UPDATE: Facing Cancer as a Family with Mike Gallagher

A Newborn and a New Diagnosis with Cayla Page

Cayla shares what it was like to care for her husband, Jordan, through two cancer diagnoses while welcoming a newborn and raising a toddler. She reflects on the chaos of new motherhood, surgeries, full‑time work and the fear of not knowing what their future would hold. Cayla also opens up about learning to accept help, finding small moments of joy through her children, and shifting her perspective on what truly matters. Her story offers honesty, strength, and a reminder that caregivers can’t and shouldn’t do it all alone.

It’s a Marathon, not a Race with Nadia Lambert

Nadia Lambert shares what it was like to become a caregiver to her husband, Gary, after his sudden multiple myeloma diagnosis at 38. She reflects on raising two young children while navigating fear, uncertainty, and the shift from partner to advocate. Nadia speaks openly about anticipatory grief, the strain on family life, and the move to Tampa that ultimately brought hope and community. Her story is one of honesty, resilience, and learning that caregivers deserve care, too. Guests: Nadia Lambert Host: Donna DiClementi Production Team: Jackie Beaushaw, Randy Isaacson (Family Advisor), Donna DiClementi, and Karen Caraballo Music by: Lloyd Goldstein Resources discussed in the Podcast: Social Work [https://www.moffitt.org/patient-family/programs-support-services/counseling-and-support/social-work-counseling/?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=brochure&utm_campaign=sw&utm_content=socialwork], Patient Library [https://www.moffitt.org/patient-family/while-at-moffitt/patient-library-and-welcome-center/], Families First [https://www.moffitt.org/patient-family/programs-support-services/families-first], Patient and Family Advisory Program [https://www.moffitt.org/patient-family/patient-and-family-centered-care/patient-and-family-advisory-program].

UPDATE: I Really Misunderstood Self-Care

Episode Summary: This episode is being re-released with a special update from Cassie at the end, sharing how she and her family are doing now. In this conversation, Cassie Wood reflects on the shock she experienced when her husband Kyle was diagnosed with brain cancer while celebrating his 33rd birthday. Navigating caregiving while parenting young children, Cassie opens up about burnout and the challenges of asking for help. Guest: Cassie Wood Host: Donna DiClementi Production Team: Jackie Beaushaw, Randy Isaacson (Family Advisor), Donna DiClementi, and Karen Caraballo Music by: Lloyd Goldstein

You Never Get Over It, You Grow Around It with Randy Isaacson

Randy reflects on his experience caring for his wife, Lynn, after an unexpected leukemia diagnosis. He shares the emotional weight of realizing treatment wasn’t working, the practical challenges of managing medications and hospital visits, and the small comforts that brought joy during difficult times. Randy opens up about grief, resilience, and the importance of finding ways to grow around loss rather than trying to get over it. What You'll Learn From Randy * How to stay grounded when caregiving begins suddenly and life changes overnight. * Focusing on one day, one task, one person can help when the future feels overwhelming. * Activities like movement and journaling can protect a caregiver’s mental health. * Kindness toward yourself matters just as much as caring for your loved one. * Love, not perfection, is what truly carries caregivers through. * Joy and connection can still exist, even in the hardest moments Learn more on our podcast website [https://www.moffitt.org/about-moffitt/podcasts/in-it-together?utm_source=podcast_megaphone&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=inittogether].

UPDATE: Facing Cancer as a Family with Mike Gallagher

This episode is being re-released with a special update from Mike at the end, sharing how he and his family are doing now. Mike Gallagher never imagined his healthy wife Danni would be diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer. In this conversation, Mike talks about how they shared the news with their teenage children, the struggle to stay positive without falling into toxic positivity, and the unexpected support they received from friends, family, and acquaintances. Guest: Mike Gallagher Host: Donna DiClementi Production Team: Jackie Beaushaw, Randy Isaacson (Family Advisor), Donna DiClementi, and Karen Caraballo Music by: Lloyd Goldstein Resources discussed in the Podcast: Social Work, Patient Library