Episode 7: Self-Compassion and Seeking Support

About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of self-compassion and support for caregivers of children with serious illnesses.

When a child is diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, caregivers focus so much on their child’s needs that they may forget to care for themselves. Practicing self-compassion and seeking support are essential parts of the journey. In this episode, host Erica Sirrine talks with parent Stacie Eirich and social worker Anna Shelley Johnson about the challenges caregivers face and the importance of showing kindness to oneself. Stacie shares her family’s story, reflecting on the small acts of self-care and creativity that helped her cope while supporting her daughter Sadie through brain tumor treatment. Anna offers insights and practical tips for caregivers to nurture their own wellbeing and build resilience. The episode closes with Stacie reading her original poem that celebrates hope, love, and courage. A special thank you to our host, Erica Sirrine, director of Social Work at St. Jude; our expert Anna Shelley Johnson, social worker at St. Jude; and our parent guest Stacie Eirich. This episode was recorded on September 12, 2025.Learn more about Sadie’s diagnosis of medulloblastoma on St. Jude Care & Treatment and Together by St. Jude™ . Listen to the Caregivers SHARE…

People in this episode

Host: Erica Sirrine

Guest: Stacie Eirich

Topics covered

• self-compassion
• caregiver support
• mental health
• childhood cancer
• resilience

Keywords

• self-care
• caregivers
• cancer
• support
• mental wellbeing
• resilience
• poetry

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: St. Jude

More episodes of Caregivers SHARE, a St. Jude Podcast

• Episode 12: Considering a Clinical Trial for a Child: A Caregiver's View · May 21, 2026 · 50 min
• Episode 11: What is a Clinical Trial? · May 7, 2026 · 32 min
• Episode 10: Communicating with the Care Team During End-of-Life Care · April 16, 2026 · 47 min
• Episode 9: Communicating with the Care Team During Treatment · March 19, 2026 · 1h 14m
• Episode 8: Relationships and Social Life During Treatment · February 18, 2026 · 48 min
• Episode 6: Glimpses of Light in the Darkness · December 18, 2025 · 37 min