Help For Moms When Talking to Their Child's Doctor

The diagnosis of a chronic disease or disability can be devastating news for an adult and even more so for a child. The diagnosis itself can place a family on an emotional, financial and physical roller coaster. Doctor appointments, treatments and therapies, and managing a child’s caregiving plan can be incredibly stressful. Community Health Charities invited Gretchen Voglezang from MommyCast to be the guest host for a special Health Matters at Work® podcast series on caring for children with a chronic condition. Community Health Charities also asked three mothers of children with chronic conditions to share their experiences from a mother’s perspective. Cathy Kanefsky, representing Autism Speaks, is a mother of twin boys with autism. Ms. Kanefsky shares her journey of navigating autism during a time when very little was known about the condition. Deb Cumbo, representing the Muscular Dystrophy Association, talks about her family’s journey when her son was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at a very early age. Liz Smith, representing the Arthritis Foundation, raises awareness of the reality of juvenile arthritis as she talks about her daughter’s experience with the disease. All three of their stories are inspiring and provide hope.