Episode Details

"I remember sitting in the NICU thinking, 'Am I going to lose my baby? Is this the best outcome for him? What will his life look like?' And then I realized—I wasn't alone in these thoughts. Other parents had been here before, and they found a way forward. That's when I knew we needed a community like Hope for HIE." — Betsy Pilon, Founder Hope for HIE

We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsor for this episode, Gebauer PainEase®. We are pleased to provide more information about this product, and we invite you to learn more by visiting their website.

What happens when your child's birth doesn't go as planned, and you're suddenly navigating a diagnosis you never expected? For Betsy, the experience of welcoming her son Max was a crash course in resilience, advocacy, and finding a community that changed everything.

In this heartfelt episode, we explore:

✅ What HIE (Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy) is and how it affects newborns

✅ The emotional rollercoaster of an unexpected NICU stay

✅ How Betsy became involved with Hope for HIE and transformed it into a global support network

✅ The power of peer support, self-advocacy, and the importance of access to resources

Whether you're a NICU parent, healthcare professional, or simply looking for an inspiring story of perseverance, this episode is for you.

📢 This Episode is a Repost!

We're bringing back this powerful conversation with Betsy from Hope for HIE—an episode that resonated deeply with so many listeners. Whether you're hearing it for the first time or revisiting her inspiring journey, this story of resilience, advocacy, and community is one that never loses its impact.

⏱️ [00:00] – Episode Intro

Welcome to today's episode featuring Betsy and her journey with Hope for HIE

⏱️ [01:00] – Meet Betsy

How her son Max's unexpected birth led to a life-changing mission

Her background in healthcare communications and how it shaped her advocacy

⏱️ [03:00] – The Start of an HIE Journey

Betsy's pregnancy, the first signs of concern, and an unexpected emergency C-section

The overwhelming first hours and days in the NICU

⏱️ [09:00] – Understanding HIE & Cooling Therapy

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