Imagine shouldering the weight of chronic illness while your partner is deployed, leaving you to single-handedly care for children who also navigate their own health complexities. Welcome back Kenzie, the Rare Mom, as we delve into her raw and hopeful narrative of managing mixed connective tissue disease and a blood coagulation defect. As she courageously steps into the role of both mother and medical student, Kenzie unveils the intense reality of parenthood under such unique pressures—chronicling migraines, prolonged bleeding, and the emotional toll it takes. Her journey is a stark reminder of the resilience required to face each day with grace and strength.
Kenzie’s love for her son Josiah is a powerful force that shines through the darkest challenges. She opens up about his battle with Familial Cold Autoinflammatory Syndrome and the strikingly sweet yet fiercely independent nature that defines his young spirit. The candid reflections on the paradoxical joys and trials of raising a child with a rare genetic condition, paired with the weighty decisions around family expansion, captivate us with their depth and honesty. Witness the profound growth and resilience Kenzie has fostered throughout her odyssey, a journey marked by love, adversity, and the fierce determination to provide the best for her family.
The heart of this episode beats to the rhythm of advocacy, as Kenzie transitions from law and order aspirations to her pursuit of a nursing career specialized in rheumatology. Her son’s health crises and the arduous path to diagnosis illuminate the crucial need for competent and compassionate healthcare providers. We also venture into the broader societal landscape, discussing the judgments and misunderstandings many parents of children with rare diseases and autism encounter. Kenzie’s story is an open invitation for connection, support, and resource-sharing, echoing the sentiment that no one facing these trials should walk alone. Join us in a conversation that not only touches the heart but also calls for action and empathy.
My Spoonie Sisters (buzzsprout.com)
Makenzie Cabrera (@kenzi.c_) • Instagram photos and videos
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