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Confessions of a Young Widow: Rising Above Grief
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Shannon Traphagen became a caregiver at 43 when her husband Mike was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer. Their 14-month battle was fraught with heartbreak, including losing an adoption opportunity just before his diagnosis. Despite the challenges, Shannon showed remarkable strength, focusing on Mike's care while managing her own health and emotions.
Her experience highlights the emotional challenges of caregiving for young couples facing medical crises. Shannon and Mike's relationship stayed strong through his illness, with Shannon noting their silent communication in his final hours. After Mike's death, she turned her grief into purpose by creating the "Game On Glio" podcast to support others and focusing on her healing through counseling, self-care, and openness to love again.
Today, Shannon honors Mike's memory while building a new life. She’s writing a book about their journey to share hope and resilience. Her goals are to find love, stay healthy, and create a lively, connected home. Her story shows how caregivers can survive loss and stay hopeful.
Thank you to sponsor: CareScout
Learn more about Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver: https://confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com/
** Caregiver Action Network Caregiver Help Desk offers free support to family caregivers via phone, chat, or email Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern. Get answers, resources, support group info, or a listening ear. Visit www.caregiveraction.org/helpdesk/ or call 855-277-3640.**
Shannon Traphagen became a caregiver at 43 when her husband, Mike, was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer. Their 14-month journey was filled with challenges, including the heartbreak of losing an adoption opportunity shortly before his diagnosis. Despite this, Shannon focused on Mike's care and maintained her own well-being.
After Mike's passing, Shannon channeled her grief into purpose by creating the "Game On Glio" podcast, which supports brain cancer patients and their families while spreading awareness. The podcast, which ranks in the top 10% globally and won a 2023 Ignite Award, shares stories of resilience and hope.
Shannon is also the founder of Traphagen’s Trail Ride 4 Brain Cancer, raising over $75,000 for clinical trials. As an accomplished writer and motivational speaker, she continues to honor Mike’s memory while writing a book about their journey and focusing on her healing, health, and
Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
Sisterhood of Care, LLC
192 episodes
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