Donna Edwards, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, ASHA Fellow, brings both deep clinical expertise and lived experience to the NFOSD Medical Advisory Board. In a video shared during Thanksgiving in 2019, Donna spoke candidly as a mother about her son’s journey with dysphagia following a stroke and traumatic brain injury. Her reflections highlight the emotional weight families carry, the uncertainty of recovery, and the critical importance of compassionate, informed swallowing care. By sharing her story, Donna helps bridge the gap between clinician and caregiver, offering a powerful reminder of why patient- and family-centered care matters so deeply in dysphagia management.