Nadia Lambert shares what it was like to become a caregiver to her husband, Gary, after his sudden multiple myeloma diagnosis at 38. She reflects on raising two young children while navigating fear, uncertainty, and the shift from partner to advocate. Nadia speaks openly about anticipatory grief, the strain on family life, and the move to Tampa that ultimately brought hope and community. Her story is one of honesty, resilience, and learning that caregivers deserve care, too.

Guests: Nadia Lambert

Host: Donna DiClementi

Production Team: Jackie Beaushaw, Randy Isaacson (Family

Music by: Lloyd Goldstein

Resources discussed in the Podcast: Social

Episode Summary: This episode is being re-released with a special update from Cassie at the end, sharing how she and her family are doing now. In this conversation, Cassie Wood reflects on the shock she experienced when her husband Kyle was diagnosed with brain cancer while celebrating his 33rd birthday. Navigating caregiving while parenting young children, Cassie opens up about burnout and the challenges of asking for help.

Guest: Cassie Wood

Host: Donna DiClementi

Production Team: Jackie Beaushaw, Randy Isaacson (Family Advisor), Donna DiClementi, and Karen Caraballo

Music by: Lloyd Goldstein

Randy reflects on his experience caring for his wife, Lynn, after an unexpected leukemia diagnosis. He shares the emotional weight of realizing treatment wasn’t working, the practical challenges of managing medications and hospital visits, and the small comforts that brought joy during difficult times. Randy opens up about grief, resilience, and the importance of finding ways to grow around loss rather than trying to get over it.

Learn more on our podcast website.

This episode is being re-released with a special update from Mike at the end, sharing how he and his family are doing now. Mike Gallagher never imagined his healthy wife Danni would be diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer. In this conversation, Mike talks about how they shared the news with their teenage children, the struggle to stay positive without falling into toxic positivity, and the unexpected support they received from friends, family, and acquaintances.

Guest: Mike Gallagher

Host: Donna DiClementi

Production Team: Jackie Beaushaw, Randy Isaacson (Family Advisor), Donna DiClementi, and Karen Caraballo

Music by: Lloyd Goldstein

Resources discussed in the Podcast: Social Work, Patient Library

Brielle shares what it was like to care for her fiercely independent father as he battled cancer. She reflects on how the family dynamic shifted when the patriarch — who had always been a pillar of strength and support — now had to rely on his daughters for help. Brielle opens up about navigating this role reversal, the emotional weight of caregiving, and the lessons learned along the way.

What You'll Learn From Brielle

How caregiving shifts family roles, especially for young adults caring for a parent.

What it feels like to balance work, school, and daily caregiving responsibilities during a parent’s cancer journey.

Why communication among family members is essential when sharing caregiving duties.

How to approach difficult role reversals with patience and kindness.

The emotional and practical realities of supporting a loved one through a terminal diagnosis while still trying to care for yourself.

Insights into coping with anticipatory grief and maintaining connection and meaning in the time you have.

Thank You to Our Guest: Brielle Humphreys

Host: Donna DiClementi

Production Team: Jackie Beaushaw, Randy Isaacson

Music by: Lloyd Goldstein

Resources discussed in the Podcast:

Social Work

Patient Library

Artsin Medicine Studio

Support Groups

The ImmunoVerse™ is a monthly podcast exploring the past, present and future of immunotherapy and delving into every intricacy of the body's immune system. Hosted by Moffitt Cancer Center President and CEO, Dr. Patrick Hwu, each episode highlights the trailblazing visionaries who are pushing boundaries in this ever-evolving, world-changing field.

Cathy Tack shares about the ups and downs of caring for her husband Ralph after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Cathy discusses the challenges of learning how to change bandages after surgery, the importance of asking questions, the joys of an impromptu concert and finding meaning after loss.

Mike Gallagher never thought his healthy wife Danni would be diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer. Mike discusses how they shared this news with their teenage children. He also shares the struggles of trying to remain positive and strong while avoiding toxic positivity and the unexpected support they received from friends, family and acquaintances. 

David Dauman describes the challenges of advocating for his mother’s wishes when she was diagnosed with cancer, co-caregiving with a sibling, and the importance of advance care planning.

Being a two-time cancer survivor never prepared Susan Brill for hearing her son say the words “Mom, I have cancer.” Susan shares about the roles her family took in caring for her only son Jonathan. She discusses the dangers of “Doctor Google,” the importance of seeking mental health support, and the difference that can be made when you simply listen.