Oct 30, 2021
Is anyone ever really prepared to deal with a severe illness or injury? Most people find themselves unprepared when thrust into the patient or caregiver role, understandably so. Roberta Carson knows first-hand just how overwhelming it can be to make the immediate transition. Her experience caring for her teenage son, Zachary, during his 27-month battle with terminal brain cancer, inspired her to start Zaggo, a nonprofit organization. She created the ZaggoCare System to provide patients and family caregivers with the information and tools needed to better manage a care journey in critical illness and injury.
In this episode, Kirsten sits down with Roberta to unpack the strenuous care journey for a loved one battling terminal brain cancer. Roberta admits she was unprepared and a bit unorganized in the first weeks following her son’s diagnosis. However, she quickly realized that everything her son experienced, from treatments to side effects to doctor’s visits, must tediously be documented. Roberta and her husband were responsible for coordinating his care to ensure Zach received the best care possible. There was an overwhelming amount of information to keep track of and new care procedures to learn at nearly every turn —with little or no guidance from providers. Nobody asked them how or if they could manage. It just had to be done.
After her son passed away, Roberta understood how desperately patients and families need practical, easy-to-use information and tools to stay organized and in control. We are so sorry for the tragedy that Roberta and her family faced. And at the same time, so thankful for her strength to develop ZaggoCare. What a gift! The ZaggoCare System is an invaluable resource that will help ensure the best care possible while allowing for more time spent with loved ones. We hope you’ll consider purchasing the ZaggoCare System if you, a loved one, or a friend face a serious illness or injury. Now it’s time to listen in and share Roberta’s story with your friends and family. Her experience not only impacts those with illness or injury but provides valuable medical advocacy advice.