When we think of grief, we often picture death. But what about the silent grief that comes from illness — the kind that alters your identity, steals your energy, and isolates you from the world?
In this powerful episode, I speak with Brenda Snow, a woman who turned a life-changing diagnosis into a movement that’s touched millions. After being dismissed by doctors and told her symptoms were “all in her head,” Brenda found herself at rock bottom — until a single moment with her young daughter re-ignited her will to fight.
Now the founder of Snow Companies and author of Diagnosed: The Essential Guide to Navigating the Patient Journey, Brenda shares how she walked through grief, reclaimed her identity, and built a life of purpose.
We cover:
- The “unnamed grief” of chronic illness
- Why hope is essential — even before a diagnosis
- How Brenda went from patient to pioneer
- The power of storytelling in healing and advocacy
- What the healthcare system must do better
- Rebuilding identity when your body feels like a stranger
- The difference between giving up and accepting what is
I was especially moved by Brenda’s metaphor of taking MS “by the hand.” It reminded me of the core truth of Grief 2 Growth: we’re not buried—we’re planted. 🌱
Links & Resources:
📘 Diagnosed: The Essential Guide to Navigating the Patient Journey
🛒 Order the Book on Amazon
💌 Need a free copy due to hardship? Contact Brenda directly at brenda@brendasnow.com
🌐 Brenda’s Website: https://www.brendasnow.com
📰 Related article & community discussion:
👉 Join us on Substack
✨ Listener Reflection Prompt:
Have you ever grieved something that didn’t involve death? How did it change your sense of self?
💬 Tell us in the comments on Substack or reply to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Let’s Connect:
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast
❤️ Rate & review — it helps others find this me
Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:
- Guided Meditations
- My book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)
- My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved ones
- Mini-courses
- Mini-guides
Check it out at https://grief2growth.com/store
I'm excited to announce a new resource I'm very proud of. This guide outlines the four daily practices I discovered on my grief journey. These techniques have helped dozens of my clients. Get it free today.
GEMS- 4 Steps To Go From Grief To Joy
This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.
Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deck
🧑🏿🤝🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education
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