Parenting with Cancer Webinar Series

Parent Panel: Caregiving for a Partner with Cancer while Raising Young Children
Date: Tuesday, December 9
Time:  11 am PT / 12 pm MT / 1 pm CT / 2 pm ET
Register Here

When a parent is diagnosed with cancer it impacts the entire family. Partners often find themselves holding it together for everyone–being the rock for their partner and the stable parent for their children. They become an advocate and caretaker, accompanying their partner to medical appointments, researching the best interventions, and providing care after surgery and during treatment. At times they may operate as a single parent, picking up extra responsibilities around the house and taking full control over daycare drop-offs, school projects, and extracurricular activities. Many partners feel like they need to be a 24/7 cheerleader, pushing down their own stress and needs. 

This moderated panel will feature parents whose partner is currently going through cancer. Through a conversational Q&A format, you’ll hear about what it’s really like to navigate a partner’s cancer while parenting young children. 

This is for parents with advanced cancer, their loved ones, and cancer care teams that support them.

Panelists

Adam

Adam’s wife was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer in July 2025 when their children were 6, 9, and 11 years old. He and his wife have found meaningful connections with other parents through Bright Spot Network support groups, recognizing the value of being in a community of other parents who truly understand how to navigate a serious illness while parenting.

Tori

Tori’s husband has stage IV cholangiocarcinoma, and together they are navigating treatment while raising their two-year-old. This journey has been the most challenging and transformative chapter of their lives, teaching them about resilience, presence, and the power of community. Tori shares her story to offer solidarity and hope to other families facing similar challenges.

Ashleigh

Ashleigh lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma in November 2024, and their two small children. Before becoming a stay at home parent and caregiver, she was an elementary school counselor.

Alex

Alex’s wife Prairie, was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-positive breast cancer in October of last year. Since then, it’s been a challenging journey of treatments, surgeries, and medications—all while raising two young children, who were just 5 and 3 at the time. Although they’re still in the midst of treatment, they’re deeply thankful for every day they get to live their lives and watch their children grow. Alex shares his story in hopes that it will inspire others to ask for the help that they need.

This panel will be moderated by Carissa Hodgson, LCSW, OSW-C, Bright Spot Network’s Director of Programs.