Grief 2 Growth The Unnamed Grief Of Chronic Illness with Brenda Snow | EP 459
When we think of grief, we often picture death. But what about the silent grief that comes from illness — the kind that alters your identity, steals your energy, and isolates you from the world?
In this powerful episode, I speak with Brenda Snow, a woman who turned a life-changing diagnosis into a movement that’s touched millions. After being dismissed by doctors and told her symptoms were “all in her head,” Brenda found herself at rock bottom — until a single moment with her young daughter re-ignited her will to fight.
Now the founder of Snow Companies and author of Diagnosed: The Essential Guide to Navigating the Patient Journey, Brenda shares how she walked through grief, reclaimed her identity, and built a life of purpose.
We cover:
- The “unnamed grief” of chronic illness
- Why hope is essential — even before a diagnosis
- How Brenda went from patient to pioneer
- The power of storytelling in healing and advocacy
- What the healthcare system must do better
- Rebuilding identity when your body feels like a stranger
- The difference between giving up and accepting what is
I was especially moved by Brenda’s metaphor of taking MS “by the hand.” It reminded me of the core truth of Grief 2 Growth: we’re not buried—we’re planted. 🌱
Links & Resources:
📘 Diagnosed: The Essential Guide to Navigating the Patient Journey
🛒 Order the Book on Amazon
💌 Need a free copy due to hardship? Contact Brenda directly at brenda@brendasnow.com
🌐 Brenda’s Website: https://www.brendasnow.com
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✨ Listener Reflection Prompt:
Have you ever grieved something that didn’t involve death? How did it change your sense of self?
💬 Tell us in the comments on Substack or reply to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
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I'm excited to announce a new resource I'm very proud of. This guide outlines the four daily practices I discovered on my grief journey. These techniques have helped dozens of my clients. Get it free today.
GEMS- 4 Steps To Go From Grief To Joy
This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.
Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deck
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