Julia was living in the United States with her husband and her family, but the rest of her extended family was still living in Ukraine when the country was invaded by Russia. After a lengthy and complex journey to get her parents out of Ukraine to join them in the United States, Julia’s father was diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer and started his treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center. Julia and her father were so grateful and appreciative for the care and support they received from Moffitt team members.

Getting a cancer diagnosis is overwhelming not only for the patient but for their family as well. We might assume that the cancer caregiver is the one who can be fully present and take in all the information to help and support the patient. But, as you will hear from Jason, that is not always the case…at least not at first.

Charlie is a former diplomat and current patient advisor at Moffitt Cancer Center. His journey starts with a small cell lung cancer diagnosis while living in Honduras. Feeling like he didn’t have a voice in his care, Charlie transferred to Moffitt and found himself in an environment where he felt empowered, hopeful and courageous.