Act to Impact with Brandi DeVries
This show will fuel your fire within to make an impact in the world. It will ignite action to become aware of your untapped gifts, connect with causes close to your heart, and inspire you to take action to make a lasting impact. Brandi is a long-time advocate and fundraiser for a national non-profit and is dedicated to introducing you to stories of hope, resilience, and community from the pediatric cancer community and impact makers around the world that will inspire your purpose to make an impact.
Act to Impact with Brandi DeVries
How One Mom Leads Through Fear After Her Son's Rare Diagnosis
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When Mariah Swanson's son, Marcus, was diagnosed with GRIN2A, a rare genetic disorder affecting brain cell communication, her world shifted overnight. As a wife, mother, corporate leader, and advocate, Mariah suddenly found herself balancing uncertainty at home while continuing to lead confidently at work.
In this heartfelt episode of Act to Impact, Mariah shares the emotional journey of navigating fear, redefining success, and discovering resilience through life's unexpected challenges. She opens up about the power of community, the importance of celebrating small victories, and why hope doesn't eliminate fear—it gives you the strength to keep moving forward.
Whether you're a parent, leader, caregiver, or simply walking through a difficult season, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to have all the answers to lead with courage.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- What it's like receiving a rare disease diagnosis for your child
- How to lead at work while carrying personal struggles
- Practical ways to balance fear with hope
- Why celebrating small victories changes everything
- The importance of community and asking for help
- How advocacy can create purpose from pain
💛 Are you inspired to take action? Approach life with an open heart, educate themselves about autism, and support initiatives that foster inclusivity and understanding.
Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!
Take a moment today to share this episode with a friend, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or subscribe on YouTube so more people can learn about this important issue.
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Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and former Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.
Thank you to guest Mariah Swanson.
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IG: instagram.com/brandi.devries and instagram.com/acttoimpactpod
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