In this episode, Lyle & I are catching up on where we’re really at ... from health updates and kidney results to Kyla’s first mammogram experience. We also dive into the new trend of major coffee chains adding protein to their menus (and what that actually means for your health), plus a round of rapid-fire grief questions that get surprisingly real. I also share much about a recent fundraising walk I attended & spoke at this weekend, advocating for organ donation.
--------
56:03
--------
56:03
#037 - An Interview with Kira Goodman on Canada’s Pediatric Palliative Care Resource Hub
Most people don’t realize that palliative care isn’t just about end-of-life... it’s about helping medical families live better, right now. In this episode, I sit down with Kira Goodman, Project Director for Canada’s Pediatric Palliative Care Alliance, to talk about the launch of their brand-new Resource Hub designed to support families caring for seriously ill children. From navigating life at home to finding tools for caregivers and siblings, this hub is about Care for Every Short Life. Kira shares how the Alliance is creating national coordination, what families can expect to find, and why the campaign to Share Your Journey is so vital for building awareness and community. This is a conversation about resources, hope, and ensuring families across Canada receive the support they deserve. Instagram: @pedpallcarecaCourageous Parents Network: https://courageousparentsnetwork.org/Website: pediatricpalliativecare.caPodcast: The Sunflower - Palliative Care PodcastsMy IG Page: @kylact
--------
1:12:24
--------
1:12:24
#036 - Winks, Waylon & Ways to Support Medical Families
A new health update.A bittersweet birthday.A wink from Bella in the most unexpected place.And a powerful new resource for medical families across Canada.In this solo episode of Beyond Brave, I open up about life after my stage 3 kidney failure diagnosis and what’s shifted since my last update. I share the mix of emotions that came with celebrating Waylon’s 7th birthday, how grief shows up even in joy, and a beautiful sign from Bella that reminded me she’s still close. Finally, I introduce you to an incredible Health Canada–funded initiative that will change the way families of seriously ill children access support and care.This one is heartfelt, raw, and filled with hope. Thank you for listening.
--------
38:16
--------
38:16
#035 - Kidneys, Coastlines & Camping
Well, if you haven’t been following my stage 3 kidney failure diagnosis… you are now. In this episode of Beyond Brave, we open up about the latest health updates, including what my recent bloodwork revealed and the questions I’m asking as I dig into it all. We also reflect on our nearly two-week US camping trip — Oregon Coast and all — and what it taught us about family, laughter, and resilience on the road. But the heart of today’s conversation is grief: how leaving home can stir tears, and how returning can feel even heavier, as memories and absence collide. We share Waylon’s honest reflections, the beautiful sign from Bella we received while traveling, and how we’re learning to carry both the joy and the ache wherever we go. If you’re navigating health struggles, family travel, or the complexities of grief, this one’s for you.
--------
1:00:10
--------
1:00:10
#034 - Lyle's Back! Health Updates, Quick-Fire Q&A, & Our US Camping Trip
Lyle’s back on the mic! In this episode, we catch up on health updates (including our 36-hour fasts), answer your quick-fire Q&A from Instagram, and dive into what it’s like to keep Bella in our lives while moving forward. I also share about the 52 precious notes I recently lost, including journals since Bella’s passing, and why no one gets to dictate your grief. Plus, by the time you’re listening to this, we’ve already started our big two-week camping trip through the US and down to the Oregon Coast, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it! Follow along on my socials for current stories and adventures! @kylact on IG & TikTok. Bella Brave on Facebook.
Meet Kyla and Lyle Thomson, co-hosts of Beyond Brave. As parents to Bella Brave, who inspired the world with her courage, they spent over a decade navigating her rare medical challenges. Together, they've channeled their experiences into helping others find resilience and healing. On Beyond Brave, Kyla and Lyle share stories of hope, love, and the lessons they've learned—both through Bella's journey and in their everyday family life. Join them as they honor Bella’s legacy and inspire others to find light even in the darkest moments.