The diagnosis of a chronic disease or disability can be devastating news for an adult and even more so for a child.  The diagnosis itself can place a family on an emotional, financial, and physical roller coaster.  Doctor appointments, treatment and therapy, and managing a child’s care-giving plan are undoubtably stressful.  Community Health Charities invited Gretchen Voglezang from MommyCast to be a special guest host for Health Matters at Work® podcast series on caring for children with a chronic condition.  We also asked three mothers of children with chronic conditions to share the experience from a mother’s perspective.  Cathy Kanefsky, representing Autism Speaks, is a mother of twin boys with autism.  Kanefsky shares her journey of navigating Autism during a time when very little was known about the condition.  Deb Cumbo, representing Muscular Dystrophy Association, talks about her family’s journey when her son was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy a very early age.  Liz Smith, representing the Arthritis Foundation, raises awareness of the reality of juvenile arthritis as she talks about her daughter’s experience with juvenile arthritis.  All their stories are inspiring and provide hope.

Click here on May 16^th to watch a free video podcast about their journeys. Discover where they turned for help, and what advice they have for families facing a new diagnosis of a chronic disease or disability.

About MommyCast

MommyCast.com is a unique online audio company by and for women immersed in the fullness of motherhood and life, “holding the world together, one child at a time.”© MommyCast.com is first and foremost about moms and motherhood. Their shows offer great interviews with thought leaders on the subjects of community, health issues, new products for the home, travel, food and nutrition, technology, and new music through MommyCast Music Show, education, helpful hints, shortcuts and diversions.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks brings hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. They also aim to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private sector to listen to our concerns and take action to address this urgent global health crisis. To learn more or get connected, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

About Muscular Dystrophy Association

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. MDA works to combat neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive medical and support services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. MDA scientists are in the forefront of gene therapy research and have uncovered the genetic defects responsible for several forms of muscular dystrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease), childhood spinal muscular atrophy and several other neuromuscular conditions. Their local programs include diagnostic and follow-up medical consultations, flu shots, support groups, MDA summer camps for youngsters, a medical equipment program, assistance with equipment repairs and resource referral. To learn more or get connected, please visit www.mda.org.

About Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions.  The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps people take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Whether it’s advice from medical experts to specialized arthritis self-management or exercise classes, the Arthritis Foundation can help you with your condition. For more information please visit www.arthritis.org.