How can profound grief be transformed into purpose, empathy, and a legacy that serves others? In this powerful episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter speaks with Matthew Efird about the loss of his son, Noah, who was diagnosed with Trisomy 13 before birth and lived for 57 and a half hours. Matthew shares how he and his wife, Hannah, navigated the months between Noah’s diagnosis and birth, the intentional choices they made to protect their marriage and family, and the role faith and community played in helping them endure an unimaginable season.
Matthew also discusses how journaling became a critical tool for processing grief and eventually led to his book, Even Though We Will. He explains how Noah’s legacy now fuels his work through the Even Though We Will Foundation, where his family helps connect others facing child loss and terminal diagnoses with resources and support. Their story offers nonprofit leaders meaningful lessons on empathetic leadership, sustainable leadership, protecting what matters most, learning to say no, and turning personal pain into service for others.
Key Topics Include:
- Matthew and Hannah Efird’s experience receiving their son Noah’s Trisomy 13 diagnosis and preparing for the loss of their child
- The 57 and a half hours Matthew and Hannah were able to spend with Noah and how his life continues to shape their family
- How intentional communication helped Matthew and Hannah protect their marriage while navigating grief
- Why journaling, counseling, community, and openly processing difficult emotions became essential parts of Matthew’s grief journey
- How Matthew’s personal journals eventually became his book, Even Though We Will, written in part to provide a father’s perspective on child loss
- How the Even Though We Will Foundation helps families connect with resources and support while navigating child loss and terminal diagnoses
- Leadership lessons around empathy, burnout, delegation, protecting your time, setting 90-day priorities, and understanding that every “yes” is also a “no” to something else
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Matthew Efird: https://matthewefird.com
- Even Though We Will Foundation: https://eventhoughwewill.com
- Even Though We Will by Matthew Efird: https://eventhoughwewill.com
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox: https://donorbox.org
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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