Caregivers

A Word from our President
Top Ten Caregiving Tips
Caregiver of the Year Program
Other Caregiver Information

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

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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

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Caregiver of the Year Program

Caregivers are often unsung heroes.  From professional caregivers to family and friends, a caregiver helps manage the physical, mental, emotional and social well-being of the patient. Each year the Tug McGraw Foundation receives hundreds of letters from patients describing their gratitude to the person who has helped care for them.   Every story is unique, but the Tug McGraw Foundation seeks out those that have embraced the “Ya Gotta Believe” Spirit that Tug McGraw exemplified.

In 2007, we presented our first Caregiver of the Year award, to honor an individual whose courage and strength represented all of the incredible caregivers in our community.  Click below to read the profiles of past recipients:

2007 – Arlene Roselli

Our 2008 program will be announced late spring.  Please check back for more information.

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Other Caregiver Information

Resource Links for Caregivers
Search our comprehensive list of links to resources for caregivers and families.

Our Heroes
Looking for inspiration?  Read about our Heroes: patients and caregivers who have bravely faced brain cancer with Tug’s “Ya Gotta Believe” spirit.

Wellness Community
The Wellness Community will be regularly contributing articles, sharing their expertise in areas such as education, nutrition, and exercise to strengthen and support those caregivers and families touched by cancer.

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