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Headstrong: When a Mother's Love Becomes a Movement
Manage episode 505308396 series 3508706
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Cheryl Colleluori's 19-year-old son Nicholas had a vision to help young adults facing serious health challenges - and even though she couldn't save him, she's made sure his mission saves thousands.
In this deeply moving conversation, Cheryl shares the raw truth about losing a child and finding purpose in the deepest pain imaginable.
Cheryl's heartbreaking words: "I'm a mom. I'm supposed to put bandaids on it and make it better - but I couldn't fix it. I couldn't save his life."
But here's what she did instead:
- Built the HEADstrong Foundation from her son's vision
- Created Nick's Houses in Philadelphia and Boston
- Provided support for thousands of young adults during their toughest battles
- Turned one teenager's compassionate idea into a global movement
Chapters:
[00:00] Introduction & Hosts Preview
[01:26] Meet Cheryl Colleluori
[01:40] Nick's Athletic Dreams and Sudden Symptoms
[03:16] The Devastating Diagnosis
[04:59] Nick Creates HEADstrong Foundation From Hospital Bed
[05:34] Going Home on Hospice
[06:13] Nick's Final Promises and Vision
[07:39] What the Foundation Does Today
[08:56] Creating Nick's House
[10:22] How Families Get Help
[11:32] Different from Ronald McDonald House
[12:27] Expanding to Boston and Beyond
[13:46] Fundraising Challenges
[15:01] Success Stories That Save Lives
[17:37] How Cheryl Copes With Grief
[19:45] Signs From Nick and the Afterlife
[21:51] Starting With $67 Lime Green Shoelaces
[23:37] How to Support the Foundation
[24:17] Annual Gala Event
What makes this story extraordinary: Nineteen years after losing Nicholas, Cheryl continues fighting for his vision every single day. She's transformed her grief into a force that helps other families avoid the isolation her son experienced.
Key insights:
- How to channel devastating loss into meaningful purpose
- Why community support is crucial for young adults facing health challenges
- The power of keeping promises to those we've lost
- How love transcends loss and creates lasting change
Cheryl serves as President of the HEADstrong Foundation and is recognized as a 2025 Titan 100 winner. She's a member of the Abramson Cancer Center Leadership Council and continues to expand Nicholas's vision worldwide.
The ultimate message: When we can't save the one we love most, sometimes we can save others in their name.
Learn more: HeadStrong.org
Cheryl Colleluori is President of the HEADstrong Foundation and continues her son Nicholas's mission to support young adults facing serious health challenges.
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