When Alexis Bleiler’s son was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive tumor at just 18 months old, her world came to a halt. In this powerful episode, Alexis shares what it was like to process the diagnosis, uproot her life, and advocate fiercely through surgery, treatment, and recovery.

From the raw moments in the hospital to the mental toll of constant caregiving, Alexis opens up about grief, survival mode, and what it truly means to start over. She also talks about how writing, media, and community helped her find purpose again, and how she's now helping other families find their voice too.

This is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever been a caregiver, lost themselves in the chaos, or fought for someone they love with everything they had.

To connect with our guest, Alexis Bleiler: Email: alexis@jacksalmedia.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxelmedia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lex_bleiler

To connect with our host, Lori Griffith: Email: lori@chasinadream.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasinadreamfoundation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chasinadreamfoundation

To connect with our podcast producers or for media inquiries: Email: admin@podplusstudios.com

ABOUT: Chasin A Dream Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit based in Jupiter, FL and supporting families across South Florida. Founded by Lori Griffith, Chasin A Dream is dedicated to providing critical resources, including financial help, emotional and mental health support, and community programs for children battling life-threatening illnesses, disabilities, and trauma.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: If this episode helped you or someone you know, please leave a positive review, share it, and help us grow The Mindful Haven Podcast; where mental health, advocacy, and real support come together.

To make a donation to Mindful Haven and Chasin A Dream, visit: https://www.chasinadream.org

The Mindful Haven Podcast is for anyone looking for:

• Comfort from real stories of parents navigating pediatric illness
• Caregiver mental health and resilience
• Financial survival tips during medical crisis
• Support for siblings and whole-family healing
• Inspiration, empowerment, and community connection
• Advocacy and healing through storytelling, writing, and media

The Mindful Haven Podcast is produced by Hype Boss and PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida. Learn more: https://www.podplusstudios.com

KEYWORDS: mindful haven, chasin a dream, locals helping locals, caregiver story, pediatric cancer, trauma recovery, warrior mom, financial support, caregiver wellness, childhood illness, warrior families, family healing, mental health matters, nonprofit podcast, donate today, supporting local families, resources for pediatric cancer

What happens to your finances when your child is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness?

In this powerful episode of Mindful Haven, Lori sits down with Terra Brown – Executive Director at J.P. Morgan Private Bank and Chasin A Dream board member – to break down the real financial impact families face when a child becomes seriously ill or disabled.

From hospital parking fees and out-of-network bills to lost wages and depleted savings, the financial hit is immediate and overwhelming. But this conversation offers clarity, guidance, and hope.

Terra shares:

• Practical budgeting tips for families in crisis
• The importance of organizing documents and passwords
• What expenses may be tax-deductible (spoiler: it’s more than you think)
• Low-barrier financial tools like money market accounts
• How to involve your kids in budgeting and financial literacy
• Resources for families living paycheck to paycheck
• The one financial move every parent should make before their child turns 18

This episode is packed with tangible advice—whether you're in the thick of a crisis, recovering from one, or trying to prepare for the unknown. It's a must-listen for parents, caregivers, and anyone supporting families through medical hardship.

Most importantly, Terra and Lori remind us: you are not alone.

To connect with our team or access resources mentioned in this episode, visit chasinadream.org.

For financial questions, contact Terra directly at terra@chasinadream.org.

If this episode helped you or someone you know, please share it and help us grow the reach of Mindful Haven — where community, mental health, and financial support come together to serve families when they need it most.

Follow Chasin A Dream Foundation: https://www.instagram.com/chasinadreamfoundation

The Mindful Haven Podcast is produced by Hype Boss and PodPlus Studios in Jupiter, Florida.

KEYWORDS:

#mindfulhaven #chasinadream #financialhelp #childhoodillness #medicalcrisis #caregiverresources #southflorida #mentalhealthsupport #financialliteracy #localshelpinglocals #warriorfamilies #budgetingtips #taxdeductions #moneymindset #podcastformoms #caregivingjourney