Early Years

7. "Hilinski's Hope": Raising awareness about student athlete mental health

The Hilinski's Hope foundation was born from the heartbreaking loss of a college football player to suicide. Mark and Kym Hilinski lost their middle son, Tyler to suicide in 20-18. Soon afterwards, they began Hilinski's Hope, an effort to eliminate the stigma of mental health issues among student athletes. In the latest edition of our "Early Years" podcast, we spoke with the Hilinski's about their mission of hope.

6. Behold Be Gold

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Kimberly McBroom is talking with a young woman who we first met a couple of years ago.  Her name is Juanita Prada. She is a childhood cancer survivor and the creator of an awareness movement called "Behold, Be Gold."

5. Back to School Mental Readiness

Students are heading back to school over the next several weeks. School supplies are important, but so is their mental and emotional wellness. We're chatting today with Karen Garlow, the Supervisor of Counseling for Roanoke County Public Schools about how families can get prepared for what the new school year might bring.

4. TikTok Diet Dangers

ParentsTogether is sounding the alarm about the "summer body" dieting trend targeting teenage girls on social media that promote unhealthy habits, like extreme calorie counting and dangerous weight loss challenges.

3. Piecing together the puzzle: Two moms share their experiences raising kids with autism

April is National Autism Awareness Month. In this "Early Years" podcast, we're chatting with two local moms on different journeys with autism, but with a common goal. They're also working to raise awareness about an upcoming conference being hosted by Piedmont Autism Action Group.