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The Heroes Journey: Life Beyond the Diagnosis

The Heroes Journey: Life Beyond the Diagnosis

By: Brianna Baskerville
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There's a Hero in all of us. No one fights alone! Wichita's Littlest Heroes is here to provide Hope, Help and Happiness to medically fragile children ages 0-18 in the Kansas area who are battling different life threatening medical conditions through free fun events, financial assistance, art therapy, online support and so much more! Because...No One Fights Alone! When others have said “No”, We seek to say “YES!" Wichita's Littlest Hero's is passionate about changing the landscape of what pediatric resources look like for generations to come in Kansas. We meet monthly for a free, fun themed event, parent day out, or education class. This gives the families a chance to connect, our heroes a time to interact and all of us a time to share our journeys. Our events are often sponsored by local companies...AND WE LOVE THEM! This group is an awesome connection resource for any family who is battling a life threatening illness. Meeting with other families is emotionally healing in so many ways! You are not alone! We encourage our parents and kids to share as much or as little of their journey as they want. Often parents are able to leave updates online during times of stress and are able to reach a large audience who are following their journey. WLHs share their achievements, daily fun, their medical journeys, fundraisers, and prayer requests and needs all in one place. You are able to follow many of the heros and their unique battles. Through this group many of the parents and kids form relationships and bonds and are able to meet/relate with one another and form lifelong friendships. You can often find them comparing battle scars, hanging out at the hospital, and encouraging one another. We're working daily to make connections that will help our families in the hardest times of their lives. Being a parent of a sick child often means one parent has to quit their job, increased medical expenses, prescription costs, and more. Imagine the huge financial stress that can come along with that. WLH's is working to decrease some of that stress. We are connecting families with organizations, non profits, and businesses that can fill in the gaps for our hero families. We are beginning to actively seek grants and other funds that can be used to help provide for the needs of our families. See our partial list of sponsors on this site! https://www.wichitaslittlestheroes.com/2025 Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • Sibling Strength: Kalley Hough on Love, Resilience, and Life Beyond Medical Diagnoses
    Sep 5 2025

    Welcome back to another heartfelt episode of Life Beyond the Diagnosis. In today’s episode, we shine a light on an often-overlooked perspective: that of the sibling in a medically complex family. Hosts Brianna Baskerville and Brianna Gallegos sit down with 17-year-old Kalley Hough, who shares her deeply personal journey as the big sister to her two adopted siblings, Clarabelle and Kyson. Both of Kalley’s siblings face significant health challenges—Clarabelle lives with four heart conditions, while Kyson was born with cerebral palsy and a brain bleed, defying medical odds at every turn.

    Through humor, vulnerability, and unwavering love, Kalley offers an honest look at daily life: from early morning routines and hospital visits to the emotional toll and remarkable moments that define being a sibling in the "hero’s life beyond the diagnosis." Kalley discusses the unique challenges siblings face, the importance of mental health support, and the joy found in small victories. She also reflects on how organizations like Wichita's Littlest Heroes have helped her family find connection, support, and hope.

    This episode is filled with inspiration, reminding us of the quiet resilience, empathy, and strength that siblings like Kalley bring to families navigating medical complexities. Grab your headphones and get ready for a moving conversation about perseverance, compassion, and what it truly means to be a hero behind the scenes.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Teamwork in Morning Routine

    05:41 "Adopted Siblings, Inclusive Family"

    07:37 Gratitude and Compassion Awareness

    12:30 Supportive and Understanding Mom

    14:45 Unlikely Friendship Amid Harley Quinn Syndrome

    18:48 Navigating Family Struggles Together

    20:13 Embrace Change and Have Faith

    23:32 Wichita's Littlest Heroes' Impact

    💛 If Kalley’s story moved you, please like, share, and subscribe for more episodes featuring courageous families and their journeys beyond the diagnosis.

    Find out more about Wichita’s Littlest Heroes:
    https://www.wichitaslittlestheroes.com/

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    26 mins
  • A Mother’s Strength: Chelsea and Amelia’s Story of Resilience and Hope
    Aug 22 2025

    In today’s episode, hosts Brianna Baskerville and Brian Gallegos sit down with Chelsea Weller, an incredible mother and advocate, to share the inspiring story of her daughter, Amelia. Despite facing the daily challenges of hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, and complex GI issues, five-year-old Amelia fills every room with light, resilience, and joy.

    Chelsea opens up about navigating the unpredictable world of medical care, celebrating even the smallest victories, and the strength she’s found within herself and her family. You’ll hear about the impact Amelia’s journey has had on their family dynamics, the crucial support they’ve received from Wichita’s Littlest Heroes, and the importance of community during life’s toughest moments.

    Plus, we spotlight Rental Ranch—our episode sponsor—and explore their commitment to supporting families like Chelsea’s throughout Wichita. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that, even in the most difficult circumstances, hope, connection, and joy can always be found. Let’s dive in!

    Chapters:

    00:00 Amelia's Hydrocephalus Diagnosis and Surgery

    06:10 Child's Ongoing TPN Treatment

    09:47 Family Closeness and Appreciation

    10:31 Managing Emilia's Daily Challenges

    15:40 Finding Strength and Joy

    19:26 Generational Legacy of Giving

    21:54 Inspiring Involvement at Bravery Ball

    23:19 Beginner-Friendly Equipment Rentals

    26:51 Giving Back to the Community

    💛 If Chelsea and Amelia’s story moved you, please like, share, and subscribe for more episodes featuring courageous families and their journeys beyond the diagnosis.

    Find out more about Wichita’s Littlest Heroes:

    https://www.wichitaslittlestheroes.com/

    Connect with our Sponsor:

    https://rentalranchwichita.com/

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    30 mins
  • Navigating Rett Syndrome: Tori Moler’s Journey as a Hero Mom
    Aug 8 2025

    Step into the extraordinary with Episode 4 of the Life Beyond the Diagnosis, where courage, love, and heroism take center stage! Join hosts Brianna Baskerville and Brianna Gallegos as they welcome the incredible Tori Moler, a hero mom, social worker, and fierce advocate. Dive headfirst into the ups, downs, and wild adventures of raising Livy, her vibrant daughter living with Rett syndrome—a rare neurological condition that transforms every day into a quest for joy, resilience, and connection.

    From unforgettable milestones to sisterly bonds that melt your heart, Tori’s story is raw, fearless, and full of hope. Hear firsthand what it means to build your village, find community, embrace every challenge, and celebrate the beautifully unexpected moments along the way.

    Plus, meet our amazing community partner, Andover Auto Body, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how champion sponsors keep the magic alive for families like Tori’s.

    Ready to be inspired by the real-life superheroes among us? Tune in, share the laughter, and let your heart be moved. This is more than a podcast—it’s a lifeline. Listen now!

    Chapters:

    00:00 Structured Support for Active Lifestyle

    04:18 Premature Birth and Growth Journey

    09:06 X Chromosome Mutation Explained

    11:19 Non-Verbal Girl's Challenges

    15:37 Varied Lifespan Challenges

    17:49 "Challenges of Raising Livy"

    20:03 "Brie: The Willing Helper"

    23:05 Non-Verbal Daughter Learns to Kiss

    28:19 Seeking Community Support

    30:56 Unexpected Summer Adventures

    33:50 Support for Families in Need

    36:41 "Heartwarming Car Wash Experience"

    39:09 Thank You, Tori Moler

    💛 If Tori and Livy’s story moved you, please like, share, and subscribe for more episodes featuring courageous families and their journeys beyond the diagnosis.

    Find out more about Wichita’s Littlest Heroes:
    https://www.wichitaslittlestheroes.com/

    Connect with our Sponsor:
    https://andoverautobody.com/

    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
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