Julie Cini From Grief to Purpose – A Mother’s Awakening Journey Through Loss and Advocacy
Episode 23 of Spiritual Awakening with Shaz
Julie Shares What It Looks Like When Grief Becomes the Catalyst for Awakening?
What would it look like to lose everything and still find the strength to rise again?
In this powerful episode of Spiritual Awakening with Shaz, I sit down with my cousin Julie Cini, the founder of Advocacy Beyond Borders, to explore her extraordinary journey of healing, spiritual awakening, and fierce advocacy following the heartbreaking loss of her two daughters to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Julie doesn’t just tell a story of grief. She tells a story of transformation. Of moving from pain to purpose. From devastation to advocacy. And from heartbreak to heart-led leadership in the rare disease space.
This episode is a reminder that healing isn’t about forgetting what you’ve lost—it’s about remembering what you’re here to do.
What You’ll Learn about Julie in This Episode:
- How Julie’s daughters’ diagnoses and passing led to profound personal and spiritual growth
- The way grief cracked her open and deepened her connection to spirit
- Her fight for newborn screening and treatment access for SMA families
- The signs, dreams, and soul connection that still guide her
- Why saying no and choosing self-care became her spiritual tools
- How Advocacy Beyond Borders is making global change for rare disease families
Julie Cini and her Journey From Mother to Advocate
Julie’s journey didn’t stop with loss. She transformed that pain into action—lobbying for policy change, supporting other families through similar journeys, and becoming a powerful voice in the rare disease community. Her work continues to save and change lives across Australia and beyond.
Healing Is Not Linear, But It Is Possible
Julie reminds us that grief doesn’t end, but it evolves. That strength is not about pretending everything is okay—it’s about showing up anyway. And that even in the depths of loss, purpose can be born.
Listen Now:
This conversation will move you, inspire you, and stay with you long after the episode ends.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube
If you or someone you know is navigating deep loss, let this episode be a reminder: you are not alone, and healing is always within reach.
Connect With Me:
Website: www.shazcini.com
Instagram: @shazcini
Facebook: @shazcini
YouTube: @shazcini
Connect with Julie Cini:
Facebook: @JulieCini
Instagram: @thelegacyqueen
Website: www.juliecini.com.au
Grab Julie Cini’s Book – Leaving Life Legacies
Subscribe for more episodes, healing tools, and transformational support.
You can also read about the episode here.
If this episode resonated with you, please share it, leave a review, or message me—I love hearing how these conversations land for you.
I just listened to this episode with shaz and her cousin julie.. There is nothing i can say but it really touched me, what an amazing human she is after all she has been through. Im glad i got to hear her story even though it brought me to tears.
They both touch people from all walks of life and make a difference in this world.
🙏🏻💜
Thanks Jodie – yes it is a very moving story and we so glad you enjoyed it and hope you listen to all of the podcast episodes.