We Are A Team

Working Together to Stay Strong

Dawn and Mo Ostroff met at the Phoenix chapter of Parents Without Partners in 1991. Thirteen years later, after they were “pretty sure this was more than a one-night stand,” they tied the knot.

Dawn, the youngest of three siblings, was born in Kansas City, Missouri; Mo, the oldest of three siblings, hails from Frankfurt, Germany. Dawn “fell into” the mortgage industry but hasn’t worked since Mo was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), a form of brain cancer in October 2005. Mo, a graduate of Arizona State University and the Thunderbird School of International Management, spent his entire career in defense contracting and military/law enforcement.

Since the beginning, physical fitness and enjoying the great outdoors has been an important part in their life. Biking, hiking, walking, volleyball, camping and fishing rate high on their list of “favorite things to do.” However, due to Mo’s multiple surgeries and chemotherapy treatments, staying physically active has become more of a challenge.

“Mo and I are a team!” says Dawn. “We are very close and although I cannot truly know what he is going through, he knows that I am doing the best job that I can as his caregiver.”

Dawn believes strongly in self-nurturing, so that she can be there for Mo. “A daily walk is important, because it gives me time to think and relax.”  Dawn also discovered iPods were an invaluable resource. “They are wonderful,” she says. “We can enjoy books, music and relaxation tapes together.” 

Dawn encourages others to get help! “We found The Wellness Community Central Arizona and have taken advantage of their resources, support and love for nearly two years. By attending their weekly support groups, we find that we’re not alone, and by volunteering our time, we feel good giving back.”

Dawn sets an excellent example as someone who knows the importance for caregivers to seek a balance between caring for someone else and caring for oneself. This type of care is especially critical during the holidays. Caregiver.com, an invaluable on-line resource, has tips for both the caregiver and the care receiver during the holiday season:

1. Don’t try to do it all. Ask for help. Dividing the responsibility will help you manage your stress level.
2. Avoid comparisons with past holidays. “Life is change” can be a helpful concept to hold.
3. Stimulate all of your senses with the sounds, sights, smells and tastes of the holidays. Familiar holiday foods are a nice way to evoke positive memories.

"Is this the way Mo and I planned our life together?” asks Dawn. “No, of course not. But because we’re a team, we’re working together to stay strong in order to fight this cancer.”

For more helpful holiday hints, visit www.Caregiver.com.

For further information about the nationwide services of The Wellness Community visit their Web site at www.thewellnesscommunity.org.