Raising Hope: Lynette Serlo's Journey with Opioid-Exposed Children
Episode Overview
Lynette Serlo shares her journey of adopting five opioid-exposed children. Highlights the long-term effects of prenatal drug exposure. Discusses the lack of paediatric training on opioid exposure. Introduces Generation O, an awareness campaign for opioid-exposed children. Offers insights into the challenges and triumphs of raising substance-exposed kids.
People listening today may have never even thought about the kids that are born with opioids in utero because we're not hearing about them
In this episode of 'Courage to Hope', Tony Lagreca sits down with Lynette Serlo, an author, activist, and dedicated mum. Lynette shares her remarkable journey of adopting five children who were exposed to opioids before birth. Her story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of raising children with substance exposure.
Lynette's passion for helping these children stems from her personal experiences and her drive to spread awareness about the long-term effects of opioid exposure in utero. Lynette discusses the misconceptions she faced when adopting her children, initially believing that love and a stable home would be enough to counteract the effects of prenatal drug exposure. She soon realised that the reality was far more complex, involving numerous medical and developmental challenges.
Through her tireless research and advocacy, Lynette has become a beacon of hope for many families facing similar struggles. The conversation also touches on the broader issue of how society views and supports children born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Lynette highlights the lack of training among paediatricians regarding the long-term effects of opioid exposure and the importance of specialised care for these children.
She shares her efforts to create Generation O, an organisation aimed at raising awareness and providing resources for families dealing with opioid-exposed children. Tony and Lynette's discussion is both enlightening and moving, offering valuable insights into the often-overlooked impact of the opioid crisis on children. If you're looking for a story of resilience, compassion, and hope, this episode is a must-listen.