A Long Line of Pharaohs with Lily Hanna

Welcome to the premiere episode of the "Shine Podcast"! 🌟  

Join host Daniel Boettcher in a heartfelt conversation with Lily Awatif Hanna, a close friend and accomplished obstetrician-gynecologist. In this episode, we explore Lily's unique journey as an Egyptian-American navigating cultural heritage, tradition, and her personal pursuit of motherhood through non-traditional means. From her early family life in a Coptic Orthodox household to her life-altering decision to conceive and raise a child on her own, Lily’s story is a powerful testament to love, resilience, and the beauty of building a life that honors both legacy and individuality. 

 

💡 Guest Bio 

Lily Awatif Hanna, MD 

Dr. Lily Hanna is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist who has dedicated her life to supporting women's health and wellness. Her Egyptian heritage and strong ties to the Coptic Orthodox faith have shaped her identity, instilling values of community, resilience, and dedication. Known affectionately by her family as a “baby catcher,” Lily has delivered countless babies and made significant contributions to women’s health in New York City. Now based in New Orleans, Lily shares her journey from daughter of Egyptian immigrants to single mother by choice, illuminating the intersections of faith, tradition, and modern parenthood. 

 

📚Timestamped Overview  

00:00 Coptic Orthodox Christianity: Ancient faith from Egypt. 

06:28 Non-traditional parenting experience discussed by OBGYN. 

07:21 OBGYN freezes eggs at 37 for parenthood. 

12:03 Urgently needed new sperm donor within hours. 

14:34 Faith community evolving to recognize modern methods. 

20:00 Create your own norms and aspirations. 

21:48 Lily's journey, conception, and jewelry inspired design. 

 

In This Episode: 

Cultural Heritage & Identity: 

Lily reflects on the values she inherited from her Egyptian-American upbringing, especially the balance between honoring tradition and embracing a modern American lifestyle. 

Motherhood through a Non-Traditional Path: 

Lily shares her emotional journey towards single motherhood, from fertility treatments to selecting a sperm donor, revealing the struggles and triumphs of fulfilling her desire for a family on her own terms. 

Faith & Family: 

How Lily’s upbringing in a Coptic Orthodox household influenced her views on life, resilience, and her place in the world. 

Building a Legacy of Love: Lily’s hopes for her son Gabe and the pride she feels in passing down a heritage rooted in strength, culture, and unconditional love. 

Hey listeners! If you found Lily's journey inspiring and want to hear more incredible stories of overcoming life's challenges, don't forget to subscribe to the Shine Podcast. Leave us a review, share the episode with friends, and stay tuned for Daniel's unique jewelry piece inspired by Lily's story. Shine bright, everyone!    

Shine

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