{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Cryssy Loses Danielle To Leukemia ","description":"In this heartfelt episode of the Surviving Siblings Podcast, host Maya Roffler welcomes Cryssy, a bereaved sibling who lost her younger sister, Danielle, to acute myeloid leukemia in 2012. As the oldest sibling, Cryssy took on the role of protector, caregiver, and advocate\u2014navigating the heartbreak of watching her sister battle a devastating illness. Cryssy shares her deeply personal journey of anticipatory grief, the pain of losing Danielle at just 21 years old, and the complex emotions of grieving while trying to stay strong for her family. She opens up about the regret of not getting to say goodbye the way she wanted, the physical toll grief took on her body, and the creative, meaningful ways she keeps Danielle\u2019s memory alive every day. This episode is a powerful conversation about sibling loss, anticipatory grief, and finding purpose after tragedy. Cryssy also shares how honoring her sister through traditions, a beloved stuffed animal, and small daily acts has helped her heal\u2014and how grief can manifest physically in ways we might never expect. If you\u2019ve ever felt the weight of grieving a sibling while being the \u201cstrong one\u201d for others, Cryssy\u2019s story will remind you that love endures, even through the pain. In This Episode: (00:01:00) \u2013 Danielle: A Birthday Gift Sister Cryssy shares how Danielle was born just two days before her own birthday, how they celebrated together, and how their sibling bond was filled with love, chaos, and laughter. (00:04:00) \u2013 Big Sister, Protector, Mama Bear Growing up as the oldest, Cryssy stepped into a protective role, helping raise Danielle and their brother, shielding them, and taking on family responsibilities from a young age. (00:05:00) \u2013 The Call That Changed Everything Cryssy recounts the moment she learned Danielle was being rushed to the hospital after a bloody nose turned into a leukemia diagnosis\u2014and how she instantly began grieving. (00:08:00) \u2013 Facing Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cryssy explains Danielle\u2019s diagnosis, the aggressive treatment process, and how she tried to stay hopeful on the outside while preparing herself internally for the worst. (00:11:00) \u2013 Holidays in the Hospital Danielle asked Cryssy to decorate her hospital room for Halloween and Christmas\u2014keeping their family traditions alive despite spending their favorite holidays in a hospital room. (00:14:00) \u2013 The Final Christmas Together Cryssy reflects on their last Christmas, staying up all night talking, exchanging meaningful gifts, and creating treasured memories in what would be Danielle\u2019s final holiday. (00:19:00) \u2013 Saying Goodbye Without Words Cryssy shares the experience of Danielle\u2019s \u201csurge\u201d before passing, the bittersweet final days, and the deep regret of not being able to say goodbye the way she had hoped. (00:24:00) \u2013 Preparing Danielle\u2019s Goodbye Honoring her sister\u2019s love of style, Cryssy lovingly prepared Danielle for her viewing\u2014painting her nails, doing her hair, dressing her in jewelry, and ensuring she looked radiant. (00:31:00) \u2013 A Dream Visit From Danielle Months after Danielle\u2019s passing, Cryssy had a vivid dream of Danielle smiling and telling her, \u201cIt\u2019s okay to be okay\u201d\u2014a powerful, healing moment that brought her comfort. (00:37:00) \u2013 Grief\u2019s Physical Impact Cryssy opens up about how her grief manifested in physical illness, leading to hospitalization, sepsis, and a near-death experience that she believes Danielle helped her survive. (00:48:00) \u2013 Finding Purpose in Grief Cryssy reflects on how grief has shaped her purpose, giving her strength to help others and reminding her that grief is love in a different form. This episode is sponsored by The Surviving Siblings  Connect with Cryssy:  Tik Tok: https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@cryssycryssycryssy Email: Crystalmperry@yahoo.com Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/Nimbeedonut Facebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CryssyPerry\/ Connect with Maya: Podcast Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/survivingsiblingspodcast\/ Maya's Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/mayaroffler\/ TikTok: https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@survivingsiblingspodcast Twitter: https:\/\/x.com\/survivingsibpod Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast Patreon: https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast   ","author_name":"The Surviving Siblings\u00ae","author_url":"https:\/\/www.thesurvivingsiblings.com","html":"