Long Term Lecturer Carissa Hodgson was recently featured on two national media outlets talking about navigating cancer as a parent:
ABC’s Good Morning America: Parenting through cancer
NPR’s Morning Edition: What it’s like to navigate cancer while parenting
As she told NPR, “Just because there’s a cancer diagnosis doesn’t mean there’s a magic wand that says all of the other life stressors are going to go away. And, in fact, if anything, it just, you know, turns it all up.” She says it’s essential to find support and community online or in-person with other parents with cancer.
Carissa is a social worker and director of programs and outreach at Bright Spot Network, a support group for parents with cancer. She has 15 years of clinical and program experience working with families facing cancer and a private psychotherapy practice. She teaches courses on grief and loss, and the general practice course on individuals, families, and groups.