Podcast Summary: [REVISIT] Choose Joy - feat. Kate Durge

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Interview with Leslie Heaney
• Host: Leslie Heaney
• Episode: [REVISIT] Choose Joy - feat. Kate Durge
• Release Date: May 28, 2025
• Description: This episode features Kate Durge, mother of Penny Durge, who battled neurofibromatosis (NF) before her passing in November 2022. Kate discusses Penny's inspiring life, the formation of the Penny's Flight Foundation, and the ongoing mission to find a cure for NF.

1. Introduction and Background

Leslie Heaney opens the episode by introducing Kate Durge, highlighting the profound loss of Kate's daughter, Penny, who succumbed to neurofibromatosis (NF) in November 2022. Leslie sets the tone by emphasizing Penny's resilience and unwavering positivity despite her struggle with NF, a common yet incurable genetic disorder in children.

[00:05] Leslie: "Penny never let her condition inhibit her in any way. She was always positive, always happy, always kind, and always optimistic."

2. Penny's Life and Legacy

Kate shares heartfelt memories of Penny, painting a vivid picture of her vibrant personality and how she touched the lives of those around her. Penny's ability to remain joyful and engaged in activities like dancing, skating, and leading camps exemplified her determination to live life fully.

[03:00] Kate: "Penny truly was the brightest light with the biggest heart... She was funny, mischievous, and lived the most beautiful, biggest life with this positivity and resilience."

3. Diagnosis and Early Challenges

The conversation delves into the moment Kate and her husband, Chad, learned about Penny's NF diagnosis. A fractured tibia at four months old led to the discovery of congenital pseudoarthrosis, a severe manifestation under the NF umbrella. Kate recounts their decision to trust medical professionals without seeking further information, embodying the principle of "faith over fear."

[04:00] Kate: "It was like, we've just been given this crazy news, but how are we going to play this out? It was a little bit of faith over fear."

4. Foundation Formation and Mission

Following Penny's passing, Kate and Chad founded the Penny's Flight Foundation, transforming their grief into a national movement aimed at finding a cure for NF. The foundation emphasizes spreading positivity, awareness, and raising funds through various initiatives.

[12:58] Leslie: "Chad and I glanced at each other and were like, this is it."

[13:31] Kate: "We launched Penny's Flight three weeks after Penny passed away, and it just started to roll and snowball."

5. Events and Community Impact

Kate discusses the foundation's dynamic events, such as Positively Penny pop-up events and the annual Family Jamboree (Fam Jam). These events not only raise funds but also foster a sense of community and shared purpose among participants.

[21:35] Kate: "Tim Grant... did the logo... the butterfly... it was Penny making this happen, and we are her vehicles to help her."

6. Partnerships and Research Initiatives

A significant focus of the foundation is collaborating with research institutions like Cold Spring Harbor Labs and the Children's Tumor Foundation. Kate highlights their commitment to funding groundbreaking research projects aimed at understanding and ultimately curing NF.

[27:00] Kate: "We've funded a two-year commitment of $1.1 million for the Banbury project at Cold Spring Harbor Labs."

Additionally, the foundation supports the Penny Durgie Adaptive Academy (PDAA) at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), which provides adaptive sports and activities for children with disabilities.

[34:00] Kate: "The PDAA allows HSS patients to live a beautiful, normal life by giving them opportunities to go skiing, adaptive windsurfing, and more."

7. Inspiring Others and Long-term Goals

Kate emphasizes the involvement of younger generations in the foundation's efforts. Through Penny's Flight Clubs in schools and colleges, students are empowered to create their own events and initiatives, transforming their grief into purposeful action.

[30:16] Leslie: "You're giving them the lesson of how you can take something that could be one way, deciding that you're going to take action and transform it into something positive."

[32:19] Leslie: "It's a really incredible ripple effect."

8. Corporate Partnerships and Support

The foundation has garnered support from brands like Veronica Beard, which contributes through sales partnerships and in-store events. These collaborations amplify the foundation's reach and fundraising capabilities.

[39:06] Kate: "Veronica Beard partners with us by donating a percentage of sales and hosting in-store events. The Penny loafer sales also directly support the foundation."

9. Upcoming Events and Future Plans

Kate previews the upcoming Fam Jam event slated for June 29th, fundraising and celebrating Penny's life with music, activities, and community engagement. The event aims to surpass previous successes, reinforcing the foundation's mission.

[41:43] Kate: "This year, we're expecting 850 people with headliners like Wyclef and Caroline Jones... It's going to be a beautiful summer night on Penny's birthday."

10. Conclusion and Call to Action

Leslie and Kate conclude with a powerful message of resilience and positivity. Kate encourages listeners to spread awareness, support the foundation through events and donations, and embody Penny's mantra of choosing joy.

[44:16] Kate: "It's about spreading awareness and spreading positivity. Do this with us."

[46:51] Leslie: "You are an inspiration to me."

[47:02] Kate: "Live like Penny lived."

Key Takeaways:

• Penny's Flight Foundation transforms personal loss into a nationwide movement against NF.
• Emphasis on positivity and resilience as guiding principles.
• Community and youth engagement are central to the foundation's strategy.
• Collaborations with research institutions and corporate partners enhance the foundation's impact.
• Ongoing commitment to finding a cure and improving the lives of those affected by NF.

Notable Quotes:

• Leslie Heaney [00:05]: "Penny never let her condition inhibit her in any way. She was always positive, always happy, always kind, and always optimistic."
• Kate Durge [03:00]: "Penny truly was the brightest light with the biggest heart..."
• Kate Durge [04:00]: "It was a little bit of faith over fear."
• Kate Durge [13:31]: "We launched Penny's Flight three weeks after Penny passed away..."
• Leslie Heaney [30:16]: "You're giving them the lesson of how you can take something that could be one way, deciding that you're going to take action and transform it into something positive."

This episode serves as an inspiring testament to how one family's tragedy has sparked a movement dedicated to making a tangible difference in the fight against neurofibromatosis, embodying the true spirit of choosing joy in the face of adversity.