In this moving episode of The CARTI Hopecast, host Adam Head welcomes Tonya Stripling, a mother of four who walked through a seven-year journey of caregiving, grief and growth after her husband Eric was diagnosed with glioblastoma.

Tonya reflects on the shock of Eric’s diagnosis, the complexities of parenting through anticipatory grief and the emotional toll of watching a loved one change physically and emotionally. She also opens up about what it was like to be both a caregiver and a spouse—roles that often conflicted—and the lessons she learned about asking for help, embracing imperfection and rediscovering herself after loss.

With honesty and insight, Tonya shares the power of staying present, creating community, and choosing a mindset rooted in hope. Her journey is a testament to what it means to do hard things—and come through the other side stronger.

Takeaways:

• Tonya Stripling recounts the profound impact of her husband's brain cancer diagnosis on her life and family dynamics, illustrating the challenges faced by caregivers.
• The journey through cancer treatment revealed the importance of community support, as Tonya describes how friends and church members provided essential assistance.
• Tonya emphasizes the significance of vulnerability, advocating for honest communication about one's emotional struggles during difficult times, rather than maintaining a facade of strength.
• The episode highlights the necessity of maintaining a positive mindset, as Tonya reflects on her husband's philosophy of choosing to be better rather than bitter in the face of adversity.
• Tonya's experience underscores the emotional exhaustion caregivers endure, prompting her to advise others to seek help and not isolate during challenging periods.
• The conversation culminates in Tonya's message of hope, asserting that while grief is uncharted, healing and joy can eventually return after loss.

Founded in 1976, CARTI delivers leading-edge cancer care in a compassionate, patient-centered environment. Our mission is to make trusted cancer care accessible for every patient we serve through compassion, innovation, and purpose.

The CARTI Hopecast shares authentic, meaningful stories that focus on human experiences. Every day, we see patients and families navigating unimaginable hardships, sometimes feeling alone in their journey. Through The Hopecast, listeners hear stories of resilience and transformation, fostering a sense of connection and hope.