Articles & Stories

If you or someone you care for is living with a serious illness, you may have noticed a change in appetite. This is common, whether it shows up as eating smaller portions, having less interest in favorite foods, or skipping meals altogether.  

This can be hard on more than just the body. Food is tied to who we are and to our culture. For some of us, it may be how we show love, whether that’s cooking for someone or sharing a meal.   

To learn more, we spoke with Rima Itani Al-Nimr, MS, RD, LD, a registered dietitian with years of experience working with patients and families. Here’s what she wants you to know.

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When you’re living with or caring for someone with a serious illness, grocery shopping and cooking may be a big source of stress. Maybe you don’t have the time or energy, or you’re experiencing common symptoms such as nausea, or a change in taste or appetite. And of course, there’s cost. Whatever the reason, getting food on the table is a common challenge, but there are resources that can help.

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Living with a serious illness often means a lot of appointments—and getting to and from them isn’t always easy. Whether it’s because of unreliable transportation, cost, distance, feeling too tired after treatment, needing to rely on others, or something else, transportation can sometimes get in the way of receiving care. This is a common issue for patients and families.

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By Danielle DiGennaro, MSN, APNP, ACHPN

If you or someone you care for is living with a serious illness, like cancer or kidney disease, you may wonder why your doctor asks lots of questions through assessment tools “tools” (forms, text prompts, etc.) to learn how you’re feeling. These tools help your care team understand how you’re doing physically, emotionally, and in everyday life. They’re used to guide conversations during your visit. … Read More

If you or a loved one are living with a serious illness, you may be looking for care that can help relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and support you and your family. Palliative care does that and more.

Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness—no matter the diagnosis or stage of illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.

But how do you know if palliative care is right for you? And how do you find a provider near you? Here’s are a few tips to get you started.

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By Angela Condo, MD and Noelle Marie Javier, MD

Thanks to modern medicine, people with HIV/AIDS are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. HIV can now be a manageable part of life, and getting older doesn’t mean you have to stop living life to the fullest. As people age with HIV, new challenges may come up, such as other health conditions, changes in memory, social or emotional concerns, or chronic pain. These challenges can be managed with the right support. 

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By Allison Silvers, MBA

Caring for someone with a serious illness is hard enough. On top of that, figuring out how to pay the endless medical bills can be stressful and overwhelming. We hope these four tips help you, as a caregiver, find new ways to deal with the financial burden of serious illness.

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By Mary D. Chamberlin, MD

A diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Alongside your cancer treatment, palliative care provides extra support—helping you manage symptoms, reduce stress, and focus on what matters most to you. It also provides support for your family and the people who care for you. … Read More

If you or someone you care for is living with a serious illness, you may have questions about medical marijuana (also known as cannabis). Can it help with pain, nausea, or anxiety? Is it safe to use?

These are important questions that palliative care teams often hear from patients who are exploring ways to feel better, while managing their serious illness.

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When you’re diagnosed with a serious illness—like breast cancer or heart disease—it affects more than just your body. It can stir up deep emotions, shift your thoughts, and unsettle your sense of safety. You may feel overwhelmed, afraid, or even emotionally numb. These responses are normal—and deeply human.

These reactions are part of a built‑in survival system known as the fight, flight, or freeze response. It’s hardwired into all of us to help protect when we sense danger—or under significant stress. When you’re living with a serious illness, that same system can leave you feeling stuck or emotionally exhausted, especially when recovery feels like a long path.

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