Some parenting journeys reshape not only how you care for your child, but how you see the world.

In this episode of Born For This Stories, Johanna and Peter sit down with Marcia, a mother whose journey into medical parenting required her to navigate complex diagnoses, cultural expectations, and the ongoing work of advocacy. Marcia shares how becoming a parent to a child with unique needs challenged her assumptions, strengthened her voice, and ultimately transformed her sense of identity.

This conversation explores the emotional and practical realities of raising a child with complex needs — from navigating medical systems and therapies to balancing family dynamics, self-trust, and resilience. Marcia's story highlights the quiet strength required to keep showing up, even when the path forward isn't clearly defined.

This episode is for parents learning how to advocate, adapt, and hold space for both their child's needs and their own humanity.

• Entering the world of medical parenting and complex care

• Learning to advocate within healthcare and educational systems

• Navigating uncertainty, overwhelm, and long-term planning

• How identity shifts when parenting doesn't look the way you expected

• Balancing hope, realism, and daily responsibility

• The emotional labor of being a primary advocate for your child

• Finding strength through experience rather than certainty

• Why community and shared stories matter

• Redefining success, progress, and resilience

• What Marcia wishes more people understood about families like hers

If today's episode resonated with you, we invite you to share your story and connect with our growing community of families navigating diagnoses, differences, and healing.

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You were born for this — and you don't have to carry it by yourself.