Sleep can be hard for both the patient and family when a child is sick. Sleep problems are common in children with serious illnesses. Trouble sleeping could be caused by treatment, medicines, or the effects of illness. But getting sleep is very important for healing and recovery.

In this episode, Erica Sirrine and Valerie Crabtree talk with parents Andy and Caitlin about how they managed to get sleep when their son Max (now age 5) was going through treatment for Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). Andy and Caitlin explain how they reached a compromise on sleeping arrangements at home. Valerie emphasizes that there is no playbook to figuring out sleep for your family. The group talks about the pressure to do things perfectly, and the joy of a simple nighttime song. Listeners will hear expert advice on routine, screen time, using melatonin as sleep aid, and co-sleeping.

A special thank you to our host, Erica Sirrine, director of social work at St. Jude; our expert Valerie Crabtree, vice president of Psychosocial Services at St. Jude and a pediatric psychologist who specializes in sleep; and parents Andy and Caitlin.

This episode was recorded April 24, 2025.

Learn more about Max’s diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) on St. Jude Care & Treatment.

Read about one patient’s sleep success story on the Together blog.

St. Jude does not endorse any branded product or organization mentioned in this podcast.

What does resilience mean when a child is sick? Clay Culp, Janet Sellers, and parent Sara Lohse talk about resilience, or the ability to bounce back, when a child has a serious illness. Sara says “resilient” is the last thing she felt as her family navigated her daughter Madi’s cancer diagnosis and treatment. She shares one of the hardest moments their family experienced. The group talks about how resilience can mean acceptance and taking the next step.

A special thank you to our host Clay Culp, senior social worker at St. Jude; Janet Sellers, manager of the St. Jude Staff Resilience Center; and parent Sara Lohse.

Learn more about Madi’s diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and emotional support and daily life on Together by St. Jude™.

This episode was recorded April 24, 2025.The book that Sara references in the episode is It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst.

St. Jude does not endorse any branded product or organization mentioned in this podcast.

We're happy to present season 3 of Caregivers SHARE, a St. Jude podcast. Hear from families and health care providers as they share personal stories and offer support to those caring for a child with a serious illness.

At St. Jude, we understand the challenges that families face during this difficult time, and we are committed to providing resources to help. Each episode of the podcast focuses on S.H.A.R.E—Supporting, Honoring, Advising, Reflecting, and Encouraging caregivers.

The first episode of Season 3 will drop on July 17, 2025.

In this episode, Brenda Stephens and Erica Sirrine talk about loss and keeping memories alive. Brenda’s daughter Emily died of cancer at age 23. Brenda discusses navigating the first year after Emily died, the ways her family keeps Emily’s light alive, and being mentored by other parents through the journey. Brenda and Erica emphasize the importance of allowing oneself to feel, creating new traditions, and continuing to tell Emily’s story and celebrate her life. Brenda encourages other grieving parents to turn grief into love and give to others.

A special thank you to our moderator, Erica Sirrine, social work director at St. Jude, and our parent caregiver, Brenda Stephens.

Learn more about grief and bereavement on Together by St. Jude™.This episode was recorded on 04/26/24.

In this episode, Carol Bailey and her daughter Katie talk with child life specialist Heather Haluska about going through cancer during the teen years. Katie was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia when she was a senior in high school. She continues to deal with chronic health conditions related to her diagnosis. Katie shares how she handled missing out on teenage experiences, used creativity as an outlet, and learned to advocate for herself in medical settings. Carol discusses learning to take time for herself. Both mother and daughter highlight the importance of communication and listening, even when they could only communicate through eye contact.

A special thank you to our moderator, Heather Haluska, child life specialist at St. Jude; our parent caregiver, Carol Bailey; and patient, Katie Bailey.Learn more about Katie’s diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on Together by St. Jude™.This episode was recorded on 04/04/2024.

Elnora Lee describes her 17-year journey with 3 school-age daughters navigating cancer. She talks with Randy Thompson of the St. Jude Imagine Academy about learning challenges, relationship challenges, and the importance of having compassion and empathy. She offers tips for helping a school-age child retain multiplication facts and turning trips to the store into learning experiences. Elnora emphasizes the importance of setting the tone, being firm, and focusing on the future.

A special thank you to our moderator, Randy Thompson, STEMM coordinator, Imagine Academy by Chili’s at St. Jude, and our parent caregiver, Elnora Lee.

Learn more about brain and spinal cord tumors on Together by St. Jude™.

This episode was recorded on 08/05/24.

In this episode, Ela Molina talks with Jen Harman about Ela’s daughter’s experience with cancer. Isa Molina was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at 22 months old. Jen was Ela and Isa’s psychologist at St. Jude while Isa went through treatment. Ela and Jen reflect on that time. They offer tips for using play, setting limits, keeping a routine, and using positive reinforcement with young children. Ela highlights how helpful child life and music therapy were for Isa in the hospital. For parents and caregivers, Jen and Ela emphasize the importance of helping others through finding their own calling.

A special thank you to our moderator, Jen Harman, formerly Assistant Director of the Psychology Clinic at St. Jude, and our parent caregiver, Ela Molina.

Learn more about Isa’s diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on Together by St. Jude™.

This episode was recorded on 05/22/2024.

ShaQuitta McGhee and Jessica Watts reflect on how they supported their other children while their child was sick. ShaQuitta discusses how she relied on family and a counselor. She admits she didn’t always get it right when parenting her daughter, Reign Bella, and her sons at the same time. Jessica sheds light on how she found ways to include her younger son in family activities when he couldn’t be involved in her older son Charlie’s treatment. Both women share the importance of relishing moments together and celebrating the ones we love.

A special thank you to our moderator, Ashley Carr, child life specialist at St. Jude, and our parent caregivers, ShaQuitta McGhee and Jessica Watts.

In this episode, Wes and Kady Shell talk about how they kept their marriage strong and remained close while their daughter Hattie went through an extended ICU stay. Wes and Cady discuss how they learned to let go, meet their spouse where they were, and check in often. One is an early riser and one of them is a night owl. This fact that used to irritate them became key in taking shifts in the ICU. Their differences became their strengths.

A special thank you to our moderator, Clay Culp, social worker at St. Jude, and our parent caregivers, Wesley and Kady Shell.

Learn more about Hattie’s diagnosis of anaplastic large cell lymphoma on Together by St. Jude™.

This episode was recorded on 04/04/2024.

We are happy to present season 2 of Caregivers SHARE, a St. Jude podcast. Hear from families and health care providers as they share personal stories and offer support to those caring for a child with a serious illness.

At St. Jude, we understand the challenges that families face during this difficult time, and we are committed to providing resources to help. Each episode of the podcast focuses on S.H.A.R.E—Supporting, Honoring, Advising, Reflecting, and Encouraging caregivers.

The first episode of Season 2 will drop on September 12, 2024.

https://www.stjude.org/care-treatment/patient-families/family-caregiver/caregivers-share-podcast.html