1. Riding Lifes Waves - Brooke Colless and a rare AVM Spinal Injury effecting her eldest, Kai.

What do you do when you're on the adventure of a lifetime overseas with your husband and five children, and suddenly your eldest son becomes increasingly unwell? For Brooke Colless, this nightmare scenario became reality when, after seeking medical help, she heard a devastating diagnosis – her son Kai had a rare arteriovenous malformation (AVM) on his spinal cord.

In this inaugural episode of The Long Road Podcast, Brooke shares her family's extraordinary journey with host Lisa McKelvey. The Colless family was enjoying an overseas adventure when Kai began experiencing concerning symptoms. Far from home and their usual medical support system, they navigated foreign healthcare systems before learning about Kai's rare condition.

An AVM is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels that can put pressure on the spinal cord, potentially causing permanent damage if not treated. Brooke recounts the fear and uncertainty of this diagnosis, the difficult decisions they had to make about treatment, and the logistical challenges of managing a medical crisis while abroad with five children.

Throughout their ordeal, Brooke explains how their family's faith, hope, and love sustained them. She shares how they adapted their travel plans, how they explained the situation to their younger children, and how the experience has shaped their family bonds and outlook on life.

The episode title "Riding Life's Waves" reflects the Colless family's resilience and ability to navigate the unexpected turns in their journey while still finding joy and purpose along the way. Brooke's story is one of adaptation, courage, and finding strength in the most challenging circumstances.