Navigating Grief and End-of-Life Planning - HealthTree for AML Webinar

Grief and planning for end-of-life care are some of the most challenging parts of a patient and caregiver's experience with AML. In this virtual event hosted by HealthTree for AML and the National Bone Marrow Transplant LINK, we brought together three individuals uniquely qualified to help our AML community navigate this sensitive topic. We heard personal stories from those in this part of their journey with AML and learned strategies for coping with difficult emotions. 

This Virtual Event Offers Support and Guidance

This recording will always be available on our site, so please refer back to this as a resource whenever you are ready and interested in learning more. Please contact us at aml@healthtree.org if you want help navigating resources surrounding this topic.

Learning from Personal Stories and Expert Insights

We first heard from Jennifer Gillette, a dedicated social worker at the National Bone Marrow Transplant LINK and counselor at a private practice in Michigan. Jennifer focuses her services on oncology, bone marrow transplantation, and assisting people in coping with mental illness. Jennifer shared tips on managing anxiety surrounding all aspects of an AML diagnosis: initial diagnosis, treatment, transplant, and remission.

We then heard from Katie Craddock, an incredible woman who spent 10 years being a caregiver for her husband, Mark, during his journey through two blood cancer diagnoses. Katie began a local widows group and helps others through the difficult experience of losing a spouse. Katie shared with us her story of love and dedication to her husband throughout their complicated experience with blood cancer. She ended by sharing with our community what she believed to be most important for caregivers to remember while they are in the end stages of caring for a loved one.

To finish the event, we heard from Steve Hodges, one of our amazing HealthTree for AML coaches. Steve is a hospice volunteer and shares his musical talents by playing music for those on inpatient floors at local cancer hospitals. Steve is also an AML patient who went through a bone marrow transplant in 2023. Steve walked us through what to expect at the end of life and shared suggestions on things patients and their families can do early to make the final stages of life more peaceful and family-centered.

Watch the Event Recording

Don't Walk This Road Alone: Resources for Grief and End-of-Life Planning with AML

Navigating AML can be overwhelming and isolating. If you would like to talk with someone going through the same experience as you, sign up to connect with an experienced AML patient or caregiver through our HealthTree for AML Coach program. This free program allows you to choose an AML patient or caregiver with whom you feel you would connect (you can choose based on experience, treatments, location, etc.). Once you select a coach, they will reach out to you and can support you as long as you want to stay connected. 

If you would like to volunteer your time as a coach, you can sign up to help support other patients. If you have any questions about the coach program, reach out to aml@healthtree.org.

Sign up to be coached OR to be an AML coach here:

SIGN UP TO HEALTHTREE FOR AML COACH PROGRAM