Nic, founder of Kenzie’s Gift, joins Bijoux to share the story behind Kenzie’s Gift, the charity and the experiences that shaped it. She reflects on her daughter Kenzie’s illness and death, supporting Kenzie’s brother Connor through saying goodbye, and the lessons that led to helping grieving children across New Zealand. Nic also speaks about living with Parkinson’s and a heart transplant, how grief evolves over time, and finding moments of joy while carrying death. This episode is part of The Grief Podcast, brought to you by Kenzie’s Gift.
Nic, Founder of Kenzie’s Gift (left), and Bijoux, Host (right)
In this episode, Nic shares the story behind Kenzie’s Gift. She reflects on navigating her daughter Kenzie’s illness, supporting her son Connor through her death, and how these experiences highlighted the need for better support for grieving children. Nic also speaks to how grief shifts over time and what it looks like to live alongside it. This conversation touches on dealing with health challenges, resilience, and finding small moments of meaning and joy within grief.
This episode is part of The Grief Podcast, brought to you by Kenzie’s Gift. Kenzie’s Gift was founded by Nic Russell after her three-year-old daughter Kenzie died of cancer. Nic saw how few mental health services existed for grieving tamariki and mātātahi, so she set out to change that. Through this podcast, we’re creating space for real, open conversations about death, grief, and the love that carries on—so young people don’t have to grieve alone.
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