About this episode
What would you do if both of your children were diagnosed with a life-threatening genetic disease—and there was no support system in place for parents like you? In this inspiring episode, Katie interviews Laura Bonnell, a former Detroit news reporter turned full-time advocate and nonprofit founder. After both of her daughters were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF), Laura transformed her grief and determination into the Bonnell Foundation, providing real-time support to families across the U.S. who are navigating life with CF. In this powerful episode, we explore: ? How Laura pushed for her daughter's diagnosis when doctors dismissed her instincts ? Why child life services were "among the best things" during hospitalizations ? What it's like raising two daughters with cystic fibrosis in the same home ? The emotional toll of pretending "everything's fine" as a medical parent ? How her foundation is providing financial relief, mentorship, and inspiration ? Why advocacy can take many forms—and how small actions can create significant change Whether you're a CF parent, a caregiver of a chronically ill child, or someone passionate about parent-led advocacy, this episode will move and motivate you. Timestamps & Key Topics ?? [00:00] – The Power of Child Life Services How art, distraction, and support brought relief during hospital stays ?? [03:00] – Meet Laura Bonnell From Detroit news reporter to cystic fibrosis advocate and nonprofit founder ?? [06:00] – A Life-Altering Diagnosis How Laura's instincts—and persistence—led to a CF diagnosis after months of dismissal ?? [09:00] – Fighting for Answers & Processing the News Pulling over mid-assignment to receive the call—and deciding, that same day, to keep moving forward ?? [12:00] – Advocacy from the Start Speaking publicly just weeks after diagnosis and discovering the emotional weight of her new reality ?? [14:00] – Life with Two Children with CF Navigating work, marriage, and hospitalization rotations while trying to maintain "normalcy" ?? [16:00] – School Accommodations & Advocacy Wins How brochures, IV poles, and enzymes in every classroom made private school possible ?? [18:00] – The Hidden Truths of "Being Fine" Why Laura never told friends how hard it really was—and what she wishes she could've said ?? [21:00] – Building Community & Finding Strength in Other Moms How hospital garden meetups and phone calls with CF parents created safe spaces ?? [23:00] – Founding the Bonnell Foundation How a calendar and a vision turned into a national nonprofit serving families with CF ?? [26:00] – What the Bonnell Foundation Offers From financial assistance and college scholarships to CF masterclasses and bilingual resources ??
