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Facing Forward Stories shares real stories from parents and parents-to-be living with chronic illness and disability—highlighting both shared experiences and unique journeys. Through these voices, we offer connection, representation, and encouragement, reminding readers they’re not alone and that there’s no single way to keep facing forward. After ulcerative colitis led to an ileostomy, Kat wondered how her health and ostomy might shape her future family—but today, she’s raising her baby daughter to see differences as a normal part of life, not as deficits. By talking openly about her ostomy and refusing to let it limit their everyday experiences, Kat hopes…

“World Arthritis Day, referred to as WAD, is a global awareness day held every year on 12 October. WAD aims to help raise awareness in all audiences across the world of the existence and impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, often referred to as RMDs. The debilitating effects of these diseases, of which more than 200 exist, are little known; their impact, however, is largely – and silently – felt.” EULAR October 12th is World Arthritis Day (WAD). According to the Arthritis Foundation, conservative estimates show that about 54 million adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis – as well as almost 300,000…

For millions of people, chronic illnesses and depression are facts of life…Many people with [chronic illness] become depressed. In fact, depression is one of the most common complications of chronic illness. It’s estimated that up to one-third of people with a serious medical condition have symptoms of depression. Dealing With Chronic Illnesses and Depression, WebMD It’s extremely common for people living with chronic illness to struggle with their mental health. Being diagnosed with a lifelong illness can cause enormous life changes, make it difficult to do things you love, and impact your self confidence. Managing a lifelong chronic illness for…

For many parents, it is a time-honored tradition to have this thought on a regular basis: what do you mean it’s time to feed them AGAIN?!?! Feeding tiny humans (and their parents) is an endless and time consuming task!! We asked real parents living with chronic illnesses to share their best tips and ideas for making cooking and meal planning easier! Weekly Menus & Grocery Lists “I meal plan for three meals a week. It’s easy because we only have one child. Then I don’t waste as much food and we can usually eat leftovers. I keep a list of…

Facing Forward Stories shares real stories from parents and parents-to-be living with chronic illness and disability—highlighting both shared experiences and unique journeys. Through these voices, we offer connection, representation, and encouragement, reminding readers they’re not alone and that there’s no single way to keep facing forward. After becoming a parent, Jennie found herself navigating a Crohn’s disease diagnosis, stoma surgery, and later another pregnancy—all while raising her family. She shares how openness with her children, practical preparation, and a strong support system help her manage the unpredictability of chronic illness while continuing to face each challenge head on. NAME: JenniePRONOUNS:…

Arthritis Life Podcast; Episode 214 What does it really look like to navigate pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood while living with rheumatoid arthritis? Mamas Facing Forward founder, Mariah Leach, joins occupational therapist and fellow RA patient Cheryl Crow on the Arthritis Life Podcast to talk about the realities of building and raising a family with chronic illness. In the episode, Mariah shares some of her own experiences through three pregnancies with RA, including making decisions about medications and preparing for postpartum flares. She also talks about why she created Mamas Facing Forward after struggling to find the information and community she needed when she first…

Facing Forward Stories shares real stories from parents and parents-to-be living with chronic illness and disability—highlighting both shared experiences and unique journeys. Through these voices, we offer connection, representation, and encouragement, reminding readers they’re not alone and that there’s no single way to keep facing forward. Emma shares the realities of solo parenting a young child while living with multiple chronic conditions and a mobility-limiting disability, including the uncertainty of never knowing what each day will bring. She has learned to adapt, protect her energy, and lean on trusted friends when needed—all while embracing how much she adores motherhood. NAME:…

Facing Forward Stories shares real stories from parents and parents-to-be living with chronic illness and disability—highlighting both shared experiences and unique journeys. Through these voices, we offer connection, representation, and encouragement, reminding readers they’re not alone and that there’s no single way to keep facing forward. Since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis after becoming a mom, Heather has learned to balance the desire to keep up with her two young daughters with the realities of her physical limitations. By asking for specific help, leaning on her husband and community, and making practical adaptations, she continues moving forward while also acknowledging…

Sometimes kids need help understanding chronic illness and disability, as well as recognizing and processing their own feelings. We hope these topics are an ongoing discussion in your family, and we love to review children’s books that may help you along the way! The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn Emily Clemens received a copy of this book as a gift from Mamas Facing Forward. She was not compensated for this review and all opinions are her own. This book was perfect for preparing to send my daughter off to Kindergarten. It addresses separation and associated fears and provides reassurance that…

Facing Forward Stories shares real stories from parents and parents-to-be living with chronic illness and disability—highlighting both shared experiences and unique journeys. Through these voices, we offer connection, representation, and encouragement, reminding readers they’re not alone and that there’s no single way to keep facing forward. Kyrzia’s story is a powerful reminder that parenting isn’t defined by doing everything—it’s defined by showing up with love, adaptability, and grace. She shares how she has challenged internalized ableism, embraced support, and redefined what it means to be a “good mom,” and how these shifts have helped her build a joyful family life…