If you’ve noticed things have felt a little quieter here at Macaroni KID KC lately, I wanted to share a bit of what’s been going on behind the scenes. Because this is a family-run publication, some major health challenges in our household have impacted not only our personal lives but also the day-to-day rhythm behind this work as well.
The last month has brought some personal health challenges for me, and it has been a reminder that even those of us who are used to caring for everyone else sometimes need to pause and take care of ourselves, too.
I haven’t shared this publicly before, but last summer, my husband received a life-saving organ transplant. It was one of the most emotional, challenging, and gratitude-filled seasons our family has ever walked through. Since then, so much of our life has centered around caring for him, supporting his recovery, and embracing this incredible fresh perspective on life together. He’s doing well, growing stronger every day, and we are so very thankful.
In the middle of all of that, I did what so many caregivers do: I put my own health on the back burner, brushed aside my symptoms, and told myself this was just “normal” for a busy mom and caregiver. I was dealing with dizziness, lightheadedness, and extreme exhaustion, but I chalked it up to the demands of life, work, caregiving, and motherhood.
When I finally made an appointment for myself, I learned that serious ongoing health issues were behind the symptoms I had been experiencing. I’ll be having surgery in mid-May, and while it was not news I expected, I’m grateful to have answers, a treatment plan, and to be on the path to feeling so much better after recent infusions and other treatments.
This season has given me an even deeper appreciation for health, family, community, and the gift of time together.
Because April is Donate Life Month, I can’t let this month pass without saying how deeply personal and meaningful this cause is to our family. Organ donation changes lives. It gives families hope, time, healing, and second chances that once felt impossible. If organ donation is something you have ever considered learning more about, I hope you will. One decision truly can make a life-saving difference.
And as we head into National Women’s Health Month in May, I also want to encourage the women in this community to take care of yourselves, too. Make the appointment. Ask the question. Get the screening. Follow up on the symptom you keep brushing off. We spend so much time showing up for the people we love, but our health matters, too.
I’m incredibly grateful for this community, for your support, and for the grace to be human through every season. I’m feeling stronger, more hopeful, and excited to continue sharing all the family fun, local finds, and community connections that make Macaroni KID Kansas City so special.
Thank you for being here.
With gratitude,
Melissa Basgall
Publisher, Macaroni KID Kansas City
