On the Table with Ashley D+D Series: Losing a Child to Cancer, Grief + The Little P Project with Heather Mansson, Part 1
Episode two of our series on Death + Dying. Combating Childhood Cancer and Sitting in Grief are on the table today. In part one of this two-part episode, we're joined by Heather Mansson, a pharmacist turned yoga instructor and mother of three kids. Shortly after moving to Utah in 2020, Heather’s daughter Parker was diagnosed with an aggressive form of sarcoma. After years of treatment, which included countless surgeries, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, Parker passed away in May of 2022 (which Heather noted was exactly two years prior to the recording of this episode.) Parker was 11 years old when she died. In Parker's honor, Heather and her husband Rob founded The Little P Project as a way to raise money for families impacted by childhood sarcoma and fund scientific research towards treatment options. This foundation, born out of the pain of losing a child, brings hope to struggling families.
Heather sits down with Ashley to discuss Parker’s life and legacy, her own journey in grief, and The Little P Project. Heather shares Parker's experience in such an intense disease, the reality of childhood sarcoma and the ways in which we can honor the legacies of our loved ones.
Grief often stifles us. With this episode, and the Death + Dying series as a whole, we aim to foster open dialogue about the often uncomfortable topics of death and grief. Our hope is that with an open heart and curiosity we can support important causes, learn how to show up for people in our lives who are suffering, increase our meaningful connection to one another, and hopefully find more peace. No subject is off-limits in our pursuit of meaningful connection.
You can learn more about Parker and donate to the Little P Project at The Little P Projects website.
Follow Heather on Instagram
Follow The Little P Project on Instagram
Follow On the Table with Ashley on Instagram and TikTok
On the Table with Ashley is presented by Âme Atendre, a luxury home goods and tableware brand with a mission to connect people to all that matters.
If you have ideas for new episodes or guests, or just want to share feedback, email us at reachoutanytime@ameatendre.com.