My mother was diagnosed with a terminal lung disease when I was a teenager, and life as I knew it changed completely. My family embarked on a decade-long journey toward a double lung transplant, and I quickly assumed many responsibilities as our family roles shifted. Like many families in similar situations, we faced relocation, financial strain, insurance challenges, and more. My experience with the transplant team, especially the social worker and transplant support group, sparked my motivation to pursue a degree in social work.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have dedicated my career to supporting patients and families through the grief and losses that accompany life-altering illnesses. After four post-transplant, easy-breathing years, my mother’s lung transplant began to fail, and I unexpectedly became her primary caregiver. I navigated this role while working full-time as a transplant social worker at the same hospital, where she was admitted for two months before her death.
There were times I wondered if I could remain a healthcare social worker. That period was profoundly difficult and shook the ground I stood on, yet it strengthened my empathy and deepened my commitment to supporting caregivers and those they love. Those experiences shaped not only who I am as a person, but also the kind of social worker I strive to be, and for that I am grateful.
Having walked in both roles as a family caregiver and professional, I carry a unique understanding of the invisible weight caregivers bear. From the outside, caregivers appear strong, but the weight remains heavy. The world sees their resilience, but not the sorrow that fuels it. My goal is for caregivers to be truly seen and heard, not just for their remarkable strength, but also for the hidden costs and sacrifices that accompany it.
This perspective continues to guide my work today at the Brain Tumor Network, where I serve as Lead Neuro-Oncology Social Work Navigator, supporting families facing the unique challenges of a primary brain tumor diagnosis. Each day, I walk alongside caregivers, giving them space to share their stories, validating their experiences, and providing emotional support, resources, and education to help them navigate the complexities of healthcare.
Beyond one-on-one navigation support, I co-facilitate a local support group for patients and caregivers, fostering connection and shared understanding. In 2023, I presented at End Brain Cancer’s National Family Caregivers Self-Care Series, highlighting the importance of caregiver well-being. These opportunities allow me to amplify caregiver voices, honoring both their challenges and their resilience.
Today, my identity as a caregiver continues in new ways. I am raising two young children while also caring for my maternal grandmother. Balancing these roles reminds me daily of the profound demands caregivers face, often quietly and without acknowledgment.
Carrying both my personal and professional experiences, I have a deep appreciation for the courage, sacrifice, and love that define caregiving. Caregivers are the unsung heroes of the medical journey, and it is my privilege to walk beside them, offering support, compassion, and validation every step of the way.
