In 1998, my mother Bonnie was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer, and in 2001 she was stricken with liver cancer. As a nurse, my mother was the one providing care for others. She was even a caregiver for her mother, my Grandma Bessie, before she passed away in 1997 at the age of 94…. Read More

Chris Richards speaks carefully and haltingly, her speech but not her mind affected by a stroke two years ago that nearly killed her. But the words are worth waiting for. They tell of the power of determination and faith, the love of a wonderful family, the support and inspiration provided by friends, some of whom… Read More

Sometimes a big event touches off a nerve that spurs you to get your affairs in order, especially if it involves your health or the health of a loved one. But, really, it’s never too soon to organize important documents and records and store them in a safe place, with all your user names and… Read More

The beginning of a new year is a time to reflect on what’s important so that you can make the most of the year ahead. When you’re a caregiver, it’s easy to get caught up in your hectic schedule. This New Year, take a moment to pause, breathe and remember why you do what you… Read More

The mom of any energetic, sports-crazy boy is always bracing for something. When every tumble or collision could mean broken bones or stitches, a mom can’t help but wince each time her son goes down. But no matter how prepared she is, there are some things that no mother can brace for. Chelsea had watched… Read More

Second chances don’t usually drop out of the sky. But for Candice and Tim, that’s exactly what happened. Tim was a longtime alcoholic whose addiction slowly eroded their marriage. Candice stood by him as he tried and failed to turn his life around, but by 2011 she had finally had enough. Already living apart from… Read More