This emotional episode of This Is Your Job Now explores one family's journey through childhood cancer—and what it means to truly care for the total individual. When their youngest son, Vaughn, was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer at just two years old, Amy and Tony’s world changed overnight. With the added weight of a global pandemic, they faced not only medical and logistical hurdles, but also profound emotional and psychological challenges.

Amy, a licensed mental health counselor, and Tony, a dedicated husband and pool builder, share how they managed to survive the chaos—sometimes one breath, one journal entry, or one planner check-in at a time. Their reflections offer powerful lessons in parenting, resilience, and the importance of mental health support for families navigating crisis.

Listeners will hear how this couple advocated for their son, leaned into community, and found moments of connection even in the darkest times. This episode is a must-listen for anyone supporting parents, caregivers, or individuals coping with trauma, and a reminder that behind every patient is a family fighting to heal—body, mind, and spirit.

Top Takeaways:

• Mental health is a critical part of family recovery.
• Amy and Tony used journaling, walking, and visualization to cope.
• COVID restrictions complicated treatment and family connection.
• Weekly planner check-ins helped maintain their relationship.
• Emotional support often begins after treatment ends when it should be considered throughout.
• Community connection was key to their resilience.
• Recovery is not just remission—it’s restoration.

Keywords:

mental health, childhood cancer, resilience, family support, emotional journey, pediatric cancer, trauma, community, caregiving, remission, parenting, advocacy, coping strategies, psychological safety

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