As a 79-year-old grandmother, one would expect Jeanne McAlister to be relishing the down time that we only reach in our twilight years; relaxing in a rocking chair on the front porch in the California sunshine. Instead she has offered the chance for a better life to thousands of alcoholics, drug addicts and the homeless since she founded the McAlister Institute in 1977. McAlister Institute’s mission is to provide high quality, low cost substance abuse services to those who need a way out of the vicious cycle of addiction. The Institute has earned recognition as one of San Diego County leading resources for the compassionate care and treatment of individuals and families suffering from addiction and homelessness. Jeanne, I absolutely know that you’re going to inspire us all!

Tambre Leighn and I share a common sisterhood: we are both cancer widows. We have both had our lives changed forever by the cancer diagnosis of someone that we loved. Tambre left a very successful career in film production to pursue her dream of helping others survive caregiving and grief. As we discuss what it takes to be a cancer caregiver, we will also learn more about Tambre as a person. In her own words: “I am a daughter, a sister, a widow, a friend and a successful career woman. I am a writer, a teacher, a healer, a student, an athlete and an artist. I see my experiences, both professional and personal, the successes and the disappointments, as a balanced preparation to follow a path that will now be dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others.” Find out where you’re stuck in survival mode and what’s holding you back from thriving when you take Tambre’s i-Thrive! Assessment.

My guest is Rabbi Dr. Ed Weinsberg, an ordained rabbi, gerontologist, healthcare educator, and intimacy coach. After his successful robotic surgery for prostate cancer in 2007, he was moved to share his and others’ experiences by writing the book Conquer Prostate Cancer: How Medicine, Faith, Love and Sex Can Renew Your Life with Dr. Robert Carey, a urologist and a leading robotic surgeon. Rabbi Ed has dedicated himself to helping others cope with prostate cancer physically, emotionally and spiritually, including the sexual intimacy issues that sometimes are a difficult side effect of the treatment. He is also the author of Reigniting Intimacy and Sexuality After You’re Ill.

My guest this week knows all about talking to kids about a cancer diagnosis–whether it’s a parent or sibling with cancer, or the child his/herself who is the patient. “Mommy, what’s cancer?” Thirteen years ago, Eva Grayzel was that mom being asked that question by her children ages 5 and 7, after her own late-stage cancer diagnosis. The answer has to be thoughtful and appropriate depending on the child’s age and situation. Eva is the author of You Are Not Alone: Families Touched by Cancer and Mr. C Plays Hide & Seek. This incredible woman writes books to help children understand life after a cancer diagnosis has affected their life and family.