A Caregiver’s Journey: From My Heart to Yours
It all begins with an idea.
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.
One Caregiver to Another
May 3, 2026
Written By:: Lena Priester
In 2022, my husband (Michael) was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Becoming his caregiver was one of the most challenging roles I have ever faced. At the time, I believed we simply had to do whatever it took to survive the journey and bring him home. I had no idea what this role would truly require—but I showed up, and the job got done.
There were many sleepless nights spent in uncomfortable hospital chairs. Long, helpless days. Missed meals. Through it all, I made sure he ate, rested when he could, and followed everything the medical team asked of us.
After 30 days in the hospital, the day he came home was one of the happiest days of my life—only for us to return just two days later when he developed sepsis. In that moment, I realized: this is where he needs to be. The hospital could care for him in ways I simply couldn’t at home.
Today, we thank God for the experience—because it changed us.
As one caregiver to another, I want to encourage you: take time for yourself. Self-care is not selfish—it’s necessary. Because if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t fully take care of them.