When your mission shifts from the battlefield to the bedside, how do you keep going? This episode features Dan Contreras from Disabled American Veterans, who opens up about the emotional realities of becoming his wife's caregiver after her cancer diagnosis and how that experience reshaped his understanding of service. Dan shares how DAV's Caregiver Support Program empowers those who carry the invisible weight of caring for a loved one, connecting them to resources, community, and hope.From learning to accept help to balancing self-care and duty, Dan's story reminds us that strength comes from knowing when to reach out. Whether you're a veteran, spouse, or friend, this conversation shines a light on the people who quietly keep others alive and the programs that stand ready to support them. Timestamps:
- 00:03:00 - The day Dan's life changed forever: stepping into the caregiver role
- 00:07:15 - The unexpected impact of that first call with a DAV Care Specialist
- 00:14:45 - How the Caregiver Program creates real respite and connection
- 00:21:15 - Redefining strength: when asking for help becomes wisdom
- 00:47:00 - The truth about caregiver burnout and why no one can do it alone
Links & Resources
- Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
- Website: https://dav.org
- DAV Caregivers Program: https://davcaregivers.org
- Follow DAV on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dav
- Follow DAV on Instagram: http://instagram.com/davhq
- Follow DAV on Twitter/X: https://x.com/davhq
- Follow DAV on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/davhq
- Follow DAV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/disabledamericanveterans
Transcript
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