Apr 30, 2025
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!
Did Laura’s story inspire you? Are you a CF parent or caregiver walking a similar road? Share your story in the comments or tag us on social media to keep the conversation going.
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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 regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.