In the whirlwind of life’s challenges, finding support and connection can be a beacon of light, especially when navigating the complexities of raising a medically complex child while juggling the demands of a small business. Courtney, mother of Oliver and a small business owner and, found herself in this very situation, seeking guidance and connection amidst the chaos.
Enter Sierra, mother of two young boys, working parent and small business owner and a fellow parent within the Better2gether (B2g) community, who reached out to Courtney with a gesture of understanding and support. Their initial interaction, facilitated through Carissa, B2g Resource Coordinator, sparked a connection rooted in shared experiences and a mutual desire to lend a helping hand.
Courtney recalls her first exchange with Carissa, where they discovered common ground in their respective journeys. “So, one of the many things that I texted her about,” Courtney reflects, “was how Sierra has similarities and experiences. And Carissa said I’ll connect you to Sierra.” And I was like, ‘OK, awesome, perfect.'”
Despite the geographical distance between them, Sierra’s willingness to bridge the gap and offer support resonated deeply with Courtney. “Truly, I’m not in Richmond,” Courtney shares, “so it’s hard to be a part of the B2g programs and events. It was great that she was open to connecting and sharing her experience.”
Carissa’s proactive approach extended beyond a simple email introduction; she took the initiative to connect Sierra and Courtney, understanding the demands of their busy schedules. Sierra recalls, “Carissa sent us an e-mail connecting us and then gave my phone number to Courtney. I love talking to people but I’m really bad at checking the BAND app…with twin toddlers, working full time and running a small business it’s challenging.”
Navigating conflicting priorities and time constraints, Sierra and Courtney persisted in their efforts to connect. “It took me a long time to get back to her,” Sierra admits, “and then we made it work eventually and we set up a Zoom call.”
Their virtual meeting, amidst Courtney’s commitments to her family and small business, exemplified the power of community and shared understanding. “I was still working at my other job,” Sierra recalls, highlighting the challenges of balancing multiple responsibilities. Despite the hurdles, Sierra’s connection with Courtney and the B2g community provided support and connection during trying times for them.
In addition to caring for her boys, Courtney wears multiple hats as she runs a Montessori-style children’s toy company called Solobo Toys, where she also designs the toys, they sell. With the company in business for about a year, Courtney is deeply passionate about their initiative to donate a portion of their sales to support initiatives benefiting neurodivergent families, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the realm of her own family.
On the other hand, Sierra’s plate is equally full with her priority on caring for Jack and his twin plus juggling a full-time job while also spearheading Librarey, an online resource business. Librarey serves as a rare disease and disability resource database, allowing individuals to contribute and access a wide range of resources, including organizations, companies, movies, podcasts, articles, and products, all offered at no cost to parents and caregivers navigating similar journeys. Both Courtney and Sierra exemplify the dedication and resilience of parents who not only prioritize the well-being of their own families but also strive to make a difference in the lives of others facing similar challenges.
In the journey of parenthood, entrepreneurship, and navigating the complexities of raising medically complex children, finding kindred spirits like Courtney and Sierra can make all the difference. Through Better2gether, they found not only a supportive network but also a testament to the resilience and compassion of the human spirit. As they continue to navigate life’s twists and turns, Sierra and Courtney know that they are never alone, thanks to the bonds forged between the two of them and within the B2g community.
