Episode 9 Caregiving on PBS

In this episode, John and Fran talk about the upcoming documentary "Caregiving" to be aired, Tuesday June 24 at 9PM on Public Broadcasting System (PBS) stations across the USA.  It will also be available to watch via streaming on  www.PBS.org.

The documentary is produced by Wellbeings www.wellbeings.org , a family caregiver advocacy group , resource, and center for support. Produced by the actor Bradley Cooper (who cared for his Dad when he was diagnosed with cancer), and narrated by actress Uzo Aduba, Caregiving  tells the personal stories of family caregivers, their triumphs, their challenges, fears and emotions. 

John learned about this project over a year ago, when Wellbeings was compiling stories for the documentary.  He wrote to them, describing his caregiving journey with Mary, as well as the work he has been doing since; developing a support group for family caregivers of cancer patients at a local hospital, his work with a patient support and advocacy group for for patients diagnosed with appendiceal cancer, and this very podcast.

After Mary died, but before he started this advocacy work, John wrote an open letter to family caregivers. Providing advice and counsel from the point of view of one who has travelled the path, John set out to give some pointers and what, and what not, to do as family caregiver.

Wellbeings graciously accepted John's story, and his open letter, to use as part of their media campaign in the days and weekds leading up to the broadcast. Both are available on www.wellbeings.org blog page, and on their instagram page.