In August 2023, Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver took an exciting leap across the pond — airing on UK Health Radio and sharing caregiver stories with an international audience for the first time.

But there was just one catch…
They had 45 minutes or less to tell their story.

Unlike their five-part U.S. debut series, the sisters — Natalie, JJ, and Emilie — had to condense years of caregiving, laughter, loss, and growth into one whirlwind episode.

So, for National Family Caregivers Month, we’re rewinding to that moment.
To how it all began.
To see just how much caregiving — and caregivers — have evolved in the 26 months since that UK debut.

Join us as the sisters (lovingly) battle for the mic to share it all — from Jason’s cancer diagnosis and Mom’s Parkinson’s journey, to their first lessons in skilled nursing, advocacy, and the messy mix of grief and guilt that shaped who they are today.

All this… in just 45 minutes.

Tune in, laugh, cry, and remember: we may all be reluctant caregivers at first, but together, we find the courage to keep going.

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

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Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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In this episode, Ed DeVaney joins the sisters of "Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver" to share his deeply personal caregiving experience. Raised in a competitive and close-knit Irish Catholic family in Chicago, Ed describes a childhood filled with familial connections and strong influences from his mother, who not only modeled the values of care and perseverance but also became the central figure in his own journey as a caregiver. When Ed moved to North Carolina for a major career opportunity, it coincided with the onset of his mother's dementia and Alzheimer’s diagnosis—changes that altered the dynamic of his family and thrust him, alongside his two older sisters, into the complexities of caring for an ailing parent.

Ed speaks candidly about the emotional and logistical challenges that came with balancing his professional growth, the demands of an MBA program, and raising his young family while regularly traveling back to Chicago to help care for his mom. He highlights the family tensions, the guilt of missing pivotal moments in his children’s lives, and the difficulties of honoring his mother’s wish never to enter a nursing home—a promise the siblings ultimately struggled with before acknowledging her increasing needs. Looking back, Ed shares honest reflections on vulnerability, the importance of asking for help, and the lessons this experience has taught him as both a leader and a father. Above all, his story underscores the universal challenges faced by caregivers, the enduring bonds of family, and the need for grace—toward others and oneself—throughout the journey.

About Ed:

Ed DeVaney is a Chicago native from a large, close-knit family. Growing up, he was a dedicated athlete, and that competitive spirit continues to drive him today. Ed has been married to his wife, Michelle, for 20 years, and together they have three children: Grace, Chloe, and Ryan. Their family also includes three dogs: Lakota, Lola, and Poncho.

Support the show

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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Tune in on Whole Care Network

This week’s episode focuses on Christopher “Chris” Schuler—his journey as a son, father, and most notably, a devoted caregiver. Chris, adopted from Colombia and raised in a loving, close-knit family in New York, reflects deeply on identity, belonging, and the power of chosen family. His parents’ move to Rhode Island marked a period of even stronger family bonds, which would later prove invaluable when his father was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The diagnosis and subsequent caregiving experience were transformative for Chris: he describes the initial shock, the emotional toll of shifting immediately into crisis mode, and the unwavering determination to care for his father, drawing strength from childhood lessons of love, attachment, and resilience.

Throughout his father's illness, Chris balanced being a parent himself, maintaining his job, and providing near-round-the-clock care. He candidly shares the physical and mental challenges of caregiving, including the toll on his own health and the burnout that caregivers often experience. Yet, amidst the difficulty, he found meaning by staying present, bringing humor to dark moments, and cherishing precious time with loved ones. The experience has forever changed Chris—today, he proudly claims his identity as “Dad,” guided by his father’s legacy of love and laughter, and is committed to using his voice to support and advocate for other caregivers navigating similar journeys.

About Chris:

Chris is a staunch brain cancer awareness advocate. He was the primary caregiver to his late Dad, Donald Schuler, who was diagnosed with GBM in July 2021. He works closely with biotech’s and patient advocacy organizations across the globe, amplifying their critical work and building key relationships to further improve outcomes for patients. He spent eighteen years as a successful philanthropic facilitator, having raised millions for a variety of causes. He's currently a Venture Partner with Varia Ventures, working to raise awareness for emerging venture funds dedicated to uncovering and funding innovative discoveries to improve brain health. Chris continues as his Dad's caregiver — caregiver to his life, legacy and memory.

Thank you to sponsor: CareScout

Support the show

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

Like us on Facebook!

Tweet with us on Twitter!

Follow us on Instagram!

Watch us on Youtube!

Pin us on Pinterest!

Link us on LinkedIn!

Tune in on Whole Care Network