The Day After | Where grief stories connect us
At The Day After, we believe in the healing power of shared stories. Through our podcast, we create a safe space where individuals can find solace in others' experiences with grief. Having walked this path ourselves, we understand the profound isolation that follows losing a loved one. We're building a compassionate community where every story matters, where healing happens through connection, and where no one faces grief alone. Join us as we navigate loss together, finding strength and understanding in our shared journey.
The Day After | Where grief stories connect us
Finding Light After Loss: Casey's Mission to Honor Her Daughter Zoe | The Day After Ep. 17
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In this episode, we delve deep into the heart-wrenching story of Casey, a devoted mother who navigated the nearly impossible journey of losing her young daughter, Zoe, to childhood cancer. Zoe, who battled the disease from the tender age of three, tragically passed away at just five years old on July 4, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience that Casey warmly recounts.
Casey chronicles the events leading to Zoe's diagnosis, detailing how a seemingly innocent fall at the park quickly spiraled into a devastating medical discovery. She describes the emotional roller coaster of hospital stays, the endless tests, and the gut-wrenching moment when they were told Zoe had an inoperable brain tumor – initially misidentified, but later confirmed as DIPG, a fatal pediatric brain cancer.
Throughout the episode, listeners are invited into Casey's world of unimaginable grief, tough decisions, and small victories amid a backdrop of profound love and hope. Casey reflects on the life transitions and emotional shutdown she experienced post-divorce and during the COVID-19 pandemic, candidly sharing her journey towards therapy and emotional healing, including exploring specialized treatments like EMDR.
A significant part of the conversation is dedicated to keeping Zoe's memory alive through outdoor activities, charitable initiatives, and vivid recollections of happier times, like Zoe's lively playhouses and her favorite holidays. Casey's charity work stands as a testament to her enduring connection with Zoe, providing joy to families of children with terminal illnesses.
In a deeply moving recount of Zoe's final days, Casey touches on the emotional complexities of watching her daughter slip away, the support from family and friends, and the pivotal decisions made in solace and desperation. With raw authenticity, she talks about the long-term impact of grief, how she coped through organizing and cleaning, and the crucial role her dog Juno played in helping her through the darkest times.
Casey's vulnerable storytelling offers a beacon of hope for anyone facing similar trials, as she shares her continued efforts to find joy and reengage with life after loss. Join us for this emotional and inspiring episode as we honor Zoe’s memory and Casey’s unyielding strength and dedication to her daughter’s legacy.
For more, go to thedayafter.com, or join the conversation online and follow us @thedayafteronline.
You can find our hosts at:
@cjinfantino
@ashleyinfantino
Music by Servidio Music
