Join me as I sit down with Karen DeBonis, a remarkable author and health education expert, as she shares her incredible journey from health professional to memoirist. Karen's deeply moving story, captured in her book "Growth: A Mother, Her Son, and the Brain Tumor They Survived," serves as a testament to love, resilience, and personal evolution. Together, we explore how life's mosaic of experiences shapes us, and how even the toughest challenges can be catalysts for growth, equipping us with the strength to face future adversities and achievements.

Throughout our conversation, Karen candidly reveals her transformation from a passive mother to a proactive advocate for her son, who bravely battled a benign yet inoperable brain tumor. We dive into the profound process of finding one's authentic voice, as Karen discusses overcoming people-pleasing tendencies and launching a podcast as a medium for self-expression and healing. The conversation flows effortlessly into the joys and challenges of creative pursuits, highlighting the invaluable role of a supportive family and celebrating personal milestones, like her son Matt's achievements despite his brain injury.

We also tackle critical topics like medical gaslighting and the challenges parents face as neurodiverse children transition into adulthood. Reflecting on her personal journey, Karen shares future aspirations, from expanding her career to becoming a grandmother. We end on a heartfelt note, with a shared appreciation for the beauty of creative processes and the power of gratitude. Whether you're seeking inspiration, understanding, or simply a heartfelt story, this episode promises to enrich your perspective and ignite a sense of community.

(00:02) Journey of Growth and Survival

(11:49) Finding Authentic Voice Through Healing

(24:23) Exploring Artistic Passions and Family Resilience

(33:27) Health Advocacy and Future Dreams

(43:12) Creating Moments of Gratitude

Find Karen here: https://www.facebook.com/karen.debonis.3"