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/

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/

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/

On this episode of Life Beyond the Diagnosis, we dive into an incredibly inspiring and heartfelt conversation with Shawna Ammons, a devoted mother and fierce advocate for her ten-year-old son, Ryker. Born with gastroschisis, a rare condition where his intestines developed outside his body, Ryker’s journey has been one of immeasurable strength, resilience, and hope. Joined by hosts Brianna Baskerville and Brianna Gallegos, Shawna shares the profound challenges her family has faced, from long hospital stays and navigating complex medical needs, to fighting for Ryker’s right to a safe and inclusive education.

You’ll hear Shawna’s honest reflections on isolation, advocacy, and the life-changing support of Wichita’s Littlest Heroes, an organization devoted to families of medically complex children. This episode is a moving reminder of the power of community, perseverance, and the difference that kindness and connection make for families on this journey. Plus, we’re joined by Steven from Elite Electric, one of the organization’s generous partners, for a look at how local businesses are helping to light up the lives of hero families like Shawna’s.

Grab a tissue and settle in. You won’t want to miss this story of faith, love, and enduring hope, straight from the heart of a true hero mom.

Chapters:

00:00 Prenatal Diagnosis: Gastroschisis Discovery

06:40 Navigating New Motherhood Challenges

09:50 Always Look for the Good

12:28 G Tube vs. Central Line

20:12 Strict Health Protocols for Riker

20:54 Challenges of Social Life as Medical Parent

25:22 Legal Battle Over School Admission

27:24 Kansas Law: RN Required for Central Lines

31:23 Surgery Gone Wrong: A Parent's Journey

36:20 First Pool Power Setup

38:17 Parenting Challenges and Strength

40:33 Support Wichita's Littlest Heroes

💛 If Shawna and Ryker’s story touched you, please like, subscribe, and share to help us build a community where no one feels alone.

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

Welcome back to another episode of Life Beyond the Diagnosis. In today’s powerful conversation, host Brianna Baskerville sits down with Kristie Rinn, a resilient military mom whose eldest son, Tyler, lives with cerebral palsy and uses a Tobii communication device to connect with the world. Kristie shares the journey from Tyler’s rare diagnosis of schizencephaly, the challenges and uncertainties that marked his early years, and the moments of hope and celebration as he defied expectations—graduating high school, finding his own voice, and even navigating teenage milestones like prom. We explore how Tyler’s diagnosis not only transformed daily life for the Rinn family, but also shaped the perspectives and compassion of his siblings. Kristie opens up about the emotional impact of hearing Tyler say “I love you” for the first time through his device, the importance of accessibility and education for families facing similar challenges, and the lifesaving support from organizations like Wichita’s Littlest Heroes.

Plus, we shine a spotlight on the incredible generosity of this episode’s sponsor, Mid Kansas Auto Auction, whose community spirit makes so much possible for medically complex kids across Kansas. If you’re seeking a story of innovation, fierce love, and what it means to advocate for those you love, this episode will leave you inspired and reminded, you are never alone on this journey.

❤️ If Tyler’s story moved you, subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with anyone who could use a little hope today!

👉 Learn more about Wichita’s Littlest Heroes: https://www.wichitaslittlestheroes.com/

👉 Support our sponsor: https://www.mksaa.com/

Thank you for listening and supporting real-life heroes!

Welcome to the very first episode of "The Hero's Journey: Life Beyond the Diagnosis," brought to you by Wichita’s Littlest Heroes! Join host Brianna Baskerville, co-host Brianna Gallegos, and special guest Abby Bryant as they dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of families facing childhood cancer.

In this episode, Abby shares her powerful story as a "hero mom" to five-year-old Azelle, who is courageously battling leukemia. From the shock of diagnosis to the complexities of treatment and the incredible impact of faith and community, this is an honest, inspiring conversation you don’t want to miss. Plus, hear how our community partner Subaru of Wichita is making a difference!

❤️ If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE!
💬 Leave a comment with your thoughts or if you have a story to share.

Thank you to our generous sponsor, Subaru of Wichita, for fueling hope in our community!

Connect with us:

• Website: Wichita’s Littlest Heroes

• Sponsor: Subaru of Wichita
  
  

00:00 "Faith and Perseverance in Leukemia Battle"

05:06 Unexpected Support and Reassurance

08:06 Letting Go of Regret

09:54 "Marriage Resilience Amid Adversity"

13:25 Child's Resilience During Hardship

18:40 Understanding Community of Support

19:48 "Building Community Beyond Expectations"

22:39 "Trusting in God's Greater Plan"

28:39 "Supporting Local Kids and Pets"

32:03 Aligned Impact-Driven Culture

33:57 "Engage Beyond Donations"

37:08 Support and Celebrate Every Story

Thank you for being part of our village. ❤️