Episode 06 - From Sister to Caregiver: a Conversation with Tami and Donnie

In Episode 6, The Rare Remix welcomes Tami and Donnie, who recently became caregivers and guardians for Tami's younger sister, Lori. Born in 1968, Lori spent most of her life at home with parents who built their family around her care. After her father died and her mother's health declined, responsibility gradually shifted to Tami and Donnie.They share what that transition looked like emotionally and practically: a mother learning that transferring guardianship did not erase her role as mom, a sister becoming the primary medical decision maker, and a couple reshaping retirement, marriage, home, and daily routines around full-time care.The family had planned ahead through years of conversations, estate planning, trusts, guardianship, and financial arrangements. Tami and Donnie explain what helped, what remained difficult, and why families should share information and make plans before a crisis.The conversation also makes room for the life inside the care: Lori's love of 1970s music, church, an accessible van, baseball trips, and the partnership that helps their household work. Rooted in Rett syndrome but relevant across diagnoses, this episode is for parents, adult siblings, spouses, and anyone planning for the future of a loved one with complex needs.