Child Life On Call: Parents Of Children With An Illness Or Medical Condition Share Their Stories With A Child Life Specialist

"We are the experts on our daughter and we deserve a say, and we deserve to be given the time to ask questions." – Nikki DeLeo  We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsor for this episode, Gebauer PainEase®. We are pleased to provide more information about this product, and we invite you to learn more by visiting their website.    In this heartfelt episode, host and Certified Child Life Specialist Katie Taylor speaks with Nikki DeLeo, a mother of Taylor, her daughter who has Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Katie and Nikki discuss Nikki’s journey navigating her daughter Taylor's diagnosis from day one, the emotional rollercoaster of becoming a medical parent, her advocacy for Taylor's care, and the importance of equity in newborn screenings for CF. With Taylor's unique case, Nikki discusses the challenges and triumphs of managing a life-changing diagnosis, emphasizing the role of medical teams and community support in fostering resilience and hope.   Key Insights: The Importance of Early Diagnosis: Nikki emphasizes