There are many reasons I felt this community needed to exist, but here are ten that sit closest to my heart.

1. Because the impact of malicious fracturing of attachment (parental alienation) on children is horrific. Research continues to show the lasting effects of high-conflict family breakdown, prolonged separation from a loving parent, and ongoing conflict. I've heard heartbreaking stories, including children who have lost hope entirely. We cannot keep looking away.

2. Because the impact on mothers is like death by a thousand cuts. The grief of being separated from your child is unlike anything I can describe. It affects every part of your life, yet so many women suffer in silence.

3. Because many mothers feel they have lost their voice. When legal systems become involved, many women feel unable to speak openly about their experiences, whether through fear, legal constraints or exhaustion. Silence becomes another burden to carry.

4. Because so many mothers feel completely alone. As soon as "family court" is mentioned to professional services, including the police, the response is, "we know it's very broken, we can't help." The most common thing I hear from mums going through this is, "I have nowhere to turn." I want every mother who finds this space to know she is not alone.

5. Because living in constant survival mode isn't sustainable. When our children are involved, every instinct tells us to fight. I understand that deeply, but I've also learned that our greatest strength often comes when we stop giving our power away to external people or systems, and begin turning inward to heal ourselves. Finding peace within doesn't mean giving up, it means building the resilience to keep going.

6. Because I know how much the right tools can help. I consider myself fortunate to have found practices, people and perspectives that have helped me survive the hardest years of my life. If sharing what I've learned helps even one mother find hope, then this journey has purpose.

7. Because many advocates focus on exposing what's broken. I understand how important it is to shine a light on how broken and corrupt systems are, however the main focus of Mumma Bears Rising is on healing and prevention. If we can strengthen families earlier, support parents, and educate communities, perhaps fewer families will ever need to experience such heartbreak and trauma.

8. Because it is more common than people think. When this began for me, I thought I was just unlucky, but it became apparent very quickly that there are many more. Some mothers have no contact. Some have supervised contact. Some see their children occasionally. But there is a common thread that ties them all together, the unwavering love that knows no bounds, and the deep pain of that bond being interfered with.

9. Because this experience is not limited to mothers. Although this is a space created for mothers, this devastating experience does not only happen to mums. We acknowledge that protective fathers can also experience separation from their children, and this project seeks to shine a light on that broader issue too.

10. Because my children are my world. I've saved one of the biggest drivers for last. Everything I do begins with them. Mumma Bears Rising is my way of turning pain into purpose, of creating something that I hope brings hope to others walking a similar path.

If Mumma Bears Rising helps just one mother feel less alone, find her voice again, or choose hope over despair, then it has already fulfilled its purpose.