Michelle Cain’s journey as a caregiver began when her mother was diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia during the pandemic, a time already fraught with uncertainty and stress. At 47, Michelle found herself in the “sandwich generation,” balancing the needs of her own family—her husband and two sons—with the increasing demands of caring for her mother. The diagnosis came as a shock, and Michelle quickly had to navigate the complexities of her mother’s delusions, the challenges of finding appropriate care, and the emotional toll of watching a parent’s health decline. Despite a complicated relationship with her mother, Michelle became the primary caregiver, a role shaped by both proximity and necessity.

Throughout this experience, Michelle confronted not only the practical aspects of caregiving but also deep-seated emotional issues. Her mother’s illness unearthed decades of unresolved resentment and anger, forcing Michelle to process and ultimately find forgiveness. This journey was made even more challenging by the pressures of the pandemic and personal struggles within her own family, including her son’s eating disorder and her ongoing commitment to sobriety. Michelle’s story is one of resilience and growth—she openly shares how her caregiving role, though difficult, became a catalyst for healing and self-discovery.

Michelle’s insights, captured in her book “Did Mom Drop Acid?”, offer valuable lessons for others in similar situations. She emphasizes the importance of accepting help, maintaining a sense of humor, and recognizing that grief and forgiveness are complex, ongoing processes. Her candid reflections provide hope and guidance for caregivers facing their own challenges, illustrating that even in the midst of chaos, there can be unexpected gifts and opportunities for personal transformation.

Thank you to sponsor: CareScout

Learn more about Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver: https://confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com/

** Caregiver Action Network Caregiver Help Desk offers free support to family caregivers via phone, chat, or email Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern. Get answers, resources, support group info, or a listening ear. Visit www.caregiveraction.org/helpdesk/ or call 855-277-3640.**

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The story of Mollie and Maureen powerfully illustrates the emotional depth and complexities of family caregiving when ALS profoundly impacts a household. Maureen, a pediatric nurse from Philadelphia, took on the primary caregiving role for her mother after her father's death. This decision was driven by both her medical background and a deep sense of love and responsibility. She skillfully managed the demands of her career, family, and caregiving, coordinating her siblings and extended family to honor her mother's desire to remain at home. The path to an ALS diagnosis was uncertain, involving multiple specialists and a gradual understanding of the disease's progression. Despite her professional experience, Maureen found herself learning extensively about ALS, underscoring how even healthcare professionals face significant learning curves when caring for loved ones.

Maureen's daughter, Mollie, offered a distinct perspective as a support to her mother and as a member of the next generation grappling with the implications of a genetic disease. After her grandmother's diagnosis and passing, Mollie's career shifted toward pharmaceuticals and rare disease case management, fueled by her connection to ALS. She also confronted the difficult decision of genetic testing, discovering she carried a mutation linked to ALS. This knowledge influenced significant life choices, including family planning and open discussions with her now-husband about their future.

Their narrative highlights the importance of workplace flexibility for caregivers, the value of transparent family communication, and the necessity of support systems, both within and outside the family. Through their involvement, they are contributing to a more informed and compassionate approach to ALS and caregiving, offering hope and guidance to others navigating similar journeys.

Thank you to sponsor: CareScout

Learn more about Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver: https://confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com/

** Caregiver Action Network Caregiver Help Desk offers free support to family caregivers via phone, chat, or email Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern. Get answers, resources, support group info, or a listening ear. Visit www.caregiveraction.org/helpdesk/ or call 855-277-3640.**

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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Shannon Traphagen became a caregiver at 43 when her husband Mike was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer. Their 14-month battle was fraught with heartbreak, including losing an adoption opportunity just before his diagnosis. Despite the challenges, Shannon showed remarkable strength, focusing on Mike's care while managing her own health and emotions.

Her experience highlights the emotional challenges of caregiving for young couples facing medical crises. Shannon and Mike's relationship stayed strong through his illness, with Shannon noting their silent communication in his final hours. After Mike's death, she turned her grief into purpose by creating the "Game On Glio" podcast to support others and focusing on her healing through counseling, self-care, and openness to love again.

Today, Shannon honors Mike's memory while building a new life. She’s writing a book about their journey to share hope and resilience. Her goals are to find love, stay healthy, and create a lively, connected home. Her story shows how caregivers can survive loss and stay hopeful.

Thank you to sponsor: CareScout

Learn more about Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver: https://confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com/

** Caregiver Action Network Caregiver Help Desk offers free support to family caregivers via phone, chat, or email Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern. Get answers, resources, support group info, or a listening ear. Visit www.caregiveraction.org/helpdesk/ or call 855-277-3640.**

Shannon Traphagen became a caregiver at 43 when her husband, Mike, was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer. Their 14-month journey was filled with challenges, including the heartbreak of losing an adoption opportunity shortly before his diagnosis. Despite this, Shannon focused on Mike's care and maintained her own well-being.

After Mike's passing, Shannon channeled her grief into purpose by creating the "Game On Glio" podcast, which supports brain cancer patients and their families while spreading awareness. The podcast, which ranks in the top 10% globally and won a 2023 Ignite Award, shares stories of resilience and hope.

Shannon is also the founder of Traphagen’s Trail Ride 4 Brain Cancer, raising over $75,000 for clinical trials. As an accomplished writer and motivational speaker, she continues to honor Mike’s memory while writing a book about their journey and focusing on her healing, health, and

Support the show

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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