A powerful conversation with Adrienne Bender as she shares her children’s stories, her journey through loss, and the strength it takes to keep living with purpose and love.
In this heartfelt episode of Chatting with Betsy, host Betsy Wurzel speaks with author, Registered Nurse, and grief recovery specialist Adrienne Bender about her courageous path through unimaginable loss and the resilience that shaped her into the woman she is today. Adrienne became a single mother at seventeen when her son Kyler was born.
She worked tirelessly to build a future—putting herself through college, becoming a Registered Nurse, marrying, and welcoming her daughter Mackenzie. But her life took heartbreaking turns as she faced Mackenzie’s battle with AML leukemia and Kyler’s struggle with addiction. Adrienne shares these stories with honesty, love, and deep reflection. Betsy and Adrienne discuss the impact illness has on the entire family and the emotional toll of losing both of her children and her father in such a short time.
Adrienne also served as a caregiver for her grandfather, giving listeners a raw and real view of how caregiving and grief shape a family’s life. A central theme of their conversation is emotional truth—acknowledging feelings rather than numbing them through unhealthy coping habits. Adrienne emphasizes that healing begins with honesty and compassion toward ourselves. Adrienne continues to honor Kyler and Mackenzie through joyful traditions: placing treats in their Christmas stockings, celebrating their birthdays with massages and dinners, and keeping their memories alive through stories and love. This deeply emotional episode is dedicated to Kyler and Mackenzie, whose lives continue to inspire strength and resilience.
To learn more about Adrienne’s work, speaking, and her book The Almost Miracle Years, visit her website: http://adriennebender.com/
🎙 Chatting with Betsy brings forward real conversations about loss, healing, caregiving, and courage — stories that remind us we are not alone.
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