There has been a lot of talk in the media this week about the passing of Debbie Reynolds so shortly after the death of her daughter. It’s brought up the question of whether or not you can die from a broken heart. As a grieving parent myself I can certainly understand why Debbie’s heart just couldn’t take it and she had to go Home and be reunited with her girl. The grief was too much for her body to handle.

Losing Olivia was the most traumatic thing I have ever experienced. Parents were never designed to outlive their children. Over 3 years later and my heart aches every single day for her.

When you lose a spouse you become a widow or a widower. When you lose a parent you are called an orphan. But there is no word for what you become when you lose a child. The loss is too great to put into words.

There is so much power behind a parent’s grief. This is why you constantly hear of a grieving parent who starts a nonprofit that raises millions of dollars and changes the world. There is a driving need from deep within that tells you, you must do something to keep being your child’s parent. Their death doesn’t stop you from being their advocate.

The whole I felt in my heart when Olivia died is exactly why we started the Olivia Caldwell Foundation just a few short weeks after she passed. I had spent 20 months and 3 days caring for her. She was my everything. Nearly my every thought revolved around her. That doesn’t just stop.

A grieving parent can use their grief to change the world.

The Olivia Caldwell Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit that raises money for pediatric cancer research in memory of Olivia Caldwell, who passed away at 20 months old after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. You can learn more and donate by visiting http://www.oliviacaldwellfoundation.org.

**Donate at least $25 by 12/31/16 at 11:59 pm to be entered into a drawing for a $15 Starbucks gift card. To enter you can donate online at http://www.oliviacaldwellfoundation.org or by mailing a check to 400 East 1st Street, Suite 315 Casper, WY 82601.**