If you’ve been following along for a while, you know that November is my favorite month. It’s not because of the beautiful crisp weather or the cozy fall fashion but because it is my birthday month. I’ve always taken birthdays…
Celebrating National Gratitude Month with Pure Placid
As a thyroid cancer survivor, caregiver, and now, a new entrepreneur, gratitude plays a role in everything I do. I’m grateful for my continued good health, the time I get to spend with my grandmother, and, as I grow my…
Caregiver Confessions: You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know
The life of a caregiver is never dull. From managing a loved ones care to handling their finances, caregiving is a 24/7 job. While I thought I already knew how to navigate most of the demands of caregiving (while still…
Being an Equestrian Made Me a Better Caregiver
Over the years, I’ve credited being an equestrian with my work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to communicate with non-verbal animals. But it wasn’t until I became a caregiver that I realized that it gave me transferable skills there,…
Psst: I’m Making a Major Life Change!
Well, I’ve been hinting that something exciting was going to be revealed…and the time has finally come to share it with you. Today is my last day of full-time employment in my current role, and next week, I will be…
On This World Mental Health Day, Here’s How I Cope as a Caregiver
In honor of World Mental Health Day today, I wanted to take a minute to recognize the importance of making time for our mental health and well-being, both individually and within our communities. As a caregiver juggling a lot at…
Caregiving 2.0: One Year Later
Yesterday marked one year since I took my grandmother to the Emergency Room with severe back pain. I never imagined that trip to the ER would mark the last time she’d live in her condo of more than two decades….
The Importance of Routines
It’s hard to believe that I have been going to visit my grandmother nightly in the nursing home for one full year already. I remember this time last year so vividly—her condition was poor, and the situation was touch and…
Sailing Through Life
As a caregiver, I don’t often get much time to myself. So when a few former co-workers decided to get together and arrange a sailing trip around my hectic schedule, I carved out the time. Something about being out on…
Five Things I’m Grateful for This Week
This was one of those weeks where busy was an understatement, the stress was real, and life got in the way of everything I tried to do. Yet, by the end the week, rather than feel exhausted from my lengthy…
Vanessa Goes to Washington
It has been 13 years since I graduated with a political science degree from The American University, and I am excited to be going back to Washington, DC! Well, not technically, so bear with me. As a thyroid cancer survivor…
Media Mentions: Advocacy in Action
While I may have taken some time off from blogging, I’ve remained active as a patient advocate and had many exciting opportunities to share my experience as a millennial thyroid cancer survivor and a caregiver to my 94-year-old-grandmother. Since my…
