Published by Lisa McKelvey
Sharing stories of parents who have a young person who has experienced a life changing trauma in Australia. Hosted by Lisa McKelvey.
Listen on Apple PodcastsIn this episode of The Long Road Podcast, Lisa sits down with Heidi McIntosh to share the story of her son, Benaiah Roi, and the profound impact of neonatal loss on her family. After a healthy pregnancy, Heidi and her husband Caleb received unexpected news at 37 weeks that their unborn son was critically unwell. What followed was a journey of hope, fear, love, and heartbreak as they stayed in Brisbane for specialist care and welcomed Benaiah into the world. Benaiah lived for six precious days before unexpectantly passing away due to a sepsis infection. With remarkable honesty and vulnerability, Heidi reflects on navigating grief as a mother, supporting siblings through loss, the challenges of life after trauma, and learning to hold both joy and heartbreak at the same time. Together, Lisa and Heidi discuss the realities of neonatal loss, the importance of acknowledging grief, and the ways families can continue to honour the children they carry in their hearts. This conversation contains discussion of neonatal loss, infant death, grief, and trauma. Please listen at your own pace. Resources mentioned in this episode: • Red Nose Australia – support and resources for families affected by stillbirth, miscarriage, and newborn death. Join A Support Group | Red Nose Australia • Red Nose Bereavement Support Community (Facebook Group) • SANDS Queensland (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support) http://www.sands.org.au/ Books: - A Grief Observed – By C.S. Lewis - It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand. By Megan Devine - How To Carry What Cant Be Fixed. A journal for Grief. By Megan Devine If this episode has brought up difficult emotions for you, please reach out to a trusted support person or professional support service. To keep up to date with The Long Road Podcast, follow along on Facebook and Instagram or visit thelongroad.au. Thanks for being here, Lisa McKelvey xx
In this episode, I’m joined by Zoe Chung, a mum to her daughter Sophia, who was diagnosed with Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS) after a complex start to life. Zoe shares her experience navigating the NICU, receiving a rare diagnosis, and adjusting to life with a medically complex child. While still in hospital with Sophia, Zoe was also diagnosed with breast cancer, beginning treatment while continuing to care for her daughter. This is a conversation about facing the unexpected on multiple fronts, the reality of medical motherhood, and what it looks like to keep moving forward through it all. As always, this episode is a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, you’re not alone. Show Links: Very Special Kids - Providing holistic palliative care for children and young people across Victoria. Medical Mums Australia (of kids with complex medical needs): https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18WsAxGBhu/ Zoes Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/zoefromtiktok?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Thank you for being here, Lisa xx
Clare shares her journey raising her 5-year-old son Frank, who is deaf, and what it has looked like navigating diagnosis, early intervention, and raising him bilingually using Auslan and spoken English. We talk about advocacy, language access, and the importance of creating a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Clare is also passionate about connecting families with the deaf community and supporting parents to feel confident in their child’s journey. Resources mentioned: Deaf Connect – https://deafconnect.org.au Deaf Australia – https://deafaustralia.org.au Expression Australia – https://expression.com.au Follow Clare on Instagram: @raisingbilinguals Thanks for being here, Lisa McKelvey x
Courtney shares her journey raising her 3-year-old son Larry, who lives with cerebral palsy and complex medical needs. We talk about advocacy, trusting your instincts, and embracing that every child develops in their own time. Larry also has a rare genetic mutation called CBX1, and Courtney would love to connect with other families with a similar diagnosis. Resources mentioned: The Centre of Movement – https://www.centreofmovement.com.au NAPA Centre – https://napacenter.org Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) – https://www.dana.org.au Follow Courtney on Instagram: @court.a.ney Thanks for being here, Lisa McKelvey x
In this episode of The Long Road , I sit down with Makayla Jensen to share the story of her younger brother Beau, who survived a life-threatening drowning accident just days after his 17th birthday. Makayla takes us back to the moment her family received the call that Beau was being given CPR, the week he spent in a coma, and the long, uncertain road of rehabilitation that followed. She speaks honestly about the fear, the waiting, and the shift from being “just a sister” to becoming part of his care and recovery. This is a beautiful conversation about trauma, resilience, and the unseen experience of siblings when everything in a family changes overnight. If you’ve ever wondered what that side of the story feels like, this episode is for you. Hosted by: Lisa McKelvey Show Notes: Bring it 4 Beau Insta Link - https://www.instagram.com/bringit4beau?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
In this episode of The Long Road , Lisa sits down with Mel Garcia to share the moment everything changed — when her eight-month-old daughter experienced a prolonged seizure that led to a diagnosis of Dravet Syndrome. Mel speaks openly about the fear, hospital stays, constant vigilance, and the strength it takes to live one day at a time. Knowing firsthand how quickly the emotional and financial pressures mount when a child is in and out of hospital, Mel and her husband Rafa created 1 in 25 — an advocacy initiative raising awareness and funds to support families affected by epilepsy. The name reflects the statistic that 1 in 25 Australians will experience epilepsy in their lifetime. Website: 1IN25.co Thank you for walking this road with us. Lisa McKelvey x
Welcome back to Season 3 of The Long Road . This podcast was created to remind families facing childhood trauma, disability and adversity that they are not alone. I’ve missed these conversations — and I’m so excited for what’s ahead this season. Thank you for being here. Find all episodes and connect with us here: Website : The Long Road Podcast Lisa McKelvey xx
At 9 years old, Sam Carroll was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer. Now 21, he reflects on his journey through treatment, recovery, and the silver linings he’s discovered along the way. A story of courage, resilience, and hope. Hosted by: Lisa McKelvey Show Notes: Video of Sams Tour De Cure Speech - https://www.facebook.com/share/v/171Z9mAd6J/ Tour de Cure Website
Julie Cross shares the hardest chapter of her life — losing her husband Flash after a stroke, parenting two young boys, and navigating her youngest son Thomas’s autism diagnosis. Through heartbreak and challenge, Julie has mothered through the storms with sparkle, humour, and wisdom. Hosted by Lisa McKelvey. Show notes: To find out more about Julie and her book "Living and Loving with Autism": www.juliecross.com.au
When Sasha Stanton’s 3-year-old son, Logan, lost his leg in a devastating farm accident (2018), life changed in an instant. What followed was a period of deep trauma, reflection, and ultimately, personal growth. In this episode, Sasha shares the raw truth of parenting through crisis, how she rebuilt her world, and the powerful ways she now supports other rural mums facing isolation and hardship. A heartfelt conversation about resilience, values, and finding strength and community in the hardest of seasons. Hosted by: Lisa McKelvey Show Notes: Link to COOEE - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-here-what-inspired-the-poddy-and-what-to-expect/id1798324951?i=1000700098263 https://open.spotify.com/show/7xzUToQA6rnHrYEwtJyAs4?si=c6b8240ae8db4fcd
The Long Road - Episode 14 Guest - Molly Bell Hosted by - Lisa McKelvey In this episode, Molly Bell — a pharmacist, wife, and mother of two from Toowoomba, QLD chats about her family’s journey. Molly and Nathans youngest son, Alfie, was diagnosed with an extremely rare neuro deficiency disorder (PPP2R1A), which affects his gross motor skills and causes moderate intellectual disability. Molly shares some of the challenges she has faced, of raising a child with additional needs, the uphill battle for services, education, support, and understanding in a system not built for rare. Show Notes: (1) It’s Cool to Talk Grief 2025 | Facebook (Long Luncheon)
The Long Road – Episode 13 Guest – Mel Nicol Hosted by – Lisa McKelvey In this episode, Mel shares what life was like raising four children while living remotely on Cubbie Station in Dirranbandi, QLD. Their journey took a complex turn when their youngest child, Will, was born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Mel speaks openly about the challenges, the heartbreak, and the strength it takes to be a medical mum — and how, at its core, it’s all about navigating and advocating for your child. Notes and Support Links: CDH Australia - For more information, and the FB support group. If you enjoy this episode, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Lisa McKelvey xx
The Long Road – Episode 12 Guest: Caroline Kiefer Hosted by: Lisa McKelvey A 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 Support What is GAND? - Helping Hands for GAND Very 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
The Long Road Podcast - Episode 11 Guest - Toni Bloor Hosted 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 Australia Koala Kids – Support for kids with cancer HeartKids – Support for children with heart disease Challenge – Supporting kids with cancer and their families If you enjoy the episode please leave a quick review, it will really help the podcast out. Lisa McKelvey xx
The Long Road Podcast - Episode 10 Guest: Susan Crain Hosted by: Lisa McKelvey In 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 Network Relationships Australia | Achieving positive and respectful relationships
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
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
Emma Rennison chats with host Lisa McKelvey about the difficulties her mum went through with getting medical assistance for what was originally thought to be hip dysplasia for herself as a child. Then years later, as a mother, Emma sits in medical appointments and by her childrens bedside, while they have extensive orthopedic conditions as well. The Rennisons now have a diagnosis of the genetic condition - Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia (MED) Emma is a wonderful mother, wife, writer, story teller and disability advocate from Melbourne, Victoria. Episode 7 of The Long Road Podcast takes you on a beautiful journey of self discovery, advocacy and acceptance. Show Notes: Our Creative Writing Courses | Brisbane Writers' Workshop ONLINE SPECIAL: Family Ties & Life Stories: Exploring Memoir
In episode 6 of The Long Road podcast, we sit down with Elisa Spano, a dedicated mother of 2, to discuss her son's journey with Perthes Disease. Elisa shares her story, shedding light on the emotional, physical, and medical hurdles their family has faced since the diagnosis. From the initial signs, Elisa offers insight into what it's like to advocate for a child with a rare and often misunderstood condition. This episode is a must-listen for anyone touched by chronic illness or seeking inspiration in the face of adversity. If you are looking for more information that Elisa mentioned in the show, check out the show links below. Sargood on Collaroy | Short Term Accommodation & Assistance manly wheelchair basketball Dylan Alcott Foundation - Helping young Australians with disabilities Home | Paralympics Australia Link to watch Prime Minister Albanese read out Raffertys note: https://fb.watch/w9aWkC_B_P/ If you enjoy the episode please leave a review, it really helps the show grow. Thanks Lisa McKelvey
In Episode 5 of The Long Road Podcast, host Lisa McKelvey will speak with Aylish Maher a wife, to Mick Maher and mother to two beautiful children Miley and Monty. The Maher family begun their long road on day one of Montys life. Monty has a severe cardiac condition and was diagnosed with 22q deletion. Monty is currently 4 years old, and Aylish speaks about the whirlwind of the first year, time in the Queensland Childrens hospital and life as they know it now. Please enjoy the listen. If you could take the time to rate the show and leave a review where ever you listen to your podcast, that would really help spread the podcast for others to find the show. Thanks so much for helping the podcast grow. Lisa McKelvey