Affiliate Leader Focus: Renee Novotny & Tammy Patrick, HPH Western NC, HPH New Member Welcome, HPH - Mountain Mamas
Posted
-
- Aug
- 13
- 2026
by Elizabeth Boisson
From Renee Novotny:
My son 27-year-old Ryan was an arborist and avid hiker who loved climbing Colorado’s 14er’s (elevation 14,000+ feet). He also hiked 870 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, loved scuba diving, skiing, and enjoyed everything about being in nature. After Ryan transitioned in February 2023 during an ice climbing accident, I searched the internet for grief groups specifically for parents. I was hoping to find a community that understood my grief. I needed help. That’s how I found Helping Parents Heal.
Looking back, I believe Ryan guided me to see a post on Facebook by Kelley Worth who was starting the Western North Carolina (WNC) regional group. I attended her first meeting three weeks after Ryan transitioned. During the meeting I learned Kelley’s daughter Aleia had transitioned just 10 months prior. Early in her grief, Kelley stepped up to help other parents on this journey. At the end of the meeting, Kelley said, “You know, our kids are right here. They are still with us.” I remember looking around. I didn’t see anything. Kelley explained, “Everything is made of energy and our kids changed form. I promise, they are here with us.” This was my very first glimmer of hope.
I started helping Kelley co-facilitate the WNC group in 2025, and I started helping Tammy Patrick, who started the HPH New Member monthly meetings, in mid-2025. Tammy and I understand the complexities of early grief and how foggy our brains can be. During our HPH New Member meetings we share HPH’s language and the helpful resources posted on HPH’s website to help new parents on their healing journey. Our conversations are always heartfelt and welcoming.
Renee has just published a new book!
Blessings from a Trail Angel
Renee Novotny, HPH Affiliate Leader and co-facilitator for the Western NC & Beyond group, HPH New Member meetings, and HPH Mountain Mamas recently published her memoir, Blessings from a Trail Angel.
After her 27-year-old son, Ryan, transitioned in a tragic ice climbing accident, Renee descended into unimaginable grief. In the midst of her heartbreak, she began experiencing extraordinary signs, synchronicities, miracle moments, and what felt like unmistakable messages from Ryan.
Blessings from a Trail Angel is a deeply personal memoir and spiritual journey about loss, healing, and the enduring bond between a mother and child. Through her experiences, Renee explores the possibility that our loved ones may remain connected to us in ways we don't always expect—and that healing can make room for hope, purpose, growth, and even joy.
For parents navigating their own journey, Renee offers a gentle reminder: Healing is possible. We are never truly separated. Love never dies.
Link to Blessings from a Trail Angel on Amazon
Renee Novotny
Author, Blessings from a Trail Angel