This week Brenda is joined by Liz LaHaye of Edmonton, Alberta Canada. Liz went into early labour while she was home alone with her two young children. Her husband was a six hour drive away and she had no choice but to leave her kids at home and be taken by ambulance to the hospital. Her son, Francis, was born shortly thereafter, a “micro-premie”. At one pound, 15 ounces, he was so small that she dressed him in doll clothes! They spent the first 96 days of his life in the NICU. Listen in and learn what life was like for Liz and her family and how they are all adapting to living with Francis’ disability. Liz shares the importance of support and her perspective on what parents who have children in the hospital need from family, friends, and the very health professionals saving the lives of our children.
Caring Conversations
Caring Conversations features the voices of those who care. We share stories, perspectives, and insights about the caregiving experience. In our current season, we’re following the journeys of those raising children with disabilities and complex needs, from childhood to adulthood. Your host Brenda Blais Nesbitt has navigated this road for over 28 years raising her daughter, Nikki who is severely disabled and medically complex. Brenda is an expert in caregiving and is very passionate about sharing the wisdom she has gained on her journey with her daughter.
Hosts
Brenda Blais Nesbitt is a master in advocating and navigating the confusing world of disability. Her personal experience has enhanced her ability to help others navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and excel in the challenging journey of caring for and loving those with complex needs. Beyond the lessons that motherhood and caregiving has brought into her life, Brenda is also a Board-Certified Patient Advocate, Peer Health Navigator, Certified Caregiver Consultant and Coach, and Certified Life Coach. Brenda has learned to embrace and adapt to the uncertainties that come with loving a family member with complex disabilities. She finds joy in sharing this wisdom via one-on-one and group coaching and consulting, speaking engagements, podcasts, and interviews through her business Coaching for Caregivers Canada. Her passion for all that she does was celebrated in 2019 as she was awarded the Caregiver of the Year Award through caregiving.com.