Welcome to
Her Grief, Her Strength
Two Moms. Two Journeys. One Shared Mission.
Welcome to Her Grief, Her Strength, a platform born from love, loss, resilience, and the shared experiences of two moms navigating the world of complex medical parenting.
We’re Rachel and Shelby—two best friends who connected through our journeys as “Med Moms.” Together, we’ve built this space to offer what we wished for in our hardest moments: a supportive community, a place to share stories, and resources to empower others walking similar paths.
Meet the Moms Behind the Mission
Shelby
Shelby’s life changed in May 2024 when her second daughter was born with several complex medical diagnoses, including Spina Bifida, Chiari II, Hydrocephalus, HPE, and PPH. Shelby quickly stepped into the role of a “Med Mom,” a title she wears with pride but one that came with an immense learning curve. From navigating long hospital stays to coordinating multiple specialists, Shelby has faced the highs and lows of parenting a child with disabilities.
Through it all, Shelby has become a fierce advocate—not just for her daughter but for all children with disabilities. Her mission is to create systems of support that make life easier for families facing similar challenges, whether it’s advocating for better accessibility in hospitals or sharing practical tips for daily life. Shelby is driven by the belief that no family should feel alone in their journey, and she’s passionate about fostering a community where parents and caregivers can find connection and strength.
Rachel
Rachel’s journey into motherhood began in February 2024 when she welcomed her first baby, Cassie. From the start, Rachel noticed something wasn’t quite right. Cassie cried in pain, inconsolable at times, and no one had answers. After months of relentless appointments, tests, and advocating for her daughter, Rachel received the devastating diagnosis of Krabbe Disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system.
This diagnosis flipped Rachel’s world upside down. The grief of learning about Cassie’s condition was overwhelming, but so was Rachel’s determination to be the best advocate, caregiver, and mom she could be. Along the way, she discovered that navigating the medical world can often feel isolating, frustrating, and disempowering for parents like her.
Rachel’s passion for Her Grief, Her Strength comes from her deeply personal experience of feeling lost and unheard during Cassie’s diagnostic journey. Through this platform, she hopes to help other parents feel seen, supported, and empowered while raising awareness for Krabbe Disease and other rare conditions. Her mission is to make sure no mom walks this path alone.
Together
Rachel and Shelby have been friends for over 12 years—since high school. Their friendship has been a constant through life’s ups and downs. Rachel was Shelby’s maid of honor at her wedding, and Shelby was Rachel’s matron of honor at hers. Over the years, they often dreamed of starting families and raising their children together one day.
When Rachel found out she was pregnant and Shelby discovered she was expecting shortly after, it felt like a dream come true. The idea of navigating pregnancy, motherhood, and all the joys that come with it side by side brought them so much excitement. But life had other plans.
At 20 weeks pregnant, Shelby received the diagnosis that her daughter, Anna, had hydrocephalus. Rachel tried to be the biggest support system she could for Shelby during this time but often felt like she was falling short. Shelby stepped into the role of a medical mom the moment Anna was born, while Rachel’s journey to that title came months later, after her daughter, Cassie, was diagnosed with Krabbe Disease.
Though these experiences have been unimaginably hard, and ones neither would wish upon anyone, Rachel and Shelby are thankful to have each other. Their friendship has been a lifeline—a source of strength, understanding, and unwavering support. They truly get it: the fears, the grief, the love, and the resilience it takes to parent children with complex medical needs.
Their shared experiences inspired them to create Her Grief, Her Strength. This platform is the result of a friendship rooted in love and resilience, and it’s their way of ensuring no one has to walk these difficult paths alone.
we’ve found strength in each other, and we’re here to share that strength with you.
ABOUT
Her Grief, Her Strength is more than a blog, a podcast, or a community—it’s a movement.
We created this space to:
share stories:
Through our blog and podcast, we’ll provide raw, honest reflections on grief, strength, and medical parenting, offering comfort to those who feel unseen.
build community:
This is a place where no one has to feel alone. We’re building a network of support and connections for parents, grieving individuals, and advocates alike.
advocate for change:
Whether it’s raising awareness about rare diseases, fighting for better newborn screenings, or providing tools to help you advocate for your own family, we’re here to amplify voices and create impact.
motto
Embracing resilience, finding hope, and building strength together.
What to Expect
When you join Her Grief, Her Strength, you’re stepping into a community built to support, empower, and connect. Here’s what you’ll find as part of our platform:
blog posts
Our blog is the heart of Her Grief, Her Strength, where we share:
Personal Stories: Honest reflections from both of us about our journeys as medical moms, our grief, and the moments that have shaped us.
Practical Advice: Tips and strategies for navigating the medical world, advocating for your child, and finding balance amid the chaos.
Advocacy Spotlights: Deep dives into causes we’re passionate about, like rare disease awareness and newborn screening, with actionable ways you can get involved.
Expect posts that are raw, relatable, and designed to help you feel less alone.
podcast episodes
Our podcast is like sitting down with two friends who get it. You’ll hear:
Real Conversations: Open, unfiltered discussions about grief, resilience, and what it means to parent through adversity.
Guest Experts: Interviews with doctors, advocates, and other professionals offering insights and resources to help you navigate your journey.
Shared Experiences: Stories from other parents who’ve walked similar paths, reminding you that your struggles are seen and understood.
Whether you’re listening during a late-night feed or a quiet moment in the car, our podcast is here to inspire and support you.
advocacy resources
We know the power of advocacy firsthand, and we want to equip you with tools to make a difference, including:
Guides: Step-by-step instructions for tackling common challenges, like advocating for better care or navigating complex medical systems.
Templates: Pre-written scripts, emails, and letters for communicating with lawmakers, healthcare providers, and schools.
Action Plans: Clear, actionable ways to get involved in causes that matter, from signing petitions to raising awareness in your community.
Advocacy can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make it approachable and impactful.
a community you can count on
More than anything, Her Grief, Her Strength is about connection. This is:
A Safe Space: A judgment-free zone where you can share your story, vent, or just be heard.
A Supportive Network: A community of parents and advocates who understand the complexities of grief and medical parenting.
A Place to Grow: A hub for finding strength, hope, and inspiration as we navigate life’s hardest challenges together.
Whether you’re here to read our blog, listen to the podcast, or connect with others, this space is for YOU.
We’re so glad you’re here.