Kids & Family
Caregivers are often the unseen and overlooked part of special needs care. In this podcast episode, Annette speaks with Jessica Ronne, an author, caregiver advocate, and mom of 8, about caregiver support, her caregiver nonprofit The Lucas Project, her blog “Jess + the Mess” and her 2 books “Sunlight Burning at Midnight” and “Blended with Grit and Grace.” Jess’ family story is one of heart break that leads to happiness. Her second child Lucas was born profoundly disabled due to a stroke in utero. A few years later, her first husband passed away from brain cancer leaving her a widow at 33 with 4 children under 7, one profoundly disabled. Jess had been blogging throughout all this as writing to her is a form of release. A chance comment on her blog from one of her followers lead her to her current husband – his wife had passed away from brain cancer around the same time as Jess’ husband. They have been married now for 11 years and have a blended family of 8 children.