In this heartfelt solo episode of Creating Space for Grief and Hope, Holly explores the concept of acceptance in grief and shares why acknowledging a loss may be more meaningful than trying to accept what feels unacceptable.

Holly also shares personal experiences following the death of her husband, Steven, and reflects on the extraordinary courage it takes to grieve. From getting out of bed to navigating everyday moments, she reminds us that even the smallest steps can require tremendous strength.

Whether you're grieving or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a compassionate reminder that grief isn't linear, healing is ongoing, and allowing yourself to feel your emotions is an act of courage.

We're honored that Creating Space for Grief and Hope has been recognized by MillionPodcasts as one of the Top 100 Grief Podcasts on the web!

Explore the full list: https://www.millionpodcasts.com/grief-podcasts/

Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support &Education, is a Grief Support Specialist, Grief Educator & Coach. Holly’s late husband, Steven, died in December 2010, from Glioblastoma. Holly began her work in the grief field nearly 13 years ago. She provides 1:1 grief support for women who have lost a loved one to a brain tumor or are caring for a loved one diagnosed with a brain tumor, facilitates grief support groups, leads grief workshops, is a keynote speaker on grief, and is a contributing author for the book Own Thy Stuff. She is the host of the podcast Creating Space forGrief & Hope.

You can find her at: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Produced by Cindy Ballaro with On Track Marketing – cindyballaro@yahoo.com

In this episode, Holly speaks with Jason Binder and Angeline Giamonna, who each experienced the realities of glioblastoma caregiving with their loved ones. Their shared experiences eventually brought them together to create EmberHealth.ai, a free, AI-powered resource designed to help patients, caregivers, and their support networks navigate serious illness, including GBM and others. Jason andAngeline share the challenges they faced finding trustworthy information and support and how those experiences shaped EmberHealth.ai. Together, they discuss caregiving, community, the potential for AI to provide compassionate andcredible guidance, and transforming personal loss into meaningful change.

If this conversation encourages you, please subscribe and share it with someone who may need it.

About EmberHealth.ai
EmberHealth.ai is a free, human-centered AI resource providing credible, accessible information and support for people navigating serious illness, their caregivers, and theirsupport networks.

EmberHealth.ai currently provides resources for:
Glioblastoma, Pediatric brain tumors, Breast cancer, Multiple myeloma. Ovarian cancer, and Pancreatic cancer

Jason Binder and Angeline Giamonna connected through a glioblastoma support group after each had cared for a loved one with the disease. Jason cared for his wife, Tracy, for 45 months, while Angeline cared for her mother, Lupe, for 10months while pregnant and becoming a new parent. Their experiences showed them how overwhelming it can be for families to navigate unfamiliar medical information and make difficult decisions during serious illness. Drawing on Jason’sbackground in data, research, and therapeutic development and Angeline’s experience in technology and product development, they created Ember Health, a free AI companion designed to help patients and caregivers facingglioblastoma, and other diseases, find clarity, organize information, and feel less alone.

Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support& Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach andcertified grief educator. Following the death of her latehusband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Produced by Cindy Ballaro with On Track Marketing – cindyballaro@yahoo.com

In this episode, Holly speaks with Kera Sanchez, founder of Get Griefy Magazine and a certified grief and resilience expert, about transforming personal loss into connection and purpose. Kera shares how the unexpected death of her mother, just days after the birth of her second child, inspired her to create resources for others navigating grief. Together, Holly and Kera explore resilience, the importance of community, and why grief is about so much more than sadness. They also discuss the need for greater grief literacy and Kera’s work creating resources to help young people better understand and navigate loss.

Kera Sanchez is an award-winning grief educator, former educator, entrepreneur, and Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Get Griefy Magazine. As the creator of Grief U for EDU, she equips schools and educators with the tools to compassionately support grieving students and staff. Named the TalkDeath 2025 People's Choice Grief Educator of the Year, Kera is redefining conversations around grief and loss with authenticity, boldness, and hope. Drawing from bothprofessional expertise and lived experience, she inspires individuals, educators, and communities to embrace grief, foster resilience, and discover that healing and joy can coexist.

You can learn more about Kera and the magazine at: https://www.getgriefymagazine.com/

Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a certified grief support specialist/coach andcertified grief educator. Following the death of her latehusband, Steven, Holly felt pulled to be present for others experiencing their own losses—not just pertaining to death, but any event that may result in a grief response. She guides those who have suffered losses by helping them navigate their way through grief, transitioning them to a place of joy and hope. Holly also facilitates grief support groups, and grief education workshops. You can learn more on her website: https://www.goldenheartgrief.com

Produced by Cindy Ballaro with On Track Marketing – cindyballaro@yahoo.com