Caregivers

NBTF Caregiver Workshops

The Tug McGraw Foundation is happy to share this information from the “Caregiver’s Corner” on the website from the National Brain Tumor Foundation.  Like the NBTF, the Tug McGraw Foundation received countless requests for information from those caring for someone with a brain tumor.  It is  often hard to know where to ask, who to talk to, and where to look when confronted with such a daunting responsibility.

The needs of caregivers cover a broad spectrum and are constantly changing.  In an effort to help serve so unselfishly caring for another, the NBTF has provided this information regarding workshops to be held across the nation throughout 2007.

June 15, 2007
St. Paul, MN
John Nasseff Medical Center

Click here to view the flyer for the workshop!

Fall Workshops (watch for more information)

September 14, 2007
Norris Cotton Cancer Center (Lebanon, NH)

September 15, 2007
Winship Cancer Center (Atlanta, GA)

September 29, 2007
Loyola Medical Center (Chicago, IL)

October 4, 2007
Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center (Morgantown, WV)

October 10, 2007
University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA)

October 27, 2007
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins (Baltimore, MD)

The National Brain Tumor Foundation's Family Caregiver Program is a free, day-long training workshop for family members and friends caring for a brain tumor patient. To read more about these workshops and where the next one will be, click here.

A Word from Our President

The diagnosis has been given. Dealing with it begins now.

As Tug’s primary caregiver, I found there was no absolute blueprint for caregiving. Together with Tug’s children, we found ourselves taking crash courses in neuro-oncology, house management, and medications. We learned about the needs of the patient…and the importance of patience. As caregivers, we share the disappointments, the losses, and the confusions of those in our care, even as we struggle with our own anger, fatigue, and emotional pains.

The top two questions I’m always asked is (1) how did I do it, and (2) what advice can I give? I wish there was a simple answer, but there is not. In my case, my goal was to keep myself functional and maintain a sense of balance in order to give Tug the best care I could.

At first, I fumbled my way through it. But soon, as I began to empower myself with more information and better understanding, I began to find my way. As caregivers, you will also experience pitfalls and triumphs, but there is strength to be found from others that have been there and the knowledge they can provide.

And we’re here to help.

Jennifer Brusstar
CEO, President
The Tug McGraw Foundation

Top Ten Caregiving Tips

Learn about brain tumors and treatments

Identify who has the primary caregiver role in the family

Develop a plan for managing crises

Recognize that feelings of frustration and anger are normal

Find and use resources that can relieve some of the burden

Take care of your own needs for rest, food, enjoyment, and relaxation

Share the care

Form a support network for yourself

Maintain a positive attitude toward caregiving

Realize that your caregiving is a choice