A Mother's Love and Strength: Navigating Pediatric Cancer as a Caregiver

In this episode, we talk with Rachael Sommer, a dedicated mother and caregiver from Cleveland, Ohio. Rachael shares the journey of her daughter Maddie, who was diagnosed with Hepatosplenic T-cell Lymphoma in October 2023, after several months of mysterious symptoms. Treated at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Maddie's condition has profoundly impacted their lives.

Rachael recounts their initial stay at the Ronald McDonald House post-diagnosis, highlighting the physical and emotional changes Maddie experienced. Maddie's extreme fatigue and breathlessness were particularly challenging, and Rachael emphasizes the importance of adjusting to a "new normal" while staying in constant communication with doctors. Rachael found solace in the Ronald McDonald House's facilities, specifically the fitness room, which helped her manage her own stress.

The conversation shifts to the emotional toll on Maddie, who struggled with isolation from friends and the mental burden of not being able to participate in normal activities. Despite the support of friends and thoughtful gestures like sending cards, nothing could replace the physical presence of her peers. Rachael's creativity shone through when she set up a Google camera to allow Maddie to see her cats, Binks and Leon, while they were away.

Rachael discusses the importance of recognizing and respecting individual emotional needs. Maddie’s withdrawal from activities she once enjoyed, like listening to music, was particularly hard for Rachael, who feared losing her daughter's spirited personality. Eventually, Maddie slowly began to regain her sarcasm and interactions with her younger brother, Ezekiel, signaling a return to her usual self.

The financial strain of Maddie's illness is another significant aspect of their journey. Rachael praises the support from various organizations, including Carrie's Cause, Fight Like A Dozer, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which provided crucial financial aid. This support allowed Rachael to focus on Maddie's care without the added burden of financial stress.

Rachael also shares her career transition to consulting, driven by the need for greater flexibility to support her family. Her faith in God has been a cornerstone throughout this journey, providing spiritual strength and community support.

Finally, Rachael reflects on the importance of savoring small moments of joy amidst the challenges. She encourages other caregivers to focus on what truly matters, finding moments of normalcy and joy, and maintaining hope and strength for their loved ones.

Resources:

Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/

Fight Like a Dozer: https://www.fightlikeadozer.org/

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS): https://lls.org/

NMDP (formerly Be The Match): https://bethematch.org/

The Bible Recap: https://www.thebiblerecap.com/

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

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Thank you to our sponsors. This season is supported by a healthcare contribution from Sanofi  https://www.sanofi.com/

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