Type of loss: SIDS, Infant Loss
More about Rebecca’s story: In this episode, Tracy and Julie talk with Rebecca Toohey about the life and sudden passing of her son, Bodie. Just two days into starting childcare, Bodie tragically passed away due to unsafe sleep practices and lack of supervision. He was just shy of 3 months old.
Rebecca shares the devastating moment she learned of Bodie’s passing and the waves of grief that followed. She opens up about the trauma of losing him in a space meant to be safe, the guilt and anger that surfaced in the early days, and how their family is navigating life without their baby boy.
In Bodie’s memory, Rebecca and her loved ones created Bodie's Buddies , a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the silence around baby loss and spreading awareness about safe sleep practices. She also reflects on the life-changing support she received from Emma’s Footprints early in her grief, and the continued healing her husband has found through Sad Dads Club.
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More about this episode: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Tracy and Julie take a pause from storytelling to reflect on the heart of Emma’s Footprints and the families we’ve served so far this year. The numbers may seem like data, but each one represents a baby loved and missed, and parents navigating life after unimaginable loss.
Together, they discuss the emotional weight behind these statistics and the sacred work of showing up with compassionate guidance, financial support, and a listening ear. From helping cover burial and cremation costs to providing counseling and memorial items, this episode offers a glimpse into the day-to-day impact of Emma’s mission.
If this work speaks to your heart, we invite you to join us in making a difference on Erie Gives Day, Tuesday, August 12. Visit www.ErieGives.org to donate and honor the families we serve—because every number has a name, and every name matters.
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Type of loss: Stillbirth
More about Stephanie’s story: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Tracy and Julie sit down with Stephanie Casey to talk about the loss of her daughter, Ava. At her 20-week anatomy scan, Stephanie heard the words no parent ever expects: "There's no heartbeat." Based on Ava's size, doctors estimated she passed around 17 weeks gestation. Stephanie was induced and delivered Ava the following day. Later, they learned that Ava had passed away due to cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Stephanie shares her journey through pregnancy, fear, and postpartum anxiety—beginning with complications in her daughter Kaylee’s birth, and continuing into Ava’s pregnancy. She opens up about the trauma surrounding Ava’s delivery, the fear she felt during her D&C procedure, and the intense grief that followed. Stephanie also reflects on the emotional complexities of introducing Ava to her living daughter, the pain of regret, and the impact of delayed fetal demise on her ability to hold and connect with Ava after birth.
Now in trauma therapy, Stephanie shares how she’s learning to say “I’m not okay” and searching for purpose in her pain. Her story is a raw and powerful reminder that no one should walk this road alone.
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In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Tracy and Julie talk with Pamela Presler, LCSW, about the complex journey of pregnancy after loss.
Pam shares her insight from years of walking alongside grieving parents and dives deep into the emotional rollercoaster that comes with hoping for new life after heartbreak. From navigating fear and anxiety to holding space for both grief and joy, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced or is currently experiencing a pregnancy after loss.
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Type of loss: Infant loss after life-limiting diagnosis (HLHS, heterotaxy syndrome)
More about Jenelle’s story: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Tracy and Julie talk with Jenelle Romo about the life and loss of her son, Mateo. Diagnosed in utero with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and heterotaxy syndrome with polysplenia, Mateo was born on July 20, 2023, and spent his entire life in the Cardiovascular ICU.
Jenelle shares the complexities of Mateo’s medical journey, including multiple surgeries, serious infections, and the moment they were told there was nothing more doctors could do. Mateo passed away at 44 days old, surrounded by love. Jenelle reflects on the heartbreak of watching her son fight so hard and the deep love that carried them through each day. She also shares how her grief led her to start Mateo’s Mark, a nonprofit supporting other perinatal loss families through care packages and financial assistance.
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More about this episode: In this episode, Julie is joined by special co-host Khristina for a conversation with Kathy, a first-time participant in the Emma’s Footprints Memorial Walk. Kathy shares her emotional journey walking in memory of her son, Jonathan, and reflects on what the experience meant to her as a grieving mom. From putting together her team to honoring her son’s memory in a public space, Kathy offers practical tips, honest reflections, and gentle encouragement for others preparing to walk for the first time—whether you’re building your own team or joining another.
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In this special episode, Tracy and Julie talk with Carol Cacchione, the nurse who walked into Tracy's hospital room the night Emma was born. Their conversation is a moving reflection on the sacred moments of that night, the lifelong impact Carol had on Tracy in the darkest hours of her life, and the unexpected bond that was formed in the midst of devastating loss.
This episode is a heartfelt tribute not only to Emma, but to the caregivers who step into these fragile moments and change lives with their compassion.
Type of loss: Life-limiting diagnosis, stillborn
More about Brittany's story: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, Tracy and Julie talk with Brittany Crawford about the loss of her daughter, Norah. At 12 weeks gestation, Brittany learned that Norah had a rare genetic condition called Arthrogryposis.
After weeks of seeing specialists, she was told at 18 weeks that Norah would not survive. Norah passed away at 18 weeks and 5 days, and Brittany delivered her a few days later at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. Brittany shares what it was like to receive that diagnosis, prepare for loss, and deliver her daughter.
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Type of loss: PPROM, Infant loss
More about Sam's story: Sam Yanes shares the incredible story of her son, Antonio "Tony". From the early weeks of pregnancy filled with bleeding and uncertainty to a courageous NICU journey that spanned eight months, Sam walks us through every heartbreaking and hope-filled moment.
Tony was born at just 25 weeks, weighing 1lb 15oz, and immediately faced a mountain of medical challenges. Despite infections, breathing issues, surgeries, and long days in the ICU, Sam clung to her faith and fought fiercely for her son. She opens up about the trauma of his birth, the miracle of holding him without wires for the first and last time, and how her faith has been her anchor through unimaginable grief.
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In this Mother’s Day episode, Tracy and Julie read heartfelt letters written by loss moms to their babies. These personal reflections offer a glimpse into the enduring love, grief, and hope carried by mothers every day—especially on Mother's Day. From tender memories and imagined milestones to promises of reunion, each letter honors a life gone too soon and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.
Type of loss: early term loss, twin loss
More about Valerie's story: Valerie as she reflects on the raw moments of saying hello and goodbye to her boys. Newly married and full of joy, Valerie and her husband were thrilled to learn they were expecting twins—a dream come true. For four months, they envisioned life as twin parents, filled with excitement and hope. But their joy turned to grief when unexpected pain led to a devastating hospital visit. Valerie was already 8 centimeters dilated. She knew what that meant.
Valerie also opens up about the beautiful, full-circle connection to her own parents, who lost twin boys 40 years earlier. Through faith, shared grief, and the support of Emma’s Footprints, their family has found deep healing across generations.
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Type of loss: Infant loss, medical negligence
More about Kayla's story: Kayla shares the devastating details of her son's preventable death, how she fought through her medical case to prove negligence, and what it means to finally speak his story out loud. Kayla honors Onyx’s life by sharing the depth of her grief and the strength she’s found in the aftermath—showing us how love, advocacy, and resilience can rise even in the wake of unimaginable loss.
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Type of loss: Infant-loss
More about Rebecca's story: Rebecca shares the devastating story of her twin son's passing—born prematurely at 31 weeks with underdeveloped organs, her son Jacob experienced severe breathing issues and was placed on a ventilator. Without her knowledge, he passed away on his third day of life.
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Type of loss: SIDS
More about Griscelle's story: Griscelle shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 10-month-old daughter, Evangeline, to SIDS. On December 8, 2022, while away on a work trip for the first time in over two years, Griscelle’s world shattered. Her husband met her at the Nashville airport with the devastating news—Evangeline had passed away unexpectedly, and she never had the chance to say goodbye.
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Type of Loss: Early-term loss, multiple loss, stillbirth, selective reduction, Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome
More about Millie's story: Millie discusses her journey through multiple pregnancy losses, fertility struggles, and the heartbreaking loss of her twin sons, Landon and Emerson.
After experiencing several traumatic first-trimester miscarriages between 2019 and 2022 and enduring unsuccessful fertility treatments, Millie finally conceived her son naturally in October 2022. He was born in July 2023, bringing incredible joy after years of heartbreak. But just four months postpartum, she was shocked to discover she was pregnant again—this time with identical twin boys.
At 20 weeks, devastating complications arose, including Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) and growth abnormalities. Faced with an unimaginable decision about which baby to save, Millie and her family navigated an agonizing path of medical uncertainty and grief. Ultimately, both Landon and Emerson passed away around 22 weeks.
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In this episode, we explore the heart behind hosting a family fundraiser—what it is, where to start, and how it can make an impact.
We’ll discuss the steps to planning an event, the personal significance for loss families, and how fundraisers support the mission of Emma’s Footprints. Whether you’re looking for ways to give back or create a lasting tribute, this episode will help you navigate the process with purpose and love.
For more information about hosting a family fundraiser, please contact Julie Swanson at julie@emmasfootprints.com.
Type of Loss: Stillbirth
More about Andrea's Story: Andrea and her husband, Cam, were eagerly anticipating their baby girl’s arrival when their world was shattered at a routine OB appointment. On September 13, 2023, Andrea heard the words no parent ever wants to hear—her doctor couldn’t find a heartbeat.
Sent for an emergency ultrasound, their worst fears were confirmed: their daughter had died. Later that day, Andrea was induced, and in the early hours of September 14, 2023, at just 26 weeks, Talia was born into Heaven.
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Type of Loss: Stillbirth
More about Stormi's Story: Stormi was estastic when she found out she was expecting with her highschool sweetheart, Jimmy. With a due date just two days after Stormi’s birthday, she dreamed of sharing a special bond with her daughter.
Mayci was a strong and active baby, which is why Stormi knew something was wrong when her movements changed. She and Jimmie rushed to the hospital, where they received the heartbreaking news—Mayci no longer had a heartbeat. Their worst fears were confirmed: a knot had formed in Mayci’s umbilical cord, taking her life before she ever took her first breath.
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Type of Loss: Stillbirth
More about Zach & Jalissa's Story: In this episode of Confessions of a Grieving Mother, hosts Tracy and Julie sit down with Zach and Jalissa Tauscher as they share the heartbreaking story of losing their daughter, Brynlee. At 26 weeks, Jalissa went in for a routine appointment, only to receive the devastating news that there was no heartbeat. What was supposed to be a joyful time of preparing for Brynlee’s arrival—her nursery set up, tiny clothes folded, and her name lovingly chosen—suddenly turned into unimaginable grief.
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Grief can be an isolating experience, but what happens when two people in a relationship are grieving the same loss? In this episode, we sit down with Pamela Presler, LCSW, CPLC, to explore the vital role of couples grief coaching.
