100: From Grief to Gratitude: A Journey to Hope with Gabby Nobrega

Welcome to Rock Your Shine: After you’ve been cracked wide open. On this show, I sit down with people from all over the world to hear their transformational stories on their deep grief and loss journeys. 

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of our podcast, we invite you to join us as we delve into the inspiring and transformative journey of Gabby Nobrega, who has faced immense loss and emerged stronger than ever.

Gabby opens up about her deeply personal experiences with miscarriage, recounting the impact it had on her life. She shares the story of enduring not just one, but two miscarriages and the complex process of grieving these losses, revealing how she struggled to fully process her pain.

She recounts her second miscarriage, which occurred during her second trimester while aboard a cruise ship. She vividly describes the harrowing experience of receiving a Dilation and Curettage (DNC) procedure while awake, creating a stark picture of the strength and resilience required to navigate such a challenging circumstance.

Amidst the grief and turmoil, she shares her unexpected journey of discovering her pregnancy once again, only to receive a diagnosis of Down syndrome. With heartfelt honesty, she shares how her daughter, Hope, became a catalyst for transformation, reshaping her perspective on parenthood and life itself.

As the episode unfolds, we explore the joys and struggles of raising a child with special needs, the importance of finding support systems, and the intricate planning required to provide the best care for Hope. Gabby passionately discusses her long-term plans and dreams for her daughter, highlighting the profound love and commitment that drives her every day.

Beyond her personal journey, our guest sheds light on the broader challenges within the healthcare system and the need for transformative change.

Drawing from her own experiences of grief and loss, Gabby candidly discusses her journey of mourning the passing of her mother and the significant role that grief support groups played in her healing process. She offers practical tips and heartfelt advice on navigating grief, emphasizing the importance of self-care and seeking support during difficult times.

Gabby Nobrega is a mother of two to Matthew and Hope and a wife to her high-school sweetheart.

She's the Principal of Breakthrough Communications, an integrated communications company she founded. Her unique expertise lies in her ability to see and assess the entire business continuum -- from strategy through sales deployment, internal communications, marketing and public relations and design programs which effectively leverage all parts of the business. She has won several awards for her publicity and marketing campaign as well as for  her efforts to support women’s leadership in business. 

Tune in to this emotionally gripping and inspiring episode as we delve into the depths of loss, resilience, and the enduring power of love.

**TRIGGER WARNING** This episode covers sensitive subject matter and is not suitable for all listeners. If this topic could be a trigger for you, listen to this episode with a friend, a sibling, a loved one or a parent so you can talk about any emotions that come up for you. The contents of this episode are not intended to replace therapy and should not be taken as such. If you need immediate help, please call the crisis hotline listed below in our resources.

Listen in as we talk about:

[1:05] Experiencing her two miscarriages 

[2:45] Not fully grieving this loss and the impact these miscarriages had on her

[5:50] Going through her second miscarriage in her second trimester, on a cruise ship 

[7:30] Receiving a DNC while awake on this cruise ship

[11:10] Having emergency surgery in Italy, and navigating trying to get back to the cruise to go home

[15:45] Getting pregnant again and receiving a diagnosis of down syndrome 

[25:55] How her daughter, Hope, changed them as parents

[30:00] Finding help in caring for Hope over the years

[34:00] Their long-term plans for Hope

[37:35] Creating change to transform the healthcare system 

[38:50] Where to begin if you’re in a similar situation

[40:20] The planning it takes to care for a special needs child

[46:10] Grieving the loss of her mom and participating in grief support groups

[48:15] Tips to deal with your grief

[49:20 What self love looks like for her today

[50:30] Hope is…

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Rock-Mining-River-Sibling-Grief/dp/1732888892/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Rock+On%3A+Mining+for+joy&qid=1570199126&sr=8-1 

L.E.A.P 6 week virtual course: https://rockyourshine.com/l-e-a-p-into-light-and-healing-6-week-virtual-course/

BetterHelp

Go to https://betterhelp.com/rockyourshine for 10% off your first month of therapy with
BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help. #sponsored

Grief Hotline: 

https://www.griefresourcenetwork

Connect with Gabby

Instagram: www.instagram.com/gabbynobregapr

Twitter: www.twitter.com/gabbynpr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriella-gabby-nobrega-breakthrough/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabby.nobrega.PR/

https://breakthroughcommunications.ca/ 

Connect with Susan

http://instagram.com/susan.casey/ 

https://www.facebook.com/Susan-E-Casey-101187148084982 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDcl58l8qUwO3dDYk83wOFA 

https://rockyourshine.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@leapwithsusan?