12. Caroline Kiefer - A Mother’s Fight: Rare Disease (GAND) and Breast Cancer
The Long Road – Episode 12Guest: Caroline KieferHosted by: Lisa McKelveyA Mother’s Fight Caroline Kiefer is a mother of two from Melbourne, Victoria. In this episode, Caroline shares her remarkable story of strength and resilience after her only daughter, Alana, was diagnosed with a rare condition—GATAD2B-associated neurodevelopmental disorder (GAND).Together with her husband Chris and eldest son Bailey, Caroline has spent the past 17 years dedicated to giving Alana the best quality of life possible. Their journey has been filled with love, sacrifice, and tireless advocacy.As if navigating the complexities of Alana’s care wasn’t enough, Caroline received a life-changing breast cancer diagnosis when Alana was just two years old—adding a new layer of challenge and courage to their story.This is a deeply moving conversation about motherhood, perseverance, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Caroline’s voice is one of quiet strength, and her story is one you won’t forget.Tune in to hear a powerful journey of love, hope, and what it truly means to keep going—no matter what.Notes & Support Links:Mumz n' Bubz Help - Lactation Consultant, Breastfeeding SupportWhat is GAND? - Helping Hands for GANDVery Special Kids - Providing holistic palliative care for children and young people across Victoria.If you enjoy the episode please leave a quick review, it will really help the podcast out.Lisa McKelvey xx
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49:21
11. A Race Against Time: Toni Bloor’s 15-Year-Old Son James and the Life-Saving Gift of a Double Organ Transplant.
The Long Road Podcast - Episode 11Guest - Toni BloorHosted by - Lisa McKelvey A Race Against Time Toni Bloor, a mother of two from Melbourne, shares her family’s extraordinary journey through heartbreak and healing. Her eldest son James survived Burkitt lymphoma at just five years old—only to face the unimaginable once again as a teenager, needing a life-saving heart and lung transplant. In this powerful episode, Toni opens up about the transplant process and the priceless gift of life their family of four has so gratefully received.Show Notes & Support Links:DonateLife – Become an organ donor in AustraliaKoala Kids – Support for kids with cancerHeartKids – Support for children with heart diseaseChallenge – Supporting kids with cancer and their familiesIf you enjoy the episode please leave a quick review, it will really help the podcast out.Lisa McKelvey xx
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10. The Mystery Girl. Susan Crains 11 year old daughter, Isabella and her severe case of Post Viral Myalgia Arthralgia
The Long Road Podcast - Episode 10 Guest: Susan Crain Hosted by: Lisa McKelveyIn this episode of The Long Road Podcast, we welcome Susan Crain as our Episode 10 guest.Susan, a mother of three, opens up about the lasting impact of a traumatic period in her family's life when her children were young. What began as a terrible virus affecting all three kids turned into an exhausting ordeal. Like many parents, she pushed through the sleepless nights and stress, expecting the illness to pass. However, when her eldest daughter, Isabella, continued to deteriorate with worsening and unexplained symptoms, the real challenge was only just beginning.Susan shares her powerful story of persistence, love, and resilience. Beyond her personal journey, she is also the founder and director of the Separation Support Network, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting Australians—both in rural and city areas—through relationship challenges, separation, divorce, and domestic and family violence issues. She offers Zoom consultations and after-hours appointments by arrangement, providing a crucial service to those in need.Show Notes: Separation Support NetworkRelationships Australia | Achieving positive and respectful relationships
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9. From Heartbreak to Research: Karlie Ross on Medical Trauma, and her daughters Leukemia journey.
In this episode of The Long Road Podcast, host Lisa McKelvey sits down with Karlie Ross from Toowoomba, QLD, to discuss her family’s deeply personal journey through childhood trauma.Karlie and her husband, Mason, faced an unimaginable challenge when their daughter, Ellie, was diagnosed with Leukemia just before her second birthday. At the same time, they were navigating the complexities of raising their son, Leo, who has non-verbal autism outside the home. Through it all, they’ve fought to find balance in a world they never expected to be part of.Karlie is a deep thinker and passionate advocate who has turned her family's hardship into a mission. She is currently researching the effects of Paediatric Medical Trauma Stress on children and how educators can empower themselves through the use of stories to support young students experiencing ongoing trauma.Karlie’s resilience, insight, and dedication to helping others make this a must-listen conversation.🔗 Resources & Links: 👉 Welcome, Care-Full Educator - The Care-Full Educator 👉 Follow Care-Full Educator on [Facebook] and [Instagram]#TheLongRoadPodcast #ChildhoodCancer #MedicalTrauma #CareFullEducator #Education #Resilience
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47:08
8. A Father’s Story: How One Tragedy Changed a Family Forever (Jeff McPaul Story)
In this powerful episode, host Lisa McKelvey sits down with Jeff McPaul to reflect on a tragedy that changed his family's life forever. 25 years ago, Jeff’s four-year-old son, Matty, was hit by a car in a devastating accident. Matty’s recovery has been a lifelong journey, shaping the resilience, strength, and love within their family. Jeff shares his insights on grief, hope, and the lessons they've learned along the way. #thelongroadpodcast #traumaticbraininjury #strength #love
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