What Maria Gallucci Learned From Telling Her Mom She Was Dying

What happens when you grow up interpreting the world for your parents while carrying grief of your own?

Maria Gallucci knows that experience well. As a child of deaf adults, she learned early how isolating life could feel for her parents and how small acts of inclusion could change everything. Later, she found herself in the painful role of interpreting a doctor’s words and telling her mom she had only months to live.

In this episode, Maria shares how those moments shaped her grief journey and fueled her commitment to building a more inclusive world. She talks about supporting the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, navigating loss, raising children through grief, and carrying the lessons of her best friend’s sudden death. Her story is full of honesty, compassion, and purpose.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• The moment Maria had to interpret her mother’s terminal diagnosis
• How growing up as a CODA shaped her compassion and advocacy
• Why small acts of inclusion can change lives

Listen and remember that your story matters too.

Guest Bio

Maria Gallucci is a multi-award-winning real estate agent and proud CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). Growing up as one of six hearing children raised by Deaf parents, she learned ASL before English and helped her parents buy a home at just 12 years old. This experience shaped her passion for inclusive communication and helping those who are often overlooked.

For over 30 years, Maria has supported homebuyers from all walks of life, with special focus on the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and LGBTQ+ communities. She’s the founder of Uptown Realty Group, Gallucci Homes, ASL @ Compass Affinity Group, and ASL Realty, a national platform connecting Deaf & Hard of Hearing clients with signing agents. She ranks in the top 1% of agents in Colorado and top 1.5% nationwide.

Maria also serves on boards for Rocky Mountain Deaf School, DOVE, and Colorado Association of the Deaf. Her motto, "just try," reflects her belief that meaningful connection starts with one small step. Her debut book, Raised in Silence, is both a love letter to the Deaf & Hard of Hearing community and a guide for bridging communication gaps.

Connect with Maria:

• Website: aslrealty.com
• Website: galluccihomes.com

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The Life Shift Podcast shares real, honest conversations about the pivotal moments that transform lives. Host Matt Gilhooly invites guests to explore the life-changing events, unexpected challenges, and personal awakenings that have shaped who they are today. 

Through candid storytelling, listeners discover powerful journeys of identity, resilience, grief, healing, and growth. If you’re drawn to personal growth stories, inspired by how people rebuild after loss, or fascinated by the quiet moments that spark profound change, The Life Shift offers heartfelt insight and inspiration. New episodes every Tuesday.

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