Hope for Cancer Caregivers
What helps a caregiver stay steady when cancer changes everything?
Caregivers carry so much of the emotional weight of cancer, yet their needs are often overlooked. In this powerful episode, Darcie Wells joins the Community Oncology Alliance, hosted by Rose Gerber, for a conversation that sheds light on the unseen side of caregiving and the hope that grows when no one has to carry the burden alone.
Rose, a long-term breast cancer survivor, and Darcie talk about why caregivers deserve as much care, compassion, and emotional support as the person going through treatment. They discuss the role of trained peer volunteers and how emotional support changes the caregiving experience for both the patient and the family.
Darcie reflects on caring for her mother, stepfather, and grandmother as each faced cancer, all from a distance. She remembers wanting to help but not knowing where to turn, and later realizing how much a companion with lived experience would have eased the fear and isolation. Her message is clear. Your role matters. Caring for yourself strengthens the care you give. Hope grows when someone walks beside you with understanding.
Highlights:
-Learn why caregivers often hide their stress and how that impacts the support system.
-Hear how CanCare trains volunteers to provide safe, compassionate emotional space.
-Understand why relationship-based matching helps caregivers feel seen and understood.
-Discover simple communication habits that help caregivers support loved ones.
-Gain insight into long-term caregiving needs and why support must adapt over time.
Mentioned Resources:
CanCare- www.cancare.org
Book – www.cancare.org/hopebook
COA - communityoncology.org
About the Guest:
Rose Gerber is a long-term breast cancer survivor and host of the Community Oncology Alliance podcast. Diagnosed while raising young children, Rose’s journey through treatment shaped her calling to ensure that others facing cancer are supported, informed, and heard. Today, she leads patient advocacy and education for the Community Oncology Alliance, managing the COA Patient Advocacy Network and working alongside oncologists, nurses, survivors, and policymakers across the country. Her work has taken her to Washington, D.C., national media platforms, and community cancer centers nationwide, empowering patients and protecting access to community-based cancer care.
is a long-term breast cancer survivor and host of the Community Oncology Alliance podcast. Diagnosed while raising young children, Rose’s journey through treatment shaped her calling to ensure that others facing cancer are supported, informed, and heard. Today, she leads patient advocacy and education for the Community Oncology Alliance, managing the COA Patient Advocacy Network and working alongside oncologists, nurses, survivors, and policymakers across the country. Her work has taken her to Washington, D.C., national media platforms, and community cancer centers nationwide, empowering patients and protecting access to community-based cancer care.
