In this powerful and tender episode, I sit down with Simone - a devoted mum, advocate, and sister to Bec - to share the story of her daughter, Khadija.

Khadija was born in October 2023 via IVF and was diagnosed shortly after birth with SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency), a rare and life-threatening condition. Over the next year, Khadija underwent intense medical treatment, including a bone marrow transplant. In November 2024, at just over a year old, she sadly passed away.

Simone speaks openly about navigating a complex medical system, parenting through fear and hope, and the deep grief of losing a child. We talk about SCID, how early diagnosis works, what treatment looks like, and the support families need - not just during medical care, but if the worst happens.

This episode is about love, legacy, and the strength it takes to speak the unspeakable.

Content Warning: This episode discusses child loss, SCID, medical trauma, and grief. Please listen with care.

💛 Australian Support (Free & Trauma-Informed)

🕊️ Red Nose Grief and Loss
rednosegriefandloss.org.au
24/7 grief line: 1300 308 307
Support for families after baby or child loss — includes counselling, peer groups, and online resources.

🧸 Bears of Hope
bearsofhope.org.au
Support for pregnancy and infant loss. They offer counselling, online groups, care packages, and remembrance services.

💬 Sands (now part of Red Nose)
rednosegriefandloss.org.au/support
Peer support, helpline, and real stories from other parents. Safe space to talk to someone who’s been through it.

🌿 The Compassionate Friends Australia
thecompassionatefriends.org.au
Support for parents grieving the death of a child of any age. They’ve got state-based chapters and groups.