When the Diagnosis Changes Everything: Jessica Patay on Motherhood, Isolation, and Finding Brave Together

What happens when motherhood doesn't look anything like you imagined? In this powerful episode of Moms Like Me , Jessica Patay shares the story of her son Ryan's rare genetic diagnosis, the fear and isolation that followed, and how community became the lifeline that changed everything. What began as a deeply personal journey through medical complexity, grief, and letting go of perfectionism eventually led Jessica to build We Are Brave Together —a nonprofit devoted to supporting caregiving moms. This conversation is honest, heartfelt, and full of hope for any parent who has ever felt alone. Jessica opens up about raising a child with Prader-Willi syndrome, the impact on marriage and family life, the importance of asking for help, and why moms were never meant to carry it all by themselves. If you are navigating special needs parenting, caregiver burnout, disability, or simply the pressures of motherhood, this episode is a reminder that support, belonging, and joy are still possible.