Organ Donation
Organ donation: She died at 14. Her liver saved the life of a 40-year-old special ed teacher. “Mom and Dad, you have to donate her organs if they could save someone’s life!” It was the worst day of our lives, and our two younger daughters were with us in the [...]
Chicago Tribune Column July 2019
Column: Her 14-year-old daughter’s liver saved another woman’s life. Now their friendship offers a road map through grief. "This article highlights the healing effects of our family's decision to donate Laura's organs. The piece also highlights our special ongoing relationship with the woman who received Laura's liver and the [...]
Mother Writes Losing 14 Year Old Daughter
Mother Writes Losing 14-Year-Old Daughter From Cancer This article summarizes our family's struggles over the past decade, discusses the positive psychology concept of post-traumatic growth (PTG), and highlights how we were initially surprised (and a little guilt-ridden) at our surviving--and eventually thriving--in the wake of two traumatic events. I had [...]
TMJ4 – Morning Blend Show Interview
A Journey from Grief to Growth During my television interview on TMJ4's Morning Blend Show, I address the challenges inherent in grief and suggest specific strategies for supporting family and friends who have lost a loved one or who face a significant struggle. I share my family’s tumultuous decade and [...]
Interview on WUWM89.7 Lake Effect Show
My interview focuses on our family’s experience with post-traumatic growth and the unexpected personal learning and deeper relationships that stemmed from our struggle with the meaning of my daughter’s sudden death. The segment also highlights the positive role organ donation played in our healing process. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO [...]
After loss and crisis, community gave me strength
After loss and crisis, the community gave me strength Tragic. Traumatic. Miraculous. These words describe my family’s past decade. When our seemingly healthy 14-year-old daughter Laura died within days of being diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, my husband Ron and I were shocked and distraught. Our sheltered family life [...]