The Hilinski's Hope foundation was born from the heartbreaking loss of a college football player to suicide. Mark and Kym Hilinski lost their middle son, Tyler to suicide in 20-18. Soon afterwards, they began Hilinski's Hope, an effort to eliminate the stigma of mental health issues among student athletes. In the latest edition of our "Early Years" podcast, we spoke with the Hilinski's about their mission of hope.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Kimberly McBroom is talking with a young woman who we first met a couple of years ago.  Her name is Juanita Prada. She is a childhood cancer survivor and the creator of an awareness movement called "Behold, Be Gold." 

ParentsTogether is sounding the alarm about the "summer body" dieting trend targeting teenage girls on social media that promote unhealthy habits, like extreme calorie counting and dangerous weight loss challenges.

Author and mom Jessica Lahey knows first-hand about the cycle of addiction and substance use disorder. She dealt with alcoholism herself until a decade ago, when she hit her personal rock bottom. To help prevent her children from heading down the same road, Lahey did extensive research on addiction and released her book, "The Addiction Inoculation." It serves as a guide for parents on practical and effective ways to talk to their kids about drugs and alcohol.

We're chatting with Nancy Hans, Executive Director of the Partnership for Community Wellness (formerly Prevention Council of Roanoke) about the ongoing dangers of rainbow fentanyl, counterfeit prescription medication and edible gummies. Hans also outlines how her organization works to educate the community.