The magic of gratitude

While cancer treatment often focuses on the patient, the emotional toll on caregivers is a critical yet under-recognized dimension of cancer care. Family members—particularly spouses and adult children—frequently shoulder overwhelming responsibilities that lead to burnout, isolation, and mental health decline. As a relationship coach with over 30 years of experience, I propose a communication-based intervention model designed to reduce relational stress and support caregivers in sustaining their own well-being while supporting a loved one through cancer.

Drawing from both personal experience as the mother of a drug-addicted son and professional expertise, this presentation outlines practical emotional survival strategies caregivers can implement immediately. Topics include setting compassionate boundaries, communicating under emotional distress, and rebuilding intimacy amidst crisis. The model is grounded in spiritual psychology and integrates coaching techniques developed through decades of work with couples in high-stress environments.

Attendees will gain insights into caregiver trauma and leave with tangible, skills-based tools they can practice to maintain emotional balance and family cohesion. These strategies are particularly valuable in oncology settings, where prolonged caregiving journeys frequently destabilize relationships. This presentation advocates for integrating emotional skills education into holistic cancer care as a complement to clinical treatment.

Nancy Landrum is a relationship expert with more than 30 years of experience helping couples strengthen emotional connections and navigate major life crises. She holds a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology and is the author of eight books and two online courses. Nancy combines lived experience, including parenting through addiction and widowhood, with professional coaching to offer unique insight into healing relationships in the face of trauma.