The Space Between

Hope and Healing: Cancer, IVF, and Surrogacy with Sarrah Strimel Bentley

What happens when cancer, fertility struggles, and the dream of motherhood intersect? Sarrah Strimel Bentley, former Broadway star and founder of A Chance For Life, shares her incredible journey of battling breast cancer, facing infertility, and navigating the surrogacy process. From her emotional diagnosis to her path to motherhood, Sarrah opens up about the challenges, the triumphs, and the unexpected turns along the way. In this candid conversation, she discusses finding joy in the hardest moments, embracing love during treatment, and the unwavering hope that fueled her journey to become a mother. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to find joy amidst cancer and infertility: Embracing life, allowing yourself to mourn, and recognizing that happiness can still exist during tough times. * The power of honesty in tough journeys: Using transparency in sharing your story with others and yourself, from cancer treatment to surrogacy. * The unexpected paths to parenthood: Navigating surrogacy, IVF, and infertility with resilience and the belief that your family will come together in its own time. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:01) Meet Sarrah Strimel Bentley (05:17) Sarrah’s Broadway journey (06:43) Life changes and meeting James (08:13) The breast cancer diagnosis (14:36) Navigating treatment and fertility (27:11) The heartbreaking ultrasound (28:22) Naming the embryo (29:57) The surrogacy journey begins (21:51) Finding the right surrogate (39:50) The miracle pregnancy (42:57) Motherhood and advocacy Resources: * Check out A Chance For Life: https://achanceforlife.org/ [https://achanceforlife.org/] * Connect with Sarrah Strimel Bentley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarrahstrimelbentley/ [https://www.instagram.com/sarrahstrimelbentley/] * Connect with Amri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amri-kibbler-71333b15/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amri-kibbler-71333b15/]  * Connect with The Space Between on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespacebetween_cancer.family [https://www.instagram.com/thespacebetween_cancer.family]  * Connect with Amri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/ [https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/] * Amri’s official website: https://www.amrikibbler.com/ [https://www.amrikibbler.com/]  * Check out S.E.A. Waves of Support Healing Selenite Bracelets: https://seawavesofsupport.com [https://seawavesofsupport.com]

One Foot Forward: Parenting Through Cancer with Haley Pollack

What happens when diagnosis, diapers, and deep love collide? Haley Pollack, Executive Director at Bright Spot Network, and a mom who faced stage III colon cancer with a six-month-old and a preschooler, shares how she navigated weaning before chemo, naming “the scary thing” with young kids, and building a national community so no parent has to do this alone. Amri and Haley talk about gaslighting (from self and systems), the reality of survivorship, and the small, loving actions that carry families through. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to talk to very young children about cancer: naming it, previewing changes, and using books, routines, and “the team” to create safety. * Why tiny acts matter on impossible days: The “one foot in front of the other” mindset that helps parents keep moving. * The support parents can access right now: Bright Spot’s free groups (including survivorship), kids’ circles, book program, teddy bear clinics, financial grants, and navigation help. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:16) A journey through cancer (02:38) Haley's diagnosis and early challenges (04:26) Navigating motherhood and cancer (07:16) The emotional toll and family conversations (19:59) Introducing Bright Spot Network (22:19) Support programs for parents and kids (26:20) Survivorship and ongoing challenges (33:24) Haley’s advice to parents navigating cancer Resources: * Check out Bright Spot Network: https://www.brightspotnetwork.org/ [https://www.brightspotnetwork.org/]  * Check out Bright Club and Bright Circle: https://www.brightspotnetwork.org/bright-club-and-bright-circle [https://www.brightspotnetwork.org/bright-club-and-bright-circle]  * Connect with Bright Spot Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightspotnetwork [https://www.instagram.com/brightspotnetwork]  * Connect with Haley Pollack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-pollack-78355410a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-pollack-78355410a/]  * Connect with Amri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amri-kibbler-71333b15/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amri-kibbler-71333b15/]  * Connect with The Space Between on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespacebetween_cancer.family [https://www.instagram.com/thespacebetween_cancer.family]  * Connect with Amri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/ [https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/] * Amri’s official website: https://www.amrikibbler.com/ [https://www.amrikibbler.com/]  * Check out S.E.A. Waves of Support Healing Selenite Bracelets: https://seawavesofsupport.com [https://seawavesofsupport.com]

Letting Go of Grace: Living Authentically Through Recovery with Dr. Jessica Zucker, PhD

What happens when grace, grief, and womanhood intersect? Dr. Jessica Zucker, PhD, a Los Angeles–based psychologist specializing in reproductive and maternal mental health, the author of I Had a Miscarriage and Normalize It, shares her journey of navigating breast cancer while raising her children, building her career, and redefining what it means to show up with vulnerability and truth. She reflects on surrendering perfection, rejecting toxic positivity, and embracing her body through tenderness rather than battle. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How Jessica talks to her kids about illness: From openness to honesty, she shares the importance of helping children process hard things without fear. * Why she rejected the “warrior” narrative: Discover how she chose compassion over combat and what it means to honor your body’s limits. * What it means to find self-compassion through pain: Jessica explores how embracing imperfection, rest, and emotional truth leads to deeper healing. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:10) Meet Dr. Jessica Zucker (02:07) Dr. Zucker's cancer journey (06:45) Navigating family conversations (11:53) The emotional toll and coping mechanisms (14:07) Shame and illness (30:52) The pressure of perfection (36:09) Self-compassion and healing Resources: * Visit Dr. Jessica Zucker’ site: https://www.drjessicazucker.com/ [https://www.drjessicazucker.com/] * Connect with Dr. Jessica Zucker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-zucker-ph-d-2397812 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-zucker-ph-d-2397812] * Connect with Dr. Jessica Zucker on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihadamiscarriage/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/ihadamiscarriage/?hl=en] * Connect with Amri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amri-kibbler-71333b15/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amri-kibbler-71333b15/]  * Connect with The Space Between on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespacebetween_cancer.family [https://www.instagram.com/thespacebetween_cancer.family]  * Connect with Amri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/ [https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/] * Amri’s official website: https://www.amrikibbler.com/ [https://www.amrikibbler.com/]  * Check out S.E.A. Waves of Support Healing Selenite Bracelets: https://seawavesofsupport.com [https://seawavesofsupport.com]

Surrender and Strength: Thriving in Stage Four with Mercedes Wilson

What happens when faith, motherhood, and a stage four diagnosis collide? Mercedes Wilson, TV host, author, entrepreneur, and founder of For Our Daughters, shares her journey of living with metastatic breast cancer while raising four kids, running a nonprofit, and redefining what it means to truly live. First diagnosed at 28 and now facing cancer’s return years later, Mercedes opens up about surrendering control, embracing her faith, and creating a “living plan” rooted in intentionality, connection, and purpose. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How Mercedes talks to her kids about cancer: From toddlers to young adults, Mercedes shares how she approaches hard conversations with her children—and why openness, honesty, and family unity guide their journey. * Why surrender isn’t giving up—it’s letting go: Hear how Mercedes reframed her mindset from survival mode to spiritual surrender, and why that shift brought her peace, clarity, and deeper purpose. * What it means to build a living plan: Mercedes walks us through her holistic approach to healing, including therapy, faith, nutrition, support networks, and the power of simply being present. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:02) Meet Mercedes Wilson (01:47) First diagnosis and treatment (04:15) Parenting through cancer (05:53) Open communication with children (10:01) Living plan and support system (16:00) Spiritual journey and surrender (19:58) Family connection and rituals (22:08) Empowering young women (24:00) Message to other moms Resources: * Visit Mercedes’ site: https://mercedesewilson.com/ [https://mercedesewilson.com/] * Connect with Mercedes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedes-wilson-777a9666/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedes-wilson-777a9666/] * Connect with Mercedes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercedesewilson/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/mercedesewilson/?hl=en] * Connect with Amri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amri-kibbler-71333b15/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amri-kibbler-71333b15/]  * Connect with The Space Between on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespacebetween_cancer.family [https://www.instagram.com/thespacebetween_cancer.family]  * Connect with Amri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/ [https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/] * Amri’s official website: https://www.amrikibbler.com/ [https://www.amrikibbler.com/]  * Check out S.E.A. Waves of Support Healing Selenite Bracelets: https://seawavesofsupport.com [https://seawavesofsupport.com]

A Better Way to Care: Practical Support for Families Navigating Illness Together with Ashley Blackington

What happens when caregiving meets the heart of advocacy, balance, and resilience? Ashley Blackington, founder of Dovetail and board-certified occupational therapist, shares her insights on caregiving, managing cancer journeys, and supporting families through complex health experiences. With over 15 years in the healthcare industry, Ashley opens up about the emotional and practical challenges of caregiving, the importance of self-care, and the ways caregivers can build a supportive network without losing themselves in the process. In this episode, you’ll learn: * The emotional weight of caregiving: Ashley discusses the toll caregiving can take on families, and how to manage the physical and emotional exhaustion while still providing the best care. * Creating a caregiving network: Learn how Dovetail's platform empowers caregivers & families to manage tasks, communicate, and collaborate with others in real-time, making caregiving a shared responsibility. * Why self-care is non-negotiable for caregivers: Ashley highlights the importance of caregivers prioritizing their own well-being in order to better support their loved ones. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (02:07) Ashley’s background as an OT (04:22) Challenges of caregiving in cancer treatment (07:30) Emotional impact of caregiving on families (10:45) Creating a supportive caregiving network (15:20) Dovetail: Platform for shared caregiving (18:40) Managing caregiver fatigue and stress (22:10) Importance of self-care in caregiving (26:30) Strategies for balancing caregiving and personal life (30:15) Role of humor and connection in caregiving (35:00) Advice for new caregivers Resources: * Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/] * Connect with Dovetail on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydovetail.app/ [https://www.instagram.com/mydovetail.app/] * Check out Dovetail: https://dovetaildesigns.co/ [https://dovetaildesigns.co/] * Get the Dovetail app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822 [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822] * Connect with Amri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amri-kibbler-71333b15/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amri-kibbler-71333b15/]  * Connect with The Space Between on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespacebetween_cancer.family [https://www.instagram.com/thespacebetween_cancer.family]  * Connect with Amri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/ [https://www.instagram.com/amrikibbler/] * Amri’s official website: https://www.amrikibbler.com/ [https://www.amrikibbler.com/]  * Check out S.E.A. Waves of Support Healing Selenite Bracelets: https://seawavesofsupport.com [https://seawavesofsupport.com]