Welcome to Curveball, a podcast that explores how we handle life’s most unimaginable challenges—and how some manage to turn adversity into hope. In this episode, host Scott Reich sits down with Liz Scott, co-founder of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, and shares the remarkable story of her daughter, Alex Scott. Diagnosed with cancer just before her first birthday, Alex’s idea to set up a simple lemonade stand, at age four, sparked a movement that has raised over $400 million for pediatric cancer research.

Together, Scott and Liz dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster of facing a child’s life-threatening illness, the raw pain and resilience that comes with loss, and how Alex’s spirit of gratitude and selflessness continues to inspire people nationwide. This is a story of heartbreak, love, and the power of community—showing that even the smallest act of kindness can grow into something with the power to change lives.

Tune in to hear Liz share personal insights, lessons learned, and the ongoing legacy that proves hope can endure, no matter the curveballs life throws our way.

Listeners Will Learn:

1. Both Liz and Scott talk about the emotional transition from panic to action following their children’s diagnoses.
2. Liz mentioned holding in her emotions to stay in survival mode.
3. Alex’s vision for her lemonade stand evolved from helping herself to wanting to help all children with cancer.
4. The foundation has raised over $400 million for pediatric cancer research.
5. Community and human connection play a role in responding to trauma, according to both Liz and Scott.
6. Liz spoke about how trauma and loss changed her perspective on life, parenting, and relationships.
7. Alex’s quote, “I’m happy for what I have, not unhappy for what I don’t have,” resonated deeply with her parents.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Grateful Child Sparks a Cause

(05:24) Overwhelmed Caretakers' Emotional Journey

(07:32) Action vs. Emotion in Adversity

(12:00) Resilience and Selflessness in Crisis

(13:10) A Child’s Hope and Legacy

(19:21) Community Inspires Hope for Change

(21:17) Legacy, Connection, and Transformation

(23:30) Finding Gratitude Amid Grief

(28:41) The Second Mountain of Purpose

(31:22) Grateful Despite the Struggles

(33:42) Gratitude Shaping Kind Personalities

(36:27) Parenting Amid Loss and Balance

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich is joined by Caryn Hershleifer and her daughter, Jenn Goldman, who share their extraordinary story of resilience in the face of life-altering trauma. Just before turning 31, Jenn suffered a massive brain bleed that left her comatose and on the brink of death—sending her family into an unimaginable world of uncertainty. Together, Jenn and Caryn recount their experiences as chronicled in their powerful book, "In the Face of Catastrophe: How a Traumatic Brain Injury Became a Blessing," and open up about the physical and emotional struggles they endured—alongside the surprising gifts that emerged from the crisis. Listen as they explore themes of grief, loss, hope, and neuroplasticity, revealing the profound ways adversity reshapes identity and relationships, and how a family found strength, purpose, and even blessings through the toughest curveball life could throw.

Listeners will Learn:

• Jenn described feeling as though her life was “falling apart” after her stroke.
• Both Jenn and her mom, Caryn Hershleifer, talk about the importance of family and support systems.
• Scott and Jenn touched on how trauma can affect relationships, sometimes leading to unexpected changes like breakups.
• Resilience was a recurring theme, especially in how Jenn described herself as “made of stone.”
• Caryn spoke about the “hidden grief” of caregivers when the person they love survives, but is forever changed.
• Neuroplasticity provided hope to Jenn in her recovery.
• Both guests highlight the importance of being “the CEO of your own health.”
• Scott mentioned the difference between “bouncing back” and “bouncing forward.”
• The conversation explored how support can be most meaningful when it’s direct and concrete, rather than just well-intentioned.

(00:00) Resilience After Catastrophe

(06:34) Emergency at Family Store

(09:02) Facing Trauma with Resilience

(12:28) Coping with Trauma and Recovery

(15:04) Lessons from Adversity

(19:48) "Web Weaver of Wellness"

(23:31) Unique Physical Therapy Journey

(26:30) Navigating Patience and Support

(30:25) Caregiver's Silent Grief

(31:45) Embracing Loss and Resilience

(35:22) Unimaginable Medical Struggles Discussed

(40:05) Trauma's Liberating Perspective Shift

(41:05) Neuroplasticity: Rewiring the Brain

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Dr. Brent Fields, CEO of Morgan’s—a groundbreaking nonprofit championing inclusion for the disability community. In an incredibly candid and moving conversation, Brent opens up about his journey as a nonprofit leader and, more intimately, as the father of Chloe, his teenage daughter who lives with an ultra-rare genetic disease. Together, Scott and Brent explore the heartbreaking realities, everyday pivots, and unexpected gifts of parenting a child with severe special needs, touching on universal themes of hope, anticipatory grief, and the power of choice. Their raw, honest dialogue offers wisdom and empathy not just for families touched by rare disease, but for anyone navigating life’s toughest curveballs. Whether you’re seeking solidarity or inspiration to find purpose through adversity, this episode promises meaningful insight and authentic connection.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Both Scott Reich and Dr. Brent Fields talk about “anticipatory grief” and grieving losses that haven’t yet occurred.
• Brent refers to the “dichotomy” of hope and pain that defines his family’s journey.
• They discuss how Chloe's diagnosis changed Brent’s and his wife's career paths and family choices.
• The episode discusses the high rate of divorce among parents caring for severely disabled children.
• Brent describes the moment his family visited Morgan’s Wonderland, experiencing true inclusion for the first time.
• Both Scott and Brent mention how trauma or challenge leads to a “simplification” of life and priorities.
• Brent talks about the “power of choice” even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
• The episode touches on how well-meaning words from others can sometimes miss the mark.

Key Moments:

(00:00) A Father's Story: Rare Diagnosis

(05:58) Journey Through Diagnosis Challenges

(09:12) Living Through Uncertainty Together

(10:48) Living Between Grief and Hope

(14:08) Redefining Parenthood Through Grief

(20:47) Choreography of Hope and Access

(22:12) Initially Declining a Job Opportunity

(26:58) Never Bored, Always Grateful

(30:42) Managing Challenges with Simplicity

(34:14) Empathy Gained Through Family Experience

(35:48) Discussing Mortality with Our Son

(38:57) Understanding Others Through Communication

(43:59) Choosing Hope Amid Grief

(45:37) The Power of Small Choices