The Shock of a New Diagnosis

How does it feel to first receive a child’s diagnosis of a serious illness? Paula shares her initial feelings of having the rug pulled out from under her. Jason reflects on feeling out of control and exhausted. In the fog of a new diagnosis, how do you keep a clear head to make key health decisions for your child? Jason and Paula discuss the small losses and changes along the way. They also discuss the moment of realization that nothing will ever be the same. As Jason reflects, “the dreams [you had for your child] aren’t gone. They do change.” A special thank you to our moderator, Erica Sirrine, Social Work Director at St. Jude, and our parent caregivers, Paula Elsener and Jason Winkle.