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Before we get started with today's show, we want to take a moment to dedicate this episode to someone very special. Emma, Sharon's granddaughter and the daughter of today's guest co-host Michelle, was born prematurely and spent her short life in the NICU. She passed away just three days after she was born. Today's episode is released on Emma's birthday and we're honored to share it in her memory.
Our guest today is a mother and former labor and delivery nurse who has become an incredible entrepreneur. Ashley Crafton joins us to share the incredible story behind her startup, Galena Innovations, and the development of the Hannah Cervical Cup, a device designed to help prevent spontaneous preterm birth. Michelle also bravely shares her personal story of loss, highlighting the emotional toll that preeclampsia can take on families. The conversation underscores the urgent need for advancements in maternal healthcare, as too many women face uncertainty and inadequate support during pregnancy.
This episode honors families who’ve experienced loss and celebrates those fighting to change the future of maternal care.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🛠️ How Ashley built a life-saving device from a nurse’s heartbreak
✈️ Stories from war zones: evacuating pregnant women in Afghanistan and Ukraine
🧬 The science of cervical tissue and the Hannah Cup breakthrough
💪 Why nurses and moms are perfect innovators and what holds them back
🎗 Beyond the Mask Podcast is honored to once again sponsor a team for the HALOS Memorial Walk on August 2nd. HALOS is a nonprofit offering hope and healing to families who’ve lost a child, including Sharon when she lost her granddaughter, Emma. This powerful organization is run by parents who truly understand. To join our team or donate, visit the support page. 💛
Will you be among the Congress attendees tackling some of today's most urgent challenges in nurse anesthesiology?
Join nurse innovator and Hackathon host Rebecca Love, RN, MSN, FIEL, along with former AANA president and Beyond the Mask podcast host Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, and 14 expert CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist mentors for an exclusive opportunity to collaborate, compete, and create real-world solutions.
This team-based, high-energy event is free to attend — but space is limited. Only 112 seats are available. Save your seat at the AANA Hackathon.
Catch Sharon Live at the 53rd Annual Refresher Course for Nurse Anesthetists!
Join Sharon this November 14–16, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Walt Disney World Village, Florida, for the Frank Moya Continuing Education Program’s annual conference. She’ll be delivering four insightful talks as part of the guest faculty lineup.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and recharge—with some Disney magic on the side!
Click here for more details and to register
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"Humanity as a whole is worth fighting for better health and better outcomes."
- Ashley Crafton
