In this episode, Ed DeVaney joins the sisters of "Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver" to share his deeply personal caregiving experience. Raised in a competitive and close-knit Irish Catholic family in Chicago, Ed describes a childhood filled with familial connections and strong influences from his mother, who not only modeled the values of care and perseverance but also became the central figure in his own journey as a caregiver. When Ed moved to North Carolina for a major career opportunity, it coincided with the onset of his mother's dementia and Alzheimer’s diagnosis—changes that altered the dynamic of his family and thrust him, alongside his two older sisters, into the complexities of caring for an ailing parent.

Ed speaks candidly about the emotional and logistical challenges that came with balancing his professional growth, the demands of an MBA program, and raising his young family while regularly traveling back to Chicago to help care for his mom. He highlights the family tensions, the guilt of missing pivotal moments in his children’s lives, and the difficulties of honoring his mother’s wish never to enter a nursing home—a promise the siblings ultimately struggled with before acknowledging her increasing needs. Looking back, Ed shares honest reflections on vulnerability, the importance of asking for help, and the lessons this experience has taught him as both a leader and a father. Above all, his story underscores the universal challenges faced by caregivers, the enduring bonds of family, and the need for grace—toward others and oneself—throughout the journey.

About Ed:

Ed DeVaney is a Chicago native from a large, close-knit family. Growing up, he was a dedicated athlete, and that competitive spirit continues to drive him today. Ed has been married to his wife, Michelle, for 20 years, and together they have three children: Grace, Chloe, and Ryan. Their family also includes three dogs: Lakota, Lola, and Poncho.

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This week’s episode focuses on Christopher “Chris” Schuler—his journey as a son, father, and most notably, a devoted caregiver. Chris, adopted from Colombia and raised in a loving, close-knit family in New York, reflects deeply on identity, belonging, and the power of chosen family. His parents’ move to Rhode Island marked a period of even stronger family bonds, which would later prove invaluable when his father was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The diagnosis and subsequent caregiving experience were transformative for Chris: he describes the initial shock, the emotional toll of shifting immediately into crisis mode, and the unwavering determination to care for his father, drawing strength from childhood lessons of love, attachment, and resilience.

Throughout his father's illness, Chris balanced being a parent himself, maintaining his job, and providing near-round-the-clock care. He candidly shares the physical and mental challenges of caregiving, including the toll on his own health and the burnout that caregivers often experience. Yet, amidst the difficulty, he found meaning by staying present, bringing humor to dark moments, and cherishing precious time with loved ones. The experience has forever changed Chris—today, he proudly claims his identity as “Dad,” guided by his father’s legacy of love and laughter, and is committed to using his voice to support and advocate for other caregivers navigating similar journeys.

About Chris:

Chris is a staunch brain cancer awareness advocate. He was the primary caregiver to his late Dad, Donald Schuler, who was diagnosed with GBM in July 2021. He works closely with biotech’s and patient advocacy organizations across the globe, amplifying their critical work and building key relationships to further improve outcomes for patients. He spent eighteen years as a successful philanthropic facilitator, having raised millions for a variety of causes. He's currently a Venture Partner with Varia Ventures, working to raise awareness for emerging venture funds dedicated to uncovering and funding innovative discoveries to improve brain health. Chris continues as his Dad's caregiver — caregiver to his life, legacy and memory.

Thank you to sponsor: CareScout

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Tricia Fitzgerald brings a deeply personal and candid perspective to the experiences of long-term caregiving within a family affected by chronic illness. Drawing from over two decades of advocacy and professional work supporting children and families, Tricia’s story is rooted in her own journey—beginning with undiagnosed chronic illness symptoms as a child and culminating in the late discovery of Ankylosing Spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis in adulthood. These diagnoses not only shaped her own life but also set the stage for her caregiving journey when several of her six children began exhibiting similar autoimmune conditions, adding layers of both challenge and resilience to her role as a mother and advocate.

Through her story, Tricia highlights the complexities of navigating the medical system, including the frequent dismissal of symptoms, gender disparities in medical treatment, and the persistent need to advocate fiercely for proper diagnoses and care. She candidly shares the toll caregiving takes on personal well-being, marriage, and professional life, while emphasizing how communication, mutual support, and humor—such as the family’s use of “mashed potatoes” or “mockingbird” as de-escalation cues—have fortified her marriage and family bonds. Tricia also reflects on the importance of self-care, finding joy in small moments, and encouraging her children to develop their own voices as advocates as they transition into adulthood.

Her journey is one of perseverance, love, and a relentless pursuit of both care and authenticity, making her story both inspiring and deeply relatable for caregivers everywhere.

About Tricia:

Tricia Fitzgerald, M.Ed., is a seasoned leader in social and family services with over 20 years of experience in education, advocacy, and program management. As the Program Director for Maryville Crisis Nursery, she oversees critical services for families in crisis. Her expertise is further honed by her role as Adjunct Faculty in the College of Education at DePaul University, where she has trained and supervised aspiring teachers since 2005.

Tricia is also the founder of Gentle Beginning, Inc., through which she provided childbirth education, doula services, and family advocacy for a decade. Her professional passion for supporting families is deeply personal; as a mother of six children, all with chronic health conditions, she brings unparalleled empathy and firsthand knowledge to her work. Tricia is a dedicated advocate, committed to ensuring every child and family has the resources and support they need to thrive.

Thank you to sponsor: CareScout

Support the show

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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Tune in on Whole Care Network