64: Becoming Brave Together: Empowering and Supporting Caregiving Moms with Founder Jessica Patay

Becoming Heart Strong

Jessica Patay, founder of We Are Brave Together, shares her journey as a mom with a child with a disability and the organization she created to support caregiving moms. The organization has 2,600 moms in its international community and has launched 25 support groups worldwide. Jessica discusses the challenges caregiving moms face, including the financial impact and the need for better support and resources. She emphasizes the importance of community, self-care, and affirming oneself as a woman outside of motherhood. She also addresses the stigma attached to disability and the misconception that caregiving moms are superhuman. In this conversation, Jessica Patay and Jess Lindberg discuss the importance of finding a new name for moms and caregivers of children with special needs. They explore the need for a more inclusive term that encompasses all types of caregivers, including those supporting children with mental health struggles. They also discuss the vision and goals of We Are Brave Together, an organization that supports moms and caregivers through connection circles, retreats, and resources. The conversation touches on the power of storytelling and the impact of caregiving on the healthcare system. The episode concludes with a discussion on Jessica’s NEW book: 'Becoming Brave Together.'

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:12 We Are Brave Together: Supporting Caregiving Moms

07:02 The Financial Impact on Caregiving Moms

11:02 The Importance of Community and Supportive Friendships

14:59 Affirming Identity: Celebrating All Aspects of Womanhood

28:34 Redefining the Role of Moms and Caregivers

35:19 Supporting Moms and Caregivers Through We Are Brave Together

39:41 The Power of Storytelling in Caregiving

44:59 Challenges in the Healthcare System for Caregivers

53:52 Empowering Caregivers Through 'Becoming Brave Together'

You can follow Jess on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook

Access Jess’ FREE Future Self Mini Course

Learn more about The Heart Strong Collective

Follow We Are Brave Together: https://www.instagram.com/wearebravetogether/

Follow Jessica Patay:https://www.instagram.com/jesspatay/

Check out the We Are Brave Together Website: https://www.wearebravetogether.org/

Order the book: Becoming Brave Together