing tips for looking after yourself if you suffer from Endometriosis.
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Episode 8 - When physical, social and mental health combine with Mikeely Roberts
My Story
In this episode of the “My Story” Podcast we had the opportunity to hear from Mikeely
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Episode 7 - A baby with a brain tumour with Luarna
My Story
In this episode of the “My Story” Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Luarna. At just 4 months old, Isacc was diagnosed with an inoperable Brain Tumour. He became very sick with both chemotherapy and insertions of shunts to drain fluid from his brain. Luarna shares her journey as well as tips on maintaining a good relationship through hardship. Most of all, she encourages us to ask for help when we need it.
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Episode 6 - Meeting with a Psychologist can change everything with Emma
My Story
In this episode of the “My Story” Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Emma Fitzgerald. Emma has experienced much hardship over the last few years including homelessness, financial abuse and building a business. She shares how regular sessions with her Psycologogisthas changed her outlook on every aspect of her life.
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Episode 5 - Starting a family is not always as easy as it sounds with Cassandra
My Story
In this episode of the “My Story” Podcast, we are lucky enough to hear from Surrogacy Lawyer Cassandra Kalpaxis from Simply Surrogacy. Cassandra’s story starts with a difficulty to fall pregnant and ends in a lawyer who has deeper compassion for her clients. Cassandra discusses’, IVF, sharing hardship with family and the feelings of shame surrounding her experience. She says ‘Remember that you are not alone, there is support if you reach out for it.’
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Episode 4 - Seeing the world through the eyes of a child with Autism with Jess
My Story
In this episode of the “My Story” Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Jess. Jess is a mother of two boys, Max and Josh. Prior to turning 2, Jess noticed signs of Max regressing. He was diagnosed with Autism, which has brought on many challenges and joys!
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Episode 3 - Choosing the right support network when dealing with ongoing challenges with Lorinda
My Story
In this episode of the “My Story” Podcast, we have a chance to hear the second half of Lorinda’s Story. In Episode 2, we discussed her pregnancy journey along with a traumatic birth. In this episode, Lorinda shares how she reacted to this time as well as the support she received.
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Episode 2- Tips for getting through a difficult pregnancy and birth with counsellor Lorinda
My Story
In ‘part A’ of this episode of the My Story Podcast, we had the opportunity to hear from Lorinda. She is a trained midwife, turned Counsellor turned Mother extraordinaire! In this episode, Lorinda shares her story of pregnancy and birth.
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Episode 1 - Perspective and new opportunities in times of hardship with host Amelia Rees
My Story
In this episode of the “My Story” Podcast, we will start to get to know each other as I share my story which led me to start this podcast, and my Podcast Production business ‘Pretty Podcasts’.
info_outlineIn this episode of the “My Story” Podcast, we are lucky enough to hear from Surrogacy Lawyer Cassandra Kalpaxis from Simply Surrogacy. Cassandra’s story starts with a difficulty to fall pregnant and ends in a lawyer who has deeper compassion for her clients. Cassandra discusses’, IVF, sharing hardship with family and the feelings of shame surrounding her experience. She says ‘Remember that you are not alone, there is support if you reach out for it.’
During our time together we will discuss:
- Cassandra’s story starts with the Greek girl meeting the Italian boy and falling in love.
- Following their wedding, they began to try for a baby and started purchasing items for a nursery.
- Cassandra’s feelings of shame during this time.
- After trying all other options, Cassandra and her husband saw a fertility doctor.
- Cassandra was told she was unable to have a child and fell into a depression.
- In this time she did not reach out to family and friends as she felt ashamed.
- After her father’s Parkinson diagnosis, Cassandra’s desire to provide her father with grandchildren increased.
- The emotional and financial impact of assisted pregnancies.
- Cassandra started looking into other ways of having a baby and landed on IVF.
- After several rounds of unsuccessful IVF, Cassandra’s sister offered to surrogate a child for them.
- As they were considering (and saving for) Surrogacy, Cassandra found out she was pregnant!
- After 3 years of trying to fall pregnant, she finally had a little boy, joined by his sister 3 years later.
- Cassandra was able to give her father 3 years with his grandchildren, prior to his passing.
- Regrets of not sharing her burden with those closest to her.
- Sharing with those closest to her eased her sadness, she encourages us to do the same.
- How a difficult experience of a close friend led Cassandra to start ‘Simply Surrogacy’.
- Cassandra’s personal experience gives her greater compassion for her clients.
- You are not alone. There is support if you reach out for it.
Take encouragement from this interview with Cassandra.
Links:
Listen to last week’s episode here