Two Sisters with Cystic Fibrosis - Laura's Story (252)

What would you do if both of your children were diagnosed with a life-threatening genetic disease—and there was no support system in place for parents like you?

In this inspiring episode, Katie interviews Laura Bonnell, a former Detroit news reporter turned full-time advocate and nonprofit founder. After both of her daughters were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF), Laura transformed her grief and determination into the Bonnell Foundation, providing real-time support to families across the U.S. who are navigating life with CF.

In this powerful episode, we explore:

✅ How Laura pushed for her daughter’s diagnosis when doctors dismissed her instincts
✅ Why child life services were “among the best things” during hospitalizations
✅ What it’s like raising two daughters with cystic fibrosis in the same home
✅ The emotional toll of pretending “everything’s fine” as a medical parent
✅ How her foundation is providing financial relief, mentorship, and inspiration
✅ Why advocacy can take many forms—and how small actions can create significant change

Whether you're a CF parent, a caregiver of a chronically ill child, or someone passionate about parent-led advocacy, this episode will move and motivate you.

Timestamps & Key Topics

⏱️ [00:00] – The Power of Child Life Services
How art, distraction, and support brought relief during hospital stays

⏱️ [03:00] – Meet Laura Bonnell
From Detroit news reporter to cystic fibrosis advocate and nonprofit founder

⏱️ [06:00] – A Life-Altering Diagnosis
How Laura’s instincts—and persistence—led to a CF diagnosis after months of dismissal

⏱️ [09:00] – Fighting for Answers & Processing the News
Pulling over mid-assignment to receive the call—and deciding, that same day, to keep moving forward

⏱️ [12:00] – Advocacy from the Start
Speaking publicly just weeks after diagnosis and discovering the emotional weight of her new reality

⏱️ [14:00] – Life with Two Children with CF
Navigating work, marriage, and hospitalization rotations while trying to maintain “normalcy”

⏱️ [16:00] – School Accommodations & Advocacy Wins
How brochures, IV poles, and enzymes in every classroom made private school possible

⏱️ [18:00] – The Hidden Truths of “Being Fine”
Why Laura never told friends how hard it really was—and what she wishes she could’ve said

⏱️ [21:00] – Building Community & Finding Strength in Other Moms
How hospital garden meetups and phone calls with CF parents created safe spaces

⏱️ [23:00] – Founding the Bonnell Foundation
How a calendar and a vision turned into a national nonprofit serving families with CF

⏱️ [26:00] – What the Bonnell Foundation Offers
From financial assistance and college scholarships to CF masterclasses and bilingual resources

⏱️ [28:00] – “Don’t F With Me”: Laura’s Strength as an Advocate
Why she’ll knock on every door, from Capitol Hill to the hospital billing department

⏱️ [29:00] – Celebrating Her Daughters
Emily’s resilience through hospitalizations and marathon training
Molly’s fearless leap to study in London and become a sustainability changemaker

Resources & Links

📌 Learn More About The Bonnell Foundation: www.thebonnellfoundation.org
📲 Follow Laura Bonnell: @thebonnellfoundation
📘 Apply for Scholarships & Financial Support: CF Support Programs
🎧 More Episodes: Child Life On Call Podcast

Share Your Thoughts!

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The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have re