Julie Middleton, founder of Zippaport, shares her journey of her daughter's leukemia diagnosis and how it led to the creation of Zippaport, a charity that provides zippered shirts for kids port access. Our chat covers topics such as the challenges of treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of Zippaport on families, and the process of ordering and receiving shirts. Julie also opens up about her own experience as a cancer mom and emphasizes the importance of community and giving back, and how it can be a healing process for parents. Julie also talks about the challenges of hair loss during treatment and the feelings of shame and embarrassment it can bring. She shares her own experience and the impact it had on her daughter. Finally, Julie discusses her daughter's relapse and the roller coaster of emotions that come with it, as well as the importance of self-care and taking time for oneself during treatment.

You can learn more about Julie and her incredible work, and order a shirt, at zippaport.ca

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In this conversation, Sam and Dr. Mike Lang explore the profound impact of caregiving storytelling. Mike shares his personal journey from being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma when he was 25, emphasizing the importance of caregiver support and the need for connection among those affected by cancer. They discuss the challenges of identity during treatment, the significance of agency in caregiving, and the transformative power of adventure therapy. Mike emphasizes the value of caregiver storytelling as a means to bridge the gap, allowing caregivers to process their experiences and share wisdom with others. The discussion also highlights his award winning video series 'Caregivers in the Wild,' which aims to support caregivers through shared experiences and storytelling. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the significance of finding hope and connection in the caregiving journey. In this conversation, Sam and Dr Mike Lang delve into the profound themes of caregiving, storytelling, and the elusive nature of balance. They explore how shared experiences can create a safe space for caregivers to express their feelings and insights. The discussion highlights the importance of storytelling in processing experiences and the need for community support among caregivers. They also touch on future projects aimed at enhancing digital storytelling and the significance of hearing others' stories during challenging times.

mikelangstories.com

Caregivers In the Wild

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This chat with Heather was initially intended to talk about the difference between the US and Canadian health care systems and the cost of cancer, but more often than not, our talks veer into areas that go much deeper than what we originally planned.

Heather bravely and vulnerably shares how the financial pressures of her daughter’s treatment for Ewing Sarcoma made her feel like she needed to turn to social media for fundraising based on the success she’d seen when other families shared their child’s cancer journey.

The only caveat, she found, was that the more graphic and intense the photo’s, the more followers a family would have, which equates to more funds. Heather’s daughter wasn’t comfortable with sharing the more sensitive photos during her treatment, so Heather shares it impacted how many followers, and funds, they were able to raise.

This topic is VAST. There are so many opinions and strongly held beliefs when it comes to social media and how we, as a medical parent community, choose to share our child’s cancer.

There is no denying the value of social media when it comes to connecting parents, raising awareness for childhood cancer, and sharing with loved ones and our communities what our family is experiencing. But is there a line? Is there a place where we as parents have to consider what our kids might consent or agree to in the future?

Today we talk about Heather’s line, and what she felt comfortable with sharing. I would love to hear what your line is, and how it makes you feel to share, and what you feel comfortable sharing.

Thank you SO much Heather for starting this conversation with me, I really want to keep having it with all of you.

ALSO! You'll (not in a peaceful way) meet all my dogs in our episode today. They all send their deepest apologies for barking like crazy 🐕💛

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