Stories of Hope AZ

Death Positivity with Funeral Director Cold Hands aka Monica Torres

In this week’s episode, we delve into the mysterious world of embalming with renowned mortician, Monica Torres. Monica, also known as Cold Hands, talks with us about being one of the few female morticians in the country and how she uses her platform to enlighten people on the complexities of her work. Discover the art, science, and emotion behind this detail-oriented profession. From cemeteries to mortuaries, we discuss the importance of understanding and accepting death. A must-watch for those seeking a deeper connection with life's inevitable journey.

Have a story of your own to tell? Email StoriesOfHopeAZ@gmail.com

This Episode was sponsored and produced by The Motivated Mind Group

Two Time Brain Cancer Survivor: Jenn’s Glioblastoma Journey

Meet Jenn Ortiz a fierce warrior who's a two time survivor over the span of two years of aggressive form of brain cancer, Glioblastoma. From an unexpected seizure during a regular dinner to the life changing diagnosis, Jenn's journey is a testament to her indomitable spirit and determination. She has undergone rigorous treatments and therapy with her husband Matt and their two children always standing by her side. In this video, we interview Jenn to explore her story as a Glioblastoma survivor and the support she receives from her service dog, Marley. Join us in this episode that highlights the power of love, community, and the relentless human spirit in the face of adversity. Whether you can donate, share, or simply watch, your support means the world.

If you'd like to help the Ortiz family with Jenn's medical bills you can donate to their GoFundMe.

Have a story of your own to tell? Email StoriesOfHopeAZ@gmail.com

This Episode was sponsored and produced by The Motivated Mind Group

Healing the Smallest Victims of the Opioid Crisis: Hushabye Nursery’s Role in NAS Recovery

Our story of hope this week comes from Tara Sundem, co-founder of Hushabye Nursery, a non-profit that provides advanced care for newborns with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). NAS is a condition that affects babies that have been exposed to drug use while in the womb and suffer from withdrawal after birth. Hear firsthand how Tara and Hushabye Nursery provide a safe, nurturing environment for these beautiful infants who require the most attentive of care and how they help families unite to support these gentle souls.

To learn more about Hushabye Nursery visit their site at: https://www.hushabyenursery.org/

Have a story to tell? Email StoriesOfHopeAZ@gmail.com

This Episode was sponsored and produced by The Motivated Mind Group

 

Triumphs & Challenges: Special Needs Parenting of Twins with Different Abilities

Join us in this inspiring conversation with educator, community-builder, and mother, Jane Anderson, about special needs parenting, focusing on raising twins with different abilities. Jane knows all too well that twin pregnancies come with a host of complications and can be a daunting experience for any parent, experienced or new. We delve into the unique and demanding world of parenting children with special needs, particularly those affected by Twin Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Hear firsthand experiences, triumphs, and challenges, offering insights and inspiration to other families in similar situations.

 

Thank you to my studio sponsor  @TheMotivatedMindGroup  https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/

 

Have a story you want to share, want to be a sponsor, or know of a non-profit organization making a difference in your community that needs to share its mission? Email us: storiesofhopeaz@gmail.com

We Need To Talk About Children’s Mental Health - David Jones

Welcome to Stories of Hope, where we listen to stories that help heal, educate, and inspire. Joining us today is former radio host and broadcaster David Jones! David shares his experience with navigating loss and utilizing his grief to encourage others to share their own personal stories of perseverance through the many community-building events he organizes throughout Arizona.

David, along with his groups Positive Image Sports and Tanner Community Development Corporation (TCDC), is not only devoted to bringing families together and building stronger communities but also focuses on children’s mental health. We were lucky enough to be a part of the latest mental health event where we were joined by children from all backgrounds in a safe space where they were empowered to share their stories and have adults listen and empathize with their struggles with depression, anxiety, bullying, and other mental health issues.

Positive Image Sports and TCDC host events focusing on the emotional and physical well-being of communities all over the valley, including their upcoming event, Dribble 4 Cancer, where David and his colleagues hope to shatter the Guinness Book of World Records record for most basketballs dribbled for 30 seconds. All proceeds go towards cancer research and cancer-associated organizations whose aim is to continue to educate and uplift those affected by this disease all over the globe.

Join us as we talk about children’s mental health, community building, and growing from trauma in this episode. Learn how David Jones and his community-focused organizations make a positive impact on the lives of our most vulnerable young children.

For more information, please visit:
www.pisportsmarketing.com
www.dribble4cancer.com

Thank you to my studio sponsor @TheMotivatedMindGroup :
https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/

Have a story you want to share, want to be a sponsor, or know of a non-profit organization making a difference in your community that needs to share its mission?     
Email us:   storiesofhopeaz@gmail.com

Service Dog Saving U.S. Army Vet’s Life & Marriage - P.A.W.S.S Founders Ryan and Janna Newman

Welcome to Stories of Hope AZ, where we bring you stories of inspiration and resilience. Today, we have the honor of introducing a remarkable individual whose life's mission has touched the hearts of many. Joining us is Ryan, a U.S. Army veteran who has not only served our country but continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of fellow veterans and first responders.

Alongside Ryan Newman, we have his faithful companion/service dog, Goose, and his loving wife and Co-Founder/President of P.A.W.S.S, Janna Newman. Goose is more than just a loyal companion; he is a highly trained service dog, providing vital support to Ryan facing the invisible wounds of war and other challenges.

P.A.W.S.S: Healing Heroes is an organization dedicated to providing free training and support to veterans, first responders, and their families. Through this noble initiative, they empower individuals with the life-changing companionship of a service dog, offering hope, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Join us in this inspiring episode as we delve into the incredible work of P.A.W.S.S, an organization dedicated to training service dogs for veterans, first responders, and their families. In this heartfelt conversation, we meet Janna and Ryan, the founders of P.A.W.S.S, and hear their personal stories of triumph and resilience.

Ryan, a former U.S. Army serviceman, opens up about his journey through PTSD after serving in Iraq and the challenges he faced upon returning home. He shares the pivotal role that his service dog, Goose, played in saving his life and helping him regain control. Together with Janna, who has a rich background in education, they founded P.A.W.S.S to provide the same life-changing support to others.

Discover the motivation behind the creation of P.A.W.S.S, as Janna and Ryan highlight the unique struggles faced by both veterans and first responders. They shed light on the lack of support for family members and the dire need for organizations like PAWS to bridge this gap. Through heartfelt anecdotes, they explain the profound impact that service dogs have on individuals dealing with trauma and stress.

Listen as they recount their personal experiences, including Ryan's journey through rehabilitation and the transformative effect it had on their relationship. They also touch on the challenges of raising awareness about PTSD and suicide among veterans, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding.

Join us on this emotional roller coaster as Janna and Ryan share their mission to empower lives through PAWS. Learn how their organization is making a difference by training service dogs and fostering a supportive community for veterans, first responders, and their families. Be prepared to be inspired and gain a deeper appreciation for the unwavering courage and resilience exhibited by those who serve our communities.

For more information please visit:

https://www.pupsnwarriors.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@p.a.w.s.s?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080486117171

https://www.instagram.com/pupsnwarriors

Thank you to my studio sponsor  @TheMotivatedMindGroup  : https://themotivatedmindgroup.com/

 

Have a story you want to share, want to be a sponsor, or know of a non-profit organization making a difference in your community that needs to share its mission? Email us: Storiesofhopeaz@gmail.com

Grief Recovery Specialist, non-profit Widow Goals founder - Michelle Bader Ebersole

Meet Michelle Bader Ebersole, she is a Grief Recovery Specialist, podcast host, and founder of the non-profit Widow Goals connecting other widows on the journey of an absent spouse. She helps widows through the journey and provides scholarships where needed. Michelle was widowed 3 years ago. Her late husband Luke battled a very rare form of cancer at a young age but lived each day with meaning and the value and quality of life to the fullest. Email: michelle@WidowGoals

^{Jul 6, 2023}

Choices for Freedom 501(c)(3) Founder - Nate Williams

Meet Nate Williams, he is a former teen gang member from Compton, California. At the age of 17, he was incarcerated for 32 years. He found his purpose and passion through his journey and founded Choices for Freedom. A California based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to deterring young adults from crime and mentoring men serving long-term sentences, before and after release. 

He has spoken all over the country and world and met The Late Harry Belafonte, an actor, singer, activist, and supporter of the civil rights movement. 

Today Nate continues to share his experience and teach others how to make better choices. He has a program he instructs in youth camps, and men and women prisons. He also has a book, Rite of Passage, which you can find on Amazon. 
https://www.choicesforfreedom.org/