Welcome to the Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Podcast! Have you ever thought, “Caregiving can’t really be that hard, right?”  

In this episode we’re talking with Kandis Draw, a daughter, sister, caregiver and so much more.  

The sisters talk with Kandis about how she was thrown into the caregiving world at 30 years old after her mother's stage 4 cancer diagnosis. On the same day, she became a parent to her 8 and 12-year-old siblings. Kandis shares a young life interrupted by caregiving, how the journey created a mission, and how some words of healing can go unspoken. 

Spoiler Alert: What was truly unexpected was how difficult rejoining the workplace would be after eight years of caregiving for her mother and siblings. 

Listen in on how Kandis turned those feelings of rejection and loss into action, becoming a successful advocate on the local, state and federal level.  No one can miss Kandis’ steadfast passion and commitment to help others and we’re all better for it.     

Key Takeaways:

• Caregiving is a journey you won’t understand until you’re in it.  
• Find the gratitude in the journey
• Identify a group of supportive friends
• Alone time is invaluable.  Give yourself permission to have it! 

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Learn More About Kandis Draw 

Kandis Draw lives in Chicago, IL and works as a Community Education Associate for the HAP Foundation, with a concentration in Chatham & Englewood, where she provides Community Education surrounding end of life issues. Most recently, she was appointed to the Illinois Commission for Gynecological Cancers. She is also a contributor for Caregiving.com, which honors family caregivers and former caregivers as beacons of hope.  Kandis was recently awarded the 2022 CHW Section Leader award from the American Public Health Association. She has also been featured across several podcasts, including Bump in the Road, Black Cancer, We Have Cancer, My Cancer Story Podcast, and most recently WillGather Podcast. 

Connect with Kandis Draw

Linked In:  linkedin.com/in/kandis-draw

Other Helpful ResourcesLinks:

https://cancerwellness.com/essays/caregivers-supporter-ovarian-cancer-kandis-draw/

https://twistoutcancer.org/art/kandis-draw-andrea-picard/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dlXfac-oao

www.ignitehopecandles.org/kandisdraw/

Advocacy  Work:  

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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Have you ever thought, “When God calls my number, am I really going to step up to the challenge? YES!”  

The youngest of three Elliott sisters, Emilie has always been a natural born caregiver.  From early childhood, caring for baby dolls and animals, to adulthood where she operated her own daycare center, and ultimately serving as mom to three amazing children, her passion for caring for others has no bounds.

In this episode, Emilie takes the lead in sharing her caregiving journey with her sisters JJ and Natalie.  Her story reflects the role(s) so many of you have traveled in your own caregiver journey.  She’s checked off serving as long-distance caregiver, close-by caregiver and of course, most recently, live-in caregiver to her mother, Connie.  She has been a sandwich caregiver, caring for both her mother and children at the same time.  

It was the most recent change in caregiver role, that of a live-in caretaker, where she’s found the most unexpected surprises.  Namely, navigating the ups and downs that come with the role reversal between parent and adult child.     

Listen in as Emilie talks with her sisters about the challenges, and even push back, she’s experienced as roommate and caregiver to Connie. She discusses the difference between raising your children to that of supporting her mother.  From establishing new rules to setting “Elliott” household expectations to ensure everyone’s safety, you’re sure to relate and learn from experiences.   

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t be afraid to set rules for the household. Establish rules with a goal of mutual agreement and most important, respect as the foundation.
• Although you may be the “child” in the parent/child relationship, remember, your voice matters and carries equal weight in the decision making process.
• The importance of self-care cannot be overstated. Find the activity that centers you and do it daily, and if needed, hourly!     

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Learn More About Emilie Elliott

Emilie Elliott was born to be a caretaker.  From age 8 when she brought home the stray dog from the bus stop to the guinea pig she taught to “squeak” when he was ready for food, Emilie has always cared.  She left college to marry and over the next five years had two sons and a daughter.

As a military wife, she became licensed to operate a home daycare and continued her calling of care for another 4 years.  Life took a turn and after divorcing she returned with her children to Tennessee.  She worked with the County government for over 10 years.  

Connect with Emilie Elliott

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080125263784&sk=about

Blog: https://www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com/blog

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

JJ, Natalie, and Emilie are a trio of sisters supporting their mom, who is living with Parkinson, and a husband who survived cancer. We offer information, inspiration, hope & laughter.

The Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver podcast will offer a candid, unfiltered space to confess the good, the bad, and the ugly of being a caregiver. Through storytelling, guest interviews, and information sharing, JJ, Natalie, and Emilie, along with their guests, discuss their shared experiences. Viewers and listeners alike will relate to our reluctance, be affirmed in their ability to be caregivers, and gain the courage to confidently step out of the shadows to express their own needs.

You are sure to laugh, cry, and everything in between but in the end, all will leave feeling better for the journey and part of the sisterhood of care. So grab your favorite guilty pleasure, and let's get to confessing!

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