Beautiful Strength: The Podcast

"Today I am a single mother of an 8 year old young man lol. I will be the first to admit with being a single mother comes challenges. I, Chawnika Sanders, am the sole provider for my son. His reality right now is he is being raised in a single parent household. Some days I want to take a break and just stop the routine that has become apart of our everyday lives. Not to do anything but lounge around and throw up a middle finger to the constant fast forward of our on the go everyday living. Because mama has to work. Of course I don't because I have to save time for those days when, out of no where, our world is interrupted by the things that are out of our control."

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Baby Mamas we got this. When our world is interrupted take a moment to yourself. You deserve that much. Let your child know when you are overwhelmed. They will appreciate it and understand. Kids don't come with instructions. You won't get everything right. Today, with you I stand in the chaos that has become our lives!!"

Chawnika Sanders: Strong as a Mother

In this episode, Jonathan Pillot, the founder of We Are All 18, speaks about the company's intergenerational approach to encourage young people to share their stories and use their voices and show up to Vote. He is a human who believes in the power of young people and wants them to know they are seen and we, as adults, have their back. We Are All 18 is a movement that entertains and also elevates young people and wants them to know that their voice matters. In a time where polarization and lack of civil discourse are becoming the norm, Jonathan and We Are All 18 believe in democracy, authenticity, and most of all humanity. #wereall18 #vote

In this episode we sit down with Chris & Ashley Vicari. Two of the nicest people you will ever meet, who will make the best parents ever. In 2018, Ashley was diagnosed with “POI,” Premature Ovarian Insufficiency, or pre-menopause. Ashley and Chris share their IVF story and the emotional rollercoaster this process can be. From the diagnosis, to grieving, leaning on one another and strengthening their marriage, looking at various options and choosing IVF and then last but not least, tackling the cost of such an expensive process. The Vicari's are at the beginning/middle of this journey and we want to help share their story any way we can. Infertility can be a difficult subject for people to talk about openly and we are grateful for Ashley & Chris for sharing their story.

"For us, we believe our next step is IVF. In full transparency, our IVF process will consist of purchasing eggs, transporting them to Nashville, fertilizing them, then transplanting them. In addition to doctor fees - most of which is not covered by either of our insurance, this process costs around $30,000."

Donations can be made to the Vicari's GoFund me or via Venmo @Ashley-Fussell

https://www.gofundme.com/f/ashley-and-chris-ivf-journey

This week’s episode comes from Anaheim, CA. We are sitting down with Erwin Rocha. In December of last year, Annette met Erwin’s mom, Nelly, in Homestead, FL. Annette kept her word that when she made it to the west coast, she would connect with Nelly’s son. Two months and 2800 miles later, it happened! “Erwin Rocha, husband, father, police officer, Mentor, music producer, and follower of Christ. I'm just an ordinary guy trying to make the world a better place by serving the community. As a seventeen-year veteran police officer, I have been inspired to mentor at-risk youth and their families. I've been blessed with the opportunity to create music camps, hiking clubs, and leadership curriculums. My Parent Formula class has been extremely helpful for parents seeking emotional and inspirational support. Music is the universal language that breaks all barriers and unites us all. As proud owners of Harmony Studios, My wife Aubrey and I, find great joy in sharing our love of music with the world. (bio provided by https://www.erwinrocha.com/about)