Friends and Family,

Genevieve’s video has just dropped as the next step in the LUNGevity mental wellness project, and it’s available for now. Angela James (an excellent interviewer) interviewed Genevieve about her role as a caregiver, or as she calls herself, a care supporter. Even though I hear her talk about this at home all the time, I was blown away by how good this is. Her role is in many ways more challenging because she needs to constantly adapt to my changing needs and abilities that go up and down with each treatment phase, and she must also find a way to live a rich life of her own. I am proud, and grateful, for how well she manages both.

Angela also asks Genevieve how she uses art to heal, and what other things people can do for themselves. Genevieve answers the questions like a pro.

I have seen a number of things about the caregiver role, and I have to say that none of them expand the vision for what is possible the way Genevieve has done. I believe she is changing the conversation for the future as well. And for those who have cancer, it’s going to open your eyes in a good way to what your partner is going through. The result should be a more loving relationship for both of you.

You can find her video at the same link as mine, at

https://egfr.lungevity.org/egfr/video-library.

Love,

Dann

Editor’s note: The LUNGevtiy site prefaces its interview with Genevieve with the following text:

 

Genevieve De Renne is a caregiver and artist whose artwork has been featured on the cover of three recent issues of the Journal of Oncology Navigation & Survivorship. Genevieve joins LUNGevity’s Angela James to share insights from her experience as a caregiver, especially how her art has helped her maintain purpose and power during her husband’s lung cancer journey. You can view Genevieve’s cover art on the October, November, and December 2022 covers at www.jons-online.com/art-gallery.

This post originally appeared  February 15, 2023, on Dann’s Cancer Chronicles. It is republished with permission.