Adrienne Bender’s Story: Grief, Love, and Resilience

In this deeply moving episode of Chatting with Betsy, Betsy Wurzel speaks with Adrienne Bender, R.N., PMHN-BC, BSN — a Children’s Mental Health Therapist, Grief Recovery Specialist, speaker, entrepreneur, and author. Adrienne Bender’s story is one of strength, honesty, and resilience from a mother who endured the unimaginable heartbreak.

Adrienne shares the motivation behind writing her book, The Almost Miracle Years: to honor her children Kyler and Mackenzie, to tell her truth with courage, and to give others hope that healing is possible even after overwhelming loss. Adrienne Bender’s story honors both the pain she endured and the strength she found to keep moving forward.

Becoming a single mother at seventeen when her son Kyler was born, Adrienne put herself through college to become a Registered Nurse. She later married and welcomed her daughter, Mackenzie. In their conversation, Adrienne speaks openly about Mackenzie’s fight against AML Leukemia and Kyler’s struggle with addiction. Adrienne Bender’s story reflects the reality of families facing leukemia, addiction, and the emotional toll that illness brings to everyone it touches.

Betsy and Adrienne also explore the devastating period in which Adrienne lost both of her children and her father in close succession, all while caring for her grandfather. Adrienne stresses the importance of acknowledging and validating our emotions instead of turning to unhealthy coping habits like overeating, drinking, or shopping.

To honor her children, Adrienne keeps their memories alive by speaking about them often, celebrating their birthdays, placing treats in their Christmas stockings, and choosing to live joyfully in their honor. Her love for Kyler and Mackenzie is present in every word she shares.

Together, Betsy and Adrienne discuss grief, healing, survival, and the possibility of finding joy again. Adrienne Bender’s story reminds us that love can stay alive even after unimaginable loss. Her compassion, grit, and dedication to helping others shine through this heartfelt conversation.

🎵 Don’t miss this emotional interview with a mother who survived unimaginable heartbreak and found the strength to keep going.  Click here to listen…

This show is dedicated in loving memory of Kyler and Mackenzie.

👉Adrienne’s journey reminds us that healing is possible, even when the path is steep.

📌Please share this episode to help others who may be navigating grief or supporting someone who is.

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Learn more about Adrienne’s work:
https://adriennebender.com/

Find The Almost Miracle Years on Amazon:  Purchase Here

Follow Adrienne on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/authoradriennebender?igsh=c2dvZ3EzbGJoOHN5

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