Grief doesn't always wait for death.

When you're caring for someone with Alzheimer's, especially younger-onset Alzheimer's, you may find yourself grieving ongoing changes long before the end of life. This is anticipatory grief, and it can feel confusing, exhausting, and deeply isolating.

In this episode (31 of the GRIEF Ladies), we met with Cheri Davies and Karen Sandone and explored:

• What anticipatory grief feels like

• The emotional realities of caregiving

• Why building a support community matters

• Self-care strategies that are actually realistic

• Finding moments of connection and joy along the way

Caregiving is love in action, and caregivers deserve care, too.

As always, we close with practical steps you can try this week.

Guest Bio: Cheri Davies is a clinical social worker based in upstate New York. After her husband, Chris, was diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer's in June 2019, Cheri became a strong advocate for the Alzheimer's Association as an Ambassador for the Alzheimer's Impact Movement. Cheri is also a founding member of Surviving the Now: Younger Onset Alzheimer's. Their mission is to provide support to spouses and caregivers a supportive community while going through younger onset Alzheimer's. Cheri is also an author in three collaborative books including Holistic Mental Health Vol 1 and 2, and The award winning Grief Experience, Tools for Acceptance, Resilience, and Connection. Karen Sandone is a member of the NFL Alumni community and a passionate Alzheimer's advocate. She holds a master's degree in Human Resources Development from Villanova University and has served as Director of Human Resources at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit since 2016. After her husband, Anthony, was diagnosed with Younger-Onset Alzheimer's at 55, Karen became a dedicated caregiver, volunteer for the Alzheimer's Association, congressional advocate for the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM), and founder of Surviving the Now, a supportive community for caregivers. Through her speaking and writing, she shares her family's journey to inspire awareness, strength, and hope.

Connect with Cheri and Karen at:

Surviving the Now Website: Survivingthenow.com

Linktr.ee/cheridavies

Linktr.ee/survivingthenow.endalz

Instagram: Klsandone Anthony_vs_alzheimers

CDaviesalz

TikTok Ksandone Tonystok

GRIEF Ladies: Your Guide to What Comes Next

If you're ready to move forward without moving on—this show is for you.

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Kelly Daugherty: https://www.kellydaugherty.com/ Karyn Arnold: https://www.griefincommon.com/

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The GRIEF Ladies podcast offers education and support for people living with grief after someone they love has died. Our content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care or crisis services. If you are in crisis or concerned about your safety, call 988 in the U.S. or contact local emergency services.

Guest perspectives shared on this platform are their own and may not reflect the views or positions of The Grief Ladies.