#41 Finding Strength After Sorrow: The Husaini Family’s Journey With Loss and Purpose

On this powerful episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Fawzia and Mustafa Husaini, a couple whose lives were forever changed after the devastating loss of their daughter, Aliza. Through raw and emotional storytelling, they open up about the unimaginable challenges they faced—from the confusion and helplessness of seeking answers to their daughter’s mysterious symptoms, to the heartbreak of finally receiving a life-altering diagnosis.

Yet, this conversation goes beyond tragedy. Fawzia and Mustafa share how their journey reshaped their understanding of purpose, gratitude, and connection. Their eloquent reflections reveal how adversity can bring clarity, deepen appreciation for life’s blessings, and inspire a more meaningful existence—even in the face of profound grief.

Join Scott as he guides this honest, touching, and ultimately uplifting conversation about resilience, love, and the ways we find strength through life's most difficult curveballs.

Listeners Will Learn:

1. Fawzia’s motherly instinct persisted even when professionals dismissed her concerns. Never underestimate the power of intuition.
2. Sometimes, you have to push through resistance and continue seeking answers for what you know is right.
3. Fawzia and Mustafa turned heartbreak into a mission—demonstrating that out of hardship can come newfound purpose.
4. They made a conscious choice to release anger and focus on positive experiences with their daughter, showing that perspective is everything.
5. Building community, sharing stories, and leaning on others remained central to their healing journey.
6. As Scott reflects, everyone faces adversity in life—it’s how we respond that shapes our journey.
7. The couple’s gratitude for their palliative care team and community highlights how vital it is to let others in.
8. Their commitment to creating joyful memories—even in the face of loss—is a reminder to appreciate small moments with those we love.
9. By openly sharing their journey, Fawzia and Mustafa inspire others to find hope, strength, and meaning—even amidst the unimaginable.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Unexpected Encounter Changes Everything

(03:32) Finding Common Ground Instantly

(07:20) Balancing MBA, Baby, and Challenges

(10:59) Struggling with Infant Colic Challenges

(14:49) Curveballs of Parenthood and Life

(18:34) Intuition, Connection, and Rare Diseases

(21:48) Life-Changing News Delivered Suddenly

(26:21) Strength and Purpose Amid Tragedy

(29:06) Life-Changing Diagnosis Realization

(31:15) Love and Create Lasting Memories

(35:05) Finding Strength and Gratitude

(38:00) Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying