Episode 97: When Your Loved One Is Ill A Guide to Becoming Their Fiercest Supporter

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Have you ever felt overwhelmed trying to navigate the healthcare system for a seriously ill loved one? You're not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Erin Galyean, author of "Badass Advocate: Becoming the Champion Your Seriously Ill Loved One Deserves," to explore how to effectively advocate for those we care about most.

Turning Personal Tragedy into a Mission

Erin shares her heartbreaking journey of losing both her father and sister to cancer, and how these experiences fueled her passion for patient advocacy. We discuss:

• The emotional toll of caring for a seriously ill family member.
• How Erin's background in pharmaceutical sales equipped her for advocacy.
• Why she decided to write a book to help others navigate similar challenges.

Essential Advocacy Strategies - Discover practical tips to become a more effective advocate:

• The power of keeping organized notes and recordings.
• Building a support team to share caregiving responsibilities.
• Asking open-ended questions to get more information from healthcare providers.
• Preparing for appointments with a prioritized list of questions.

Nurturing Connection During Illness

Erin introduces her new journal, "Getting Through This Together," designed to:

• Foster meaningful conversations between patients and loved ones.
• Provide a treasured keepsake of shared memories.
• Offer a form of self-care for both patients and caregivers.

Whether you're currently supporting a loved one through illness or want to be prepared for future challenges, this episode provides invaluable insights to help you become the advocate your family deserves. 

Remember, you have the power to make a difference in your loved one's care – it's time to embrace your inner badass advocate!

Resources:

Erin Galyean Website

Badass Advocate: Becoming The Champion Your Seriously Ill Loved One Deserves

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