Power Hour: Making It to Monday – A Conversation on Medical Trauma, Resilience, and Community

For parents and caregivers of children with neurological conditions, the challenges don’t end when the medical crisis is over. The emotional impact—watching your child undergo procedures, facing an uncertain future, and managing ongoing care—can be overwhelming.

Medical trauma is real, yet it is rarely acknowledged in healthcare settings. Both children and caregivers can experience anxiety, PTSD, exhaustion, and burnout, often without realizing that these are symptoms of trauma.

For many families, the effects of medical trauma remain unspoken, leading to isolation, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion. But healing starts with recognition, connection, and support.

In this discussion, Jennifer Nunes (social worker and author of Making It to Monday) will be joined by a panel of parents who will answer questions and share their lived experiences.

Topics include:

• What is medical trauma, and how does it affect both children and caregivers?
• Recognizing trauma responses in both parents and children, including PTSD, anxiety, and emotional burnout.
• Practical tools for healing, including therapy options, self-care strategies, and trauma-informed approaches.
• The power of community and peer support in navigating life after a medical crisis.
• How parents can advocate for trauma-informed care in medical settings.

Join us for this honest and validating conversation about the emotional impact of medical trauma—and how families can find strength, healing, and hope.