Articles & Stories

Malcolm White loves the Philadelphia Eagles and socializing with his friends. But when the 51 year-old was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, he experienced so much pain that it became hard to focus on anything else.

“It started out gradually with, you know, pain and stiffness in the back, which gradually got worse where it became really hard to move around,” he explained. “It started early, at the beginning of this year and it got progressively worse to where I saw a doctor and had some X-rays and they ran some tests and that’s when I was diagnosed.” … Read More

Serious illness can dramatically change not just the life of patients, but the lives of their family members, as well. In 1993, Shari McClendon was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, which causes abnormally high blood pressure in her lungs. Once an active hiker and skier, Shari struggled as her physical symptoms worsened.

“We had a two-story house and I first started feeling very short of breath when I went up the stairs, and getting more tired, and not having as much energy as I had,” explained Shari. … Read More

In this episode, we hear from Dannell Shu, whose son was born with severe brain damage. Dannell discusses the role that pediatric palliative care played not just in improving Levi’s quality of life, but in supporting the entire family as it navigated the waters of his chronic condition. … Read More

In the first episode of our Quality Life Series, we hear from Christine Buehlmann, a California woman whose life changed dramatically after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and began receiving chemotherapy. Christine discusses how the physical and emotional symptoms of her disease and its treatment were hindering her quality of life, until she received palliative care. … Read More

Welcoming your first child into the world is truly a life-changing moment for anyone. For Dannell and Peter Shu, it was beyond anything they ever imagined.

Their newborn son Levi was born with brain damage.

“When Levi was born, he was born without a heartbeat or a breath. He didn’t move and he didn’t cry,” recalled Dannell Shu, Levi’s mother. “And it was in that moment that we changed course.” … Read More

Sixty percent of the estimated 44 Million* caregivers in this country work full-time. In addition, they spend an average of 18 hours a week caring for an ill family member. This added part-time “job” is generally unpaid, and for many it is the hardest work they will ever do. … Read More

Listen to the first episode of our new podcast series, “A Quality Life,” featuring Christine’s story:

No matter who you are, receiving a diagnosis of a serious illness can be life-altering and difficult emotionally. When Christine Buehlmann was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she saw her life change radically.

“I am usually a very positive person and it was so overwhelming that I was going into a very deep depression,” she said. “It dramatically changed my life and I was completely devastated.” … Read More

Did you know that over 25% of the US population (more than 65 million people) provides care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year? The number of caregivers is rising as the population is aging. So what can the family caregiver do? … Read More

When you have a serious illness like cancer or heart disease, your relationship with your doctor is important. It’s so important that many patients worry their doctor will be upset if they ask for extra help to cope with pain or other symptoms.

The truth is that doctors are glad to have an extra layer of support. Why? Because it helps them focus on fighting your underlying illness. … Read More

If you or a loved one have a serious illness, it can be hard to find the help that you need – even from your regular doctors.

You may have pain, shortness of breath, nausea or other symptoms. You may have unanswered questions about your illness and what the future will bring. Palliative care can help. … Read More