A Caregiver’s Journey: From My Heart to Yours

Written By Tracy Cruel

Hello everyone, I’m Tracy, and I want to share my story as a caregiver. My journey began with my son Tyrone, who was born at just 28 weeks, weighing a little over one pound. He spent more than two and a half months in the hospital, needed blood transfusions, had a hole in his heart, and a hernia. That was the start of my caregiving journey. I’ve had difficult pregnancies—five in total, and I miscarried two. Tyrone, Ebone’, and Brielle—taught me about resilience.

When Brielle was 22 years old, she was diagnosed with leukemia. It was another chapter, and it came just a month and a half after I’d had a total knee replacement in April. By June 3, 2022 we were at the hospital, and by June 7th, she was diagnosed and we had to move to Augusta for her treatment.

During that time, I leaned on my faith and my church family, who reminded me that God was with us even when I doubted. I also leaned on our family and friends who loved us. Those who left their jobs to help, who brought meals out of nowhere, who showed up at the hospital, who called and supported us. I couldn’t have done it alone, and I want to thank all of you. You can’t be a caregiver by yourself; it’s the love of those around you that makes it possible.

And finally, I want to say that even though Brielle didn’t survive, many do. There’s hope. We are one heart, and together, we can keep fighting.