123. What happens when you refuse to take "wait and see" for an answer - Nikki Holekamp
Nikki Holekamp is a testament to resilience, creativity and advocacy. She is a trained pediatric occupational therapist, who had to use her skills, her voice and her written words to advocate for her son, Asher. In this conversation with Nikki, she shares about her life parenting a child with medical needs, how she’s advocating for him and teaching other kids, as well as her own daughter, that life can look different for others, trusting your intuition when doctors say “wait and see” and finding healing through storytelling.
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Intro
(04:40) Life before kids: Nikki's career as a pediatric OT and early motherhood
(09:27) Asher's birth and the first signs something was different
(13:51) The early months of Asher
(16:49) Getting a second opinion that changed the trajectory
(19:28) Navigating the Canadian vs. US medical systems
(28:13) Standing up to doctors and trusting your parental intuition
(38:39) Life with Asher now: wheelchairs, preschool, and letting go of expectations
(49:03) Ways to be an ally for children like Asher
(51:46) Balancing two children with different needs
(56:20) What Nikki is still trying to figure out
KEY TAKEAWAYS
When medical professionals are telling you to “wait and see”, but your intuition is screaming that something is wrong, listen to yourself.
You’re allowed to have a second opinion, and sometimes they’re essential, because it's not about stepping on anyone's toes; it's about protecting your child’s health and your own
Writing and storytelling can be medicine. The processing through writing became healing, and the connections with other families navigating similar challenges became lifelines. Sharing your story—however you choose to do it—creates community and helps you process what you're living through.
About Nikki Holekamp
Nikki is a trained pediatric occupational therapist turned passionate parent advocate who has learned the power of using her voice to create meaningful impact. Through storytelling and lived experience, she’s discovered how words can shift perspectives and make space for change. She blends creativity with purpose. Writing became her way of sharing stories, but it has evolved into a way of helping others see through a new lens.
Connection is at the heart of who she is. As a projector in Human Design, Nikki has a gift for seeing the bigger picture and lifting others up with insight and intention. Her mission is to help moms recognize that they hold more capacity than they often believe. She reminds women that while hard things will happen, grace, growth, and profound lessons can emerge from those seasons. Nikki inspires others to dream bigger, live with purpose, and create a life they feel deeply proud of.
Connect with Nikki Holekamp
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nikkiholekamp | https://www.instagram.com/aligned.with.asher
Substack - The Strength In Our Scars |https://substack.com/@thestrengthinourscars