Tara MacIntosh had just discovered that she was pregnant with twins when, only hours later, her husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer.

It was during the pandemic and a very stressful time to be a patient or caregiver receiving any medical intervention.

As her belly grew, Tara supported Gregor for all of his needs and was learning on the fly how to be a caregiver. She quickly learned the toughness that it takes to care for a loved one as well as the comfort that was missing for many who are in this role.

Gregor passed away in December 2021. To give herself something positive to focus on she created Gregor's Gift to help the caregivers in her community of London, Ontario. The charity has provided them with comfort kits while at St. Joseph's Hospice and Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice as well as respite treatments like facials.

We spoke about:

• her husband's Esophageal cancer journey
• the challenges of caregiving
• the importance of caring for caregivers
• building resilience and finding purpose
• the purpose she found in creating Gregor's Gift
• her passions including writing
• finding gratitude during tough times
• positive choices to start and end the day (bookending)