Jillian Heilman

Caitlin bringing Halle's Foundation to Pfizer. Wednesday started early…really early. I caught a morning flight out of Hartford and landed in Chicago at 7:30 a.m. And waiting for me at the airport was one of Halle’s dearest friends, Caitlin. She knows me well. There was a Starbucks pumpkin cold brew in her hand, a huge hug, and that familiar feeling of being with someone who knew Halle, not just knew of her, but actually knew her. Caitlin had invited me to Chicago to spend the day with her...

August is National Grief Awareness Month. For me, this month is about more than just discussing grief. It’s about celebrating Halle. For a long time, I struggled with what to say when people asked about her. Saying that my daughter died felt dark and daunting. I worried about making others uncomfortable. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to face my own grief. Sometimes, it felt easier to avoid the conversation altogether. But after 11 years, I’ve learned that silence doesn’t make grief disappear....

When a community comes together with a shared purpose, incredible things happen. Earlier this year, Lindsey joined us on the Strength Happens Podcast to share an ambitious dream: the FELI Class of 2026 had selected a community project to raise funds for an inclusive playground at Autism Inspired Academy (AIA) in Clearwater, Florida. Their goal was simple but powerful: to create a space where every student could play, grow, and belong. Today, we're thrilled to celebrate that dream becoming a...