Fearless: Stories of strength, resilience, and rising anyway

Episode 13: More Than What Happened to Us

What happens when two teenage girls who survived life-altering brain injuries sit down together for the first time? A lot of honesty. A lot of laughter. And a lot of “wait…you do that too?!” In this episode of FEARLESS, Caddie and Aislinn talk openly about recovery, therapy, friendships, school, frustration, identity, and the little things people never think about after neurological trauma. From using a nose to hit the “delete” key to joking about “skid skids” while learning to drive, this conversation is filled with real moments that are heartbreaking, hopeful, and unexpectedly funny. They may have walked different paths, but both girls prove something powerful: You don’t truly know how strong you are until you have to be.

Episode 12: The Journey You Never Choose: Kyler’s Story & Building Hope Through AVM Alliance

In this episode of FEARLESS, I sit down with Raylene Lewis—founder of AVM Alliance and mom to Kyler, a stroke survivor whose life changed in an instant. What started as a normal day turned into emergency brain surgery, a diagnosis no parent is prepared for, and a journey filled with impossible decisions, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty. Raylene shares the raw reality of navigating a brain AVM diagnosis—the fear, the constant “choose your own adventure” decisions, and the weight of knowing that every choice matters when it comes to your child’s brain. But this conversation isn’t just about crisis—it’s about what comes after. From multiple treatments and setbacks to Kyler now being considered “no evidence of disease,” this story is a powerful reminder that hope is real—even when the path is anything but clear. Out of her own experience of feeling lost and unsupported, Raylene created AVM Alliance—a community dedicated to helping families navigate pediatric stroke and brain vessel disease so no one has to walk this journey alone. We also talk about: • The emotional toll on families and siblings • The silent weight parents carry making life-altering decisions • What support actually looks like during and after a medical crisis • How simple acts—like letters or care packages—can make a real difference If you’ve ever wondered how to help… or needed a reminder that strength doesn’t always look loud—this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and be part of the community that reminds families: they are not alone. Episode Resources: Check out the AVM Alliance Website: https://www.avmalliance.org/Email the AVM Alliance: info@avmalliance.orgCheck out the Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/AVMAlliance

Episode 11: The Day Everything Changed: Caddie’s Story

In this deeply personal solo episode of FEARLESS, Kilene shares, for the first time, the full story of her daughter Caddie’s AVM—and the day that changed everything. What began as a normal August afternoon quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency, leading to a massive brain bleed, emergency surgery, and moments where the outcome was uncertain. Through a mother’s eyes, Kilene walks listeners through the fear, the decisions, the waiting, and the unimaginable conversations no parent is ever prepared to have. But this story isn’t just about what happened that day—it’s about what came after. From 64 days in the hospital to relearning how to walk, communicate, and navigate life after a brain injury, Caddie’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and strength beyond her years. Now, as Caddie turns 16, this episode becomes both a reflection and a celebration of how far she’s come—and the life she continues to build. Kilene also shares the realities many don’t see: the ongoing challenges, the invisible impacts of brain injury, and the emotional weight families carry long after the crisis has passed. This episode is for anyone walking through the unknown, for families navigating medical trauma, and for those who need a reminder that even in the hardest moments… there is still hope. 🎗️ March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. If you’re not familiar with AVMs, this episode is a powerful place to start.

Episode 10: From PICU to College: Kaya’s Incredible AVM Recovery

In this episode of FEARLESS, Kilene sits down with Tiffany, a mother whose daughter Kaya experienced a sudden AVM rupture at just nine years old. What began as an ordinary day quickly turned into every parent’s nightmare. With no warning signs, Kaya collapsed at home and was rushed to the hospital, eventually being airlifted to Duke for emergency brain surgery. Doctors warned Tiffany and her husband that the outcome was uncertain and that Kaya might not survive. But Kaya’s story didn’t end there. Tiffany shares what those terrifying hours and days were like in the PICU, the long road of recovery that followed, and the small milestones that meant everything along the way—from Kaya’s first words after being extubated to learning to walk again. Nine years later, Kaya is thriving and attending her dream school, Florida State University. Together, Kilene and Tiffany talk about the emotional impact of traumatic brain injury on families, the challenges siblings face, and the lessons that come from surviving something that changes your life forever. For parents walking a similar path, Tiffany offers one piece of advice: focus on the baby steps. Because sometimes the smallest victories are the ones that matter most.

Episode 9: Still Fighting Brain Injury Awareness Month

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month — and until this year, it wasn’t even on my radar. In this solo episode of FEARLESS, I share what brain injury really looks like beyond the emergency room, beyond the hospital stay, and beyond the first 72 critical hours. Because when most people hear “brain injury,” they think about the moment it happens — the car accident, the stroke, the fall, the rupture of an AVM. They think about the ambulance ride and the surgeries. But what we’ve learned is that brain injury is not just a moment. It’s what happens every single day after. I talk about Caddie’s AVM rupture, the layered and invisible nature of neurological recovery, the emotional ups and downs of healing, the frustrating fight for therapy within a broken insurance system, and the pressure of the 12–18 month recovery window. This episode is about what awareness truly means: Not just reposting a ribbon — but extending grace. Not just saying “she looks great” — but checking in months later. Not assuming the struggle disappears just because progress is visible. Brain injury changed our life — but it didn’t take it. We are still here. Still healing. Still moving forward. If you’re walking a brain injury journey — or loving someone who is — this episode is for you.