Caregivers SHARE, a St. Jude Podcast

Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that affects patients physically, emotionally, and socially. Even though sickle cell research and treatment have improved over the last several years, many are still learning about how this condition impacts the body and daily life. In this re-release of a 2025 episode honoring Sickle Cell Awareness Month, parents Audrey Davis and Quenton Mullins share their experiences supporting their daughters, Courtney and Nia, through sickle cell disease. Together with host Tekeima Townsend-Billups and expert Jerlym Porter, they explore the invisible and unpredictable nature of the disease, dealing with pain crises, the importance of therapy, and advocating for their children. A special thank you our host, Tekeima Townsend-Billups, senior staff chaplain at St. Jude; our expert, Jerlym Porter, associate member of the St. Jude faculty in Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences; and parents Audrey Davis and Quenton Mullins. Learn more about Courtney and Nia’s diagnosis of sickle cell disease and the transition to adult health care on Together by St. Jude™. The statistics that Quenton mentions on sickle cell disease in the U.S. can be found on the CDC’s website. Discover more insights into Nia’s journey on the Together Blog. Learn about the history of sickle cell disease treatment and how St. Jude has helped transform care for people living with the disease. This episode was recorded on May 15, 2025. St. Jude does not endorse any branded product or organization mentioned in this podcast.

We're happy to present season 3 of Caregivers SHARE, a St. Jude podcast. Hear from families and health care providers as they share personal stories and offer support to those caring for a child with a serious illness.At St. Jude, we understand the challenges that families face during this difficult time, and we are committed to providing resources to help. Each episode of the podcast focuses on S.H.A.R.E—Supporting, Honoring, Advising, Reflecting, and Encouraging caregivers.The first episode of Season 3 will drop on July 17, 2025.

In this episode, Carol Bailey and her daughter Katie talk with child life specialist Heather Haluska about going through cancer during the teen years. Katie was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia when she was a senior in high school. She continues to deal with chronic health conditions related to her diagnosis. Katie shares how she handled missing out on teenage experiences, used creativity as an outlet, and learned to advocate for herself in medical settings. Carol discusses learning to take time for herself. Both mother and daughter highlight the importance of communication and listening, even when they could only communicate through eye contact.A special thank you to our moderator, Heather Haluska, child life specialist at St. Jude; our parent caregiver, Carol Bailey; and patient, Katie Bailey.Learn more about Katie’s diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on Together by St. Jude™.This episode was recorded on 04/04/2024.

In this episode, Ela Molina talks with Jen Harman about Ela’s daughter’s experience with cancer. Isa Molina was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at 22 months old. Jen was Ela and Isa’s psychologist at St. Jude while Isa went through treatment. Ela and Jen reflect on that time. They offer tips for using play, setting limits, keeping a routine, and using positive reinforcement with young children. Ela highlights how helpful child life and music therapy were for Isa in the hospital. For parents and caregivers, Jen and Ela emphasize the importance of helping others through finding their own calling.A special thank you to our moderator, Jen Harman, formerly Assistant Director of the Psychology Clinic at St. Jude, and our parent caregiver, Ela Molina.Learn more about Isa’s diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on Together by St. Jude™.This episode was recorded on 05/22/2024.

In this episode, Wes and Kady Shell talk about how they kept their marriage strong and remained close while their daughter Hattie went through an extended ICU stay. Wes and Cady discuss how they learned to let go, meet their spouse where they were, and check in often. One is an early riser and one of them is a night owl. This fact that used to irritate them became key in taking shifts in the ICU. Their differences became their strengths.A special thank you to our moderator, Clay Culp, social worker at St. Jude, and our parent caregivers, Wesley and Kady Shell.Learn more about Hattie’s diagnosis of anaplastic large cell lymphoma on Together by St. Jude™.This episode was recorded on 04/04/2024.

St. Jude Director of Spiritual Care Services Mark Brown talks with caregiver Nikole Sullivan. Listeners will learn how her family managed the holidays with a child in the hospital, created new memories, and embraced simple joys together. Nikole shares how she let go of the pressure that comes with the holiday season and navigated being apart from family members.A special thank you to Mark Brown and our parent caregiver Nikole Sullivan.