• A Family's Journey Through Childhood Cancer and Faith
    Sep 26 2024

    What happens when a family is confronted with the unimaginable news of a child's cancer diagnosis? Tune in to hear Lisa and Chris Corvo's powerful journey as they recount the moment their son Christopher was diagnosed with leukemia at just four years old. Through their candid conversation, you'll learn about the emotional resilience required to navigate such challenging times and discover the critical role faith played in their strength and endurance.

    Lisa and Chris share deeply personal anecdotes about balancing their raw emotions with the practical demands of caring for a critically ill child. They describe the heartbreak of their initial shock, the necessity of compartmentalizing feelings to remain a pillar of strength for their son, and the vital importance of their support system. Their story shines a light on how they managed to find hope and resilience in the darkest moments, with faith and community guiding them every step of the way.

    This episode also reflects on life after childhood cancer, exploring how the Corvo family adapted to a 'new normal' and the ongoing impact of their journey. Lisa and Chris discuss the ways their marriage was both tested and strengthened, revealing how their shared goal of Christopher's well-being fortified their bond. Their story is a testament to enduring love and the incredible strength that families can muster when faced with life's toughest challenges. Join us for an inspiring discussion that underscores the power of faith, community, and unwavering support.

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Parenting Through the Trials of Childhood Cancer
    Sep 19 2024

    Imagine walking a tightrope where every step could mean the difference between hope and despair. On this episode of the D&G Show, we share our deeply personal journey through the trials of parenting a preteen facing the unimaginable challenge of childhood cancer. From the complex dynamics of preteen behavior compounded by aggressive cancer treatments to the emotional whirlwinds we navigated, we open up about our son’s physical and emotional battles. We shed light on late treatment effects, bullying, and the new health hurdles that emerged post-treatment, offering hard-earned insights and practical strategies for families in similar situations.

    Witness the raw emotion of a mother's instinct to shelter her son from harm and the subsequent realization of the need to foster independence and resilience. Balancing essential support with encouraging self-sufficiency, we explore how our son’s aggressive post-surgery behavior tested our parental boundaries and standards. We delve into how we nurtured his growth through faith, character development, and maintaining our principles despite the stormy seas of medical trauma. Each step of our journey underlines the importance of learning from past experiences to become better parents and stronger individuals.

    Join us as we highlight a father's spiritual and emotional struggles to protect his son while recognizing the necessity of growth through suffering. We discuss how balancing authoritative and nurturing parenting styles can be particularly challenging when dealing with a child's pain. Through sharing personal anecdotes, such as encouraging our son Isaac to walk unaided, we showcase the power of persistence, encouragement, and belief in one's abilities. We emphasize the critical role of community support and self-care, reminding parents that it's essential to take care of themselves to be the pillars of strength their children need. Listen in for a heartfelt recount of our journey and how it can bring hope to families facing similar battles.

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    57 mins
  • From Being Diagnosed with Cancer to Resilience: A Survivor's Story
    Sep 12 2024

    How does an early encounter with mortality shape one's life? Join us for an incredibly moving episode where we mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with an interview featuring Chris Corvo, a leukemia survivor who was diagnosed at just four years old. Chris candidly recounts his journey from the initial signs of illness to the critical role his pediatrician played in diagnosing leukemia. You'll hear vivid memories of hospital stays at Saint Christopher's Hospital in Philadelphia and the emotional toll the battle took on him and his family. Chris's reflections remind us of the profound importance of hope and support for families going through similar struggles.

    We delve into the lasting impact of childhood cancer on personality and long-term perspectives. Chris shares how his early brush with mortality instilled a heightened awareness of consequences and a more cautious approach to life compared to his peers. This chapter touches on subtle, lasting changes in behavior often noticed by family members, as well as the crucial role of medical professionals in navigating such diagnoses. You'll gain a nuanced understanding of how early trauma can shape one's worldview and behaviors, offering insights that resonate deeply with families facing similar challenges.

    The conversation also explores the intricate dynamics within families during prolonged medical treatments. Chris opens up about his parents' roles, emphasizing his mother's constant emotional support and his father's efforts to maintain stability. He reflects on the delicate balance between prioritizing physical health and mental well-being, and how these experiences shape our appreciation for our parents. We also discuss Chris's risk-averse nature, influenced by his early illness, and the importance of maintaining normalcy. Chris's story champions the power of shared experiences and storytelling, underscoring how communities can provide solace and hope. Don't miss this heartfelt episode that underscores the enduring impact of childhood cancer on families and individuals.

    https://youtu.be/kPso4d0uqLI?si=DHcMEN32XJyDPG6b

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Surviving and Thriving After a Childhood Cancer Diagnosis
    Sep 5 2024

    Imagine facing the unimaginable: discovering your child has a rare brain tumor. On this episode of the D&G Life Experience Show, we recount our family's heartrending journey from the first signs of concern in late 2021 to the shocking diagnosis in April 2022. We delve deeply into the emotional roller coaster that ensued, grappling with the devastating news and the immediate, profound impact it had on our entire family. The struggle, fear, and resilience required to navigate such a life-altering diagnosis are brought to light, especially within the context of past family trauma, making the experience even more overwhelming.

    Our narrative continues as we share the unique perspective of navigating childhood cancer as both a parent and a nurse. This dual role required a delicate balancing act between professional detachment and parental love, emphasizing the critical importance of advocacy and informed decision-making. We discuss the complexity of treatment options like radiation and chemotherapy, the logistical challenges of frequent hospital visits, and the transformative journey of becoming a more resilient family unit. The immense community support we received—from financial assistance to meal deliveries—played a vital role in sustaining us through these trying times, highlighting the necessity for empathy and practical aid during such crises.

    As we transition to the post-treatment phase, we reflect on the ongoing struggles that families face, including post-traumatic stress, financial burdens, and the evolving dynamics within the household. The importance of strong family relationships and continued support from the community cannot be overstated. We examine how marital relationships can be strained and the vital role that counseling can play in maintaining communication and mutual support. By sharing our personal experiences and practical tips, we hope to offer valuable insights and raise awareness about the essential need for empathy and understanding in supporting families battling childhood cancer. Join us for this heartfelt episode, where we aim to inspire, educate, and foster a sense of community for those who are navigating similar journeys.

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Resilience and Growth: Navigating Challenges with Faith and Love
    Aug 28 2024

    What happens when life throws you a curveball that shakes your very foundation? Join us as we recount the emotionally intense year following our son's brain tumor diagnosis. Amidst the whirlwind of medical appointments and sleepless nights, Glennys and I found ourselves in a profound journey of personal growth and marital strength. Our story isn't just about surviving a crisis; it's about the unexpected ways adversity can bring clarity, wisdom, and unshakable faith.

    Parenting is a journey that evolves right alongside our children, and this episode dives into the ebb and flow of our roles as parents from the early days of constant care to offering guidance as our kids grow more independent. We reminisce about those challenging yet beautiful moments of balancing work and sleepless nights and reflect on how our children's needs shift over time. This phase of life emphasizes the importance of adapting and learning to let go, while still being a source of unwavering support.

    Spirituality and surrendering to a higher power have been cornerstones in our journey, especially through Glennys transformative experience during our son's health challenges. We explore the parallels between parenting and spiritual growth, underscoring the power of gratitude, continuous prayer, and the unique ways God communicates with each of us. Join us as we share heartfelt stories of finding solace through faith, the strength in surrendering control, and the enduring love that binds us through life's trials.

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    55 mins
  • Navigating Emotions and Respect in Marital Conversations
    Aug 21 2024

    Ever wondered how better communication could transform your marriage? Join us on the D&G Show Life Experience as Glennys Chavez Tambo and I, Demis Tambo, share our personal journey of learning to express our needs and emotions thoughtfully. By unpacking Glennys’s approach to expressing her needs without triggering defensiveness, we reveal the potential for deeper understanding and connection. Glennys also shares her passion for advocating for vulnerable individuals through respectful communication, emphasizing the importance of maintaining dignity and mutual respect in conversations.

    In this enlightening episode, we delve into the vital role of voicing emotions with respect and dignity, aiming to avoid internalizing resentment and emotional pain. I recount my journey of learning to communicate my feelings to Glennys, focusing on understanding rather than seeking agreement. We discuss the nuances of expressing emotions with family members versus strangers, highlighting empathy's critical role in maintaining healthy intimate relationships. Our goal is to foster conversations where feelings are discussed constructively, breaking old patterns of silence that could otherwise lead to emotional distress.

    Get ready to enhance your marriage communication skills! This episode explores acknowledging and validating each other's feelings, reflecting on our personal growth and the importance of open-minded collaboration. We share anecdotes about managing anger, understanding love languages, and navigating the inevitable challenges of marriage. By learning from our experiences and embracing thoughtful communication, we hope to inspire you to build a stronger, more harmonious relationship. Tune in for insights that could help make your marital bond more resilient and loving.

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Building Confidence Amidst Life's Struggles
    Aug 15 2024

    Ever wondered how to tackle life's toughest moments head-on, without losing sight of the finish line? When our guest shared their marital struggles, it reminded me of the grueling experience of running a marathon. Together, we explored how pushing through those invisible walls of fatigue and doubt can offer valuable lessons in resilience and persistence, both in personal relationships and broader life challenges. Tune in to hear about our own 16-year journey through marriage and the unexpected hurdles we've faced along the way, including a heart-wrenching health scare with our son.

    Struggling to balance parenting, personal growth, and maintaining a strong partnership? We've got you covered. We dive into the essential skills we’re teaching our children, and how these foundational lessons in reading, writing, and math are crucial not just for academic success but for building character and confidence. Discover why we believe making mistakes and pressing forward is key to overcoming life's pressures and achieving long-term success, whether you're running a marathon or navigating the ups and downs of family life.

    When faced with extreme emotional distress, where do you turn for support? In one of the most deeply personal segments of the episode, I recount the spiritual journey that bolstered me during our son's diagnosis. Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Peter walking on water, we discuss the tension between faith and doubt, and the profound impact spirituality has had on our lives. We also touch on the importance of mental, spiritual, and physical health in weathering life's storms, urging our listeners to find their strength and keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. Join us for an episode filled with heartfelt conversations and invaluable life lessons.

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    45 mins
  • Overcoming Grief with Community and Prayer
    Aug 8 2024

    What happens when life throws unimaginable grief and chaos your way? Join us on the D&G Show as Glennys Chavez Tambo and I navigate the profound loss of her father while simultaneously coping with the hospitalization of our son. We recount the whirlwind events leading to her father's passing and the immediate health crisis our son faced, giving listeners a raw and heartfelt glimpse into our challenging journey. Through tears and prayers, Glennys discusses how faith and community have been her anchors, offering a delicate balance between pain and peace.

    As we move forward, we reflect on the power of faith and prayer during the darkest times. Glennys shares her conversations with God, seeking resilience to fulfill her roles as a mother and daughter amidst overwhelming grief. We also highlight our son's empathetic nature and the significance of being present for him despite our own emotional struggles. Through this chapter of our lives, we explore the ongoing process of adjusting to a new reality, grieving the loss of a loved one, and coming to terms with a life we had not anticipated.

    In our final reflections, we discuss the importance of healthy grieving and finding strength through spirituality. Glennys opens up about her routine of walking, reading, and connecting with faith-based communities, showing how these practices help her cope. We delve into the transformative power of faith, emphasizing how it provides solace and strength during the most challenging moments. By sharing our personal stories and experiences, we aim to offer comfort and hope to our listeners, encouraging them to find their own sources of strength in times of loss.

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    53 mins