3 Lessons I Learnt From Critical Illness Survivors and Family Members Being Strong

3 Lessons I Learnt From Critical Illness Survivors and Family Members

In July 2020, I had to honor to interview Critical Illness Survivors and their Family Members. I interviewed a Daughter whose mom suffered from a stroke, a 2-time breast Cancer Survivor and also a Father who’s son had Leukemia (Blood Cancer). After the 3rd interview, I noticed a consistent trend that all 3 exhibit and how they manage the whole journey in their family planning or wealth management.

I want to thank Angie, Grace and also Sean for their selfless sharing so that more people can learn what they went through. We also pray that you won’t need to use this lessons in future.

Thank you.

 

Lesson #1: It starts of with pain

In my interview, I realised that it starts from with some unexplained pain at a particular body part. Most of the time, it was brushed aside or just thought that it was harmless pain. Very commonly, the person will feel more tired than usual.

Pain is an message to your body that something is wrong. Please do not ignore it.

3 Lessons I Learnt From Critical Illness Survivors and Family Members Pain
3 Lessons I Learnt From Critical Illness Survivors and Family Members: Pain

 

Lesson #2: Seek Support

This was the most important when it comes to recovery. The journey of critical illness could be confusing, overwhelming and devastating. The right support could ease the journey where every single step is already well planned out. The Children Cancer Foundation and the Breast Cancer Foundation specifically named in my interview for being very meticulous. These societies impacted their lives so much that they continue to donate or give back till today.

“Please don’t stay in a private ward” 

Even though your hospital entitlement might be a single bedder, staying in hospital with no other people to communicate with and journey together might give the feeling of being alone and that’s the last thing we want. Talk to people, listen to their journey, know that you are not alone.

Seek out your friends, family and GOD.

3 Lessons I Learnt From Critical Illness Survivors and Family Members Support
3 Lessons I Learnt From Critical Illness Survivors and Family Members Support

 

Lesson 3: Be Financial Prepared

Whether you are a parent or a child, a critical illness will rob your time off work and saving. Fortunately, my interviewees bought insurance to protect their livelihood, money and especially time so that their loved one can spend time to journey together with the patient. Grace’s husband was able to step away from work for half a year so that he can accompany Grace during her treatment. Sean was able to spend time with his son during treatment times as well.

The hospital bills will be scary. “It is easily more than $500K a year”.

Be financially prepared even before it happens.

3 Lessons I Learnt From Critical Illness Survivors and Family Members Bills Shock
3 Lessons I Learnt From Critical Illness Survivors and Family Members Bills Shock

 

Bonus Lesson #4: Keep yourself in good condition

As a caretaker, parents or child, keep yourself in good condition. You need to be in the best condition physically and mentally to bring your family out of this. If you want to blame and punish yourself for what has happened, punish yourself by keeping yourself in a good condition and take responsibility to bring your family out of this.

You need to appear strong in front of your child, your spouse or your parents so that you can give them the confidence that everything will be alright.

3 Lessons I Learnt From Critical Illness Survivors and Family Members Being Strong
3 Lessons I Learnt From Critical Illness Survivors and Family Members Being Strong

 

Conclusion

Don’t ignore pain, seek support and be financially prepared.

Thank you Angie, Grace and Sean for the inspiration for me to write this article. You can view the replay below.


No one will care about your money as much as you do.

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