TPP 511: Jessica Patay on Building Brave Communities for Caregivers

Today we’re talking about the power of community, resilience, and what it really means to show up bravely in the caregiver parenting journey. My guest is fellow community builder and mom on a mission Jessica Patay, the founder of We Are Brave Together, a global community supporting moms raising children with disabilities and other unique needs. Jessica’s work is deeply rooted in her own experience as a caregiving mom to her son Ryan, who was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome, and her mission is all about making sure no parent has to walk this path alone.

In our conversation, Jessica shares her story and the inspiration behind building such a powerful, life-giving community for mothers. We talk about the isolation so many caregivers experience, the importance of connection and support, and what it looks like to cultivate resilience in the midst of ongoing challenges. Jessica also offers practical, compassionate insights for parents who are feeling overwhelmed, reminding us that even in the hardest seasons, we are not alone—and we were never meant to do this by ourselves.

About Jessica Patay 

Jessica Patay is passionate about serving caregiving moms and creating authentic communities.  She has always fostered deep, life-giving friendships and has been intentional about her community of girlfriends.  As a caregiving mom herself, this passion carries on as she gathers women to encourage them, mentor them, inspire them, and validate their intense and precious journeys.

Her own story as a mom to a child with a disability, began in 2003 when her second son, Ryan, was born and diagnosed with a rare, genetic disorder, called Prader-Willi syndrome. Within two days of receiving this diagnosis, she received a phone call from a mentor mom from the Prader-Willi California Foundation.  Immediately she felt relief and comfort knowing she was NOT ALONE. Thankfully, Ryan is sandwiched in the middle of siblings Luke and Kate, both fierce and loving cheerleaders and helpers to Ryan.

Jessica is the founder of The We Are Brave Together organization, a supportive community for moms of children with disabilities and all unique needs, which has grown into an international community of over 4200 moms. She has helped launch over 25 support groups all over the United States, and in New Zealand and Australia, in the last five years. She is the host of the Brave Together Podcast.

Things you'll learn from this episode 

• Why community is a critical foundation for healing, resilience, and feeling less alone as a caregiver

• How distinguishing between caregiving and motherhood can help parents better understand their experience

• How We Are Brave Together creates connection through circles, retreats, and shared storytelling

• Why bravery often shows up in small, everyday moments rather than big, visible acts

• How Jessica’s work, including Suddenly Brave Together, reflects and validates the lived experience of caregivers

• Why systemic challenges can leave caregivers isolated—and how taking small, practical steps can help them find support now

Resources mentioned 

• We Are Brave Together

• Brave Together Podcast

• Becoming Brave Together: Heroic, Extraordinary Caregiving Stories from Mothers Hidden in Plain Sight by Jessica Patay

• Suddenly Brave Together: Letters to Caregiving Moms in a Defining Moment of Their Lives by Jessica Patay

• We Are Brave Together Facebook Group

• Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally by Emily Ladau

• Emily Ladau on Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally (Tilt Parenting Podcast)

• Kelley Coleman on Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child (Tilt Parenting Podcast)

• Margaret Webb Parent Coaching

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