Episodios

  • Episode 5: Emotional Wellbeing

    Episode 5: Emotional Wellbeing
    Nov 20 2025
    Emotional wellbeing involves being present, having courage, and focusing on what’s important—even in tough times. But emotional health may look different when a child has a serious illness, especially if emotional health needs were there before diagnosis.

    In this episode, Clay Culp and Kendra Parris talk with caregiver Patricia LeBlanc and her daughter Sophie about emotional health while Sophie was going through treatment. Sophie was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma at age 12. Kendra talks about the importance of taking care of yourself before you can take care of your child. Patricia discusses how her vision for Sophie’s life had to shift and explains how they embraced times to play and have fun together. Sophie talks about how her confidence grew and how she learned to manage her anxiety. The group explores the importance of sharing your burdens and getting support.

    A special thank you to our host, Clay Culp, senior social worker at St. Jude; our expert Kendra Parris, associate member of the St. Jude faculty in Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences; and Patricia and Sophie LeBlanc.

    This episode was recorded August 1, 2025.

    Learn more about Sophie’s diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma on St. Jude Care & Treatment and Together by St. Jude™.

    Learn more about Psychology and Mental Health Services and wound vac therapy on Together by St. Jude™.

    A halo brace (or halo vest), mentioned in this episode, is a brace used to keep the spine and neck from moving and protect them after surgery.

    If you’re feeling hopeless, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or chatting online for support. 

    St. Jude does not endorse any branded product or organization mentioned in this podcast.
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    35 m
  • Episode 4: Fertility Preservation Decisions

    Episode 4: Fertility Preservation Decisions
    Oct 16 2025
    Some treatments for serious illness can affect a patient’s ability to have biological children later in life, but there are ways to protect fertility. When a child is seriously ill, fertility preservation is a tough but important topic to address.

    In this episode, Mark Brown and Kari Bjornard talk with Evan Moore about fertility preservation when he was going through treatment. An elite NCAA track and cross-country athlete, Evan was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in his early 20s. Evan discusses the honest conversations he had with his mom and fiancée about preserving fertility. Kari offers insights into the timing, steps to take, talking to your care team, and other options for having a family. The group talks about staying positive and being with the people you love.

    A special thank you to our host, Mark Brown, director of Spiritual Care Services at St. Jude; our expert Kari Bjornard, director of the Fertility Program and assistant member of the Oncology faculty at St. Jude; and patient Evan Moore.

    This episode was recorded August 7, 2025. Stay tuned for a forthcoming episode on female fertility preservation decisions.

    Learn more about Evan’s diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma on St. Jude Care & Treatment and Together by St. Jude™.

    Learn more about male fertility and female fertility on Together by St. Jude™.

    St. Jude does not endorse any branded product or organization mentioned in this podcast.
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    39 m
  • Episode 3: Understanding Sickle Cell Disease

    Episode 3: Understanding Sickle Cell Disease
    Sep 18 2025
    Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that affects patients physically, emotionally, and socially. Even though sickle cell research and treatment have improved over the last several years, many are still learning about how this condition impacts the body and daily life.

    In this episode, parents Audrey Davis and Quenton Mullins talk with Tekeima Townsend-Billups and Jerlym Porter about going through sickle cell disease with their daughters Courtney and Nia. They discuss the invisible and unpredictable nature of the disease, dealing with pain crises, the importance of therapy, and advocating for their children.

    A special thank you our host, Tekeima Townsend-Billups, senior staff chaplain at St. Jude; our expert, Jerlym Porter, associate member of the St. Jude faculty in Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences; and parents Audrey Davis and Quenton Mullins.

    Learn more about Courtney and Nia’s diagnosis of sickle cell disease and the transition to adult health care on Together by St. Jude™.

    The statistics that Quenton mentions on sickle cell disease in the U.S. can be found on the CDC’s website.

    Discover more insights into Nia’s journey on the Together blog.

    This episode was recorded May 15, 2025.

    St. Jude does not endorse any branded product or organization mentioned in this podcast.
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    45 m
  • Episode 2: The Importance of Sleep

    Episode 2: The Importance of Sleep
    Aug 21 2025
    Sleep can be hard for both the patient and family when a child is sick. Sleep problems are common in children with serious illnesses. Trouble sleeping could be caused by treatment, medicines, or the effects of illness. But getting sleep is very important for healing and recovery.

    In this episode, Erica Sirrine and Valerie Crabtree talk with parents Andy and Caitlin about how they managed to get sleep when their son Max (now age 5) was going through treatment for Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). Andy and Caitlin explain how they reached a compromise on sleeping arrangements at home. Valerie emphasizes that there is no playbook to figuring out sleep for your family. The group talks about the pressure to do things perfectly, and the joy of a simple nighttime song. Listeners will hear expert advice on routine, screen time, using melatonin as sleep aid, and co-sleeping.

    A special thank you to our host, Erica Sirrine, director of social work at St. Jude; our expert Valerie Crabtree, vice president of Psychosocial Services at St. Jude and a pediatric psychologist who specializes in sleep; and parents Andy and Caitlin.

    This episode was recorded April 24, 2025.

    Learn more about Max’s diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) on St. Jude Care & Treatment.

    Read about one patient’s sleep success story on the Together blog.

    St. Jude does not endorse any branded product or organization mentioned in this podcast.
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    35 m
  • Episode 1: What Resilience Means

    Episode 1: What Resilience Means
    Jul 17 2025
    What does resilience mean when a child is sick? Clay Culp, Janet Sellers, and parent Sara Lohse talk about resilience, or the ability to bounce back, when a child has a serious illness. Sara says “resilient” is the last thing she felt as her family navigated her daughter Madi’s cancer diagnosis and treatment. She shares one of the hardest moments their family experienced. The group talks about how resilience can mean acceptance and taking the next step.

    A special thank you to our host Clay Culp, senior social worker at St. Jude; Janet Sellers, manager of the St. Jude Staff Resilience Center; and parent Sara Lohse.

    Learn more about Madi’s diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and emotional support and daily life on Together by St. Jude™.

    This episode was recorded April 24, 2025.The book that Sara references in the episode is It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst.

    St. Jude does not endorse any branded product or organization mentioned in this podcast.
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    41 m
  • Season 3 Trailer

    Season 3 Trailer
    Jul 10 2025
    We're happy to present season 3 of Caregivers SHARE, a St. Jude podcast. Hear from families and health care providers as they share personal stories and offer support to those caring for a child with a serious illness.

    At St. Jude, we understand the challenges that families face during this difficult time, and we are committed to providing resources to help. Each episode of the podcast focuses on S.H.A.R.E—Supporting, Honoring, Advising, Reflecting, and Encouraging caregivers.

    The first episode of Season 3 will drop on July 17, 2025.
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    1 m
  • Living with Grief During a Time of Celebration

    Living with Grief During a Time of Celebration
    Nov 20 2024
    In this episode, Brenda Stephens and Erica Sirrine talk about loss and keeping memories alive. Brenda’s daughter Emily died of cancer at age 23. Brenda discusses navigating the first year after Emily died, the ways her family keeps Emily’s light alive, and being mentored by other parents through the journey. Brenda and Erica emphasize the importance of allowing oneself to feel, creating new traditions, and continuing to tell Emily’s story and celebrate her life. Brenda encourages other grieving parents to turn grief into love and give to others.

    A special thank you to our moderator, Erica Sirrine, social work director at St. Jude, and our parent caregiver, Brenda Stephens.

    Learn more about grief and bereavement on Together by St. Jude™.This episode was recorded on 04/26/24.
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    23 m
  • Navigating Serious Illness with Teens and Young Adults

    Navigating Serious Illness with Teens and Young Adults
    Nov 6 2024
    In this episode, Carol Bailey and her daughter Katie talk with child life specialist Heather Haluska about going through cancer during the teen years. Katie was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia when she was a senior in high school. She continues to deal with chronic health conditions related to her diagnosis. Katie shares how she handled missing out on teenage experiences, used creativity as an outlet, and learned to advocate for herself in medical settings. Carol discusses learning to take time for herself. Both mother and daughter highlight the importance of communication and listening, even when they could only communicate through eye contact.

    A special thank you to our moderator, Heather Haluska, child life specialist at St. Jude; our parent caregiver, Carol Bailey; and patient, Katie Bailey.Learn more about Katie’s diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on Together by St. Jude™.This episode was recorded on 04/04/2024.
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    13 m