Michelle Rogers of Ventura, California, shares a story about how she became a kidney donor while encouraging her boyfriend to give the gift of life to his sister, Nancy Noble, who had chronic kidney disease and was about to start dialysis. Turns out, no one in the family was a match. But Michelle was. Find out what prompted her to follow through with her promise to do "anything" Nancy needs.

The unwitting kidney donor

Christine Jeston of Oxnard, California, shares a story about her journey as a reluctant caregiver and how she came to forgive her estranged husband while taking care of him after his cancer diagnosis and eventual passing.

The Reluctant Caregiver

Joanna Wullschleger of Camarillo, California, shares a story about perseverance, motherhood, caregiving and her journey through grief. The mother of twins and an adopted daughter, Joanna has outlived all her children and two husbands. She was a caregiver through her son’s battle with cystic fibrosis and Crohn’s disease, and she helped her daughter and first husband through their cancer battles. Her ability to stay positive during this hard journey is astonishing, and her story about living in the present is truly worth listening to.

Motherhood, caregiving and grief

Susan Seats of Oak Park talks about recording her dad's life stories and holding a living memorial to help him find meaning in his life before passing. At 74, her dad was active and adventurous, attending space camp and participating in a simulated flight to to the moon. But 10 years later, his health had declined, and he seemed to have lost enthusiasm for life. Susan was determined to help him see all that he had accomplished, so she connected him with a local life storytelling program and held a living memorial, where loved ones shared touching tributes. Her story about honoring the living and helping her dad transition peacefully by reflecting on a life well-lived is both heartfelt and inspirational.

A Living Memorial for Dad

Dr. Ruby Simpkins of Camarillo, California, a Boston University-trained medical doctor who practiced in Agoura Hills, shares a story about her great-aunt's stroke and how the events that unfolded propelled her to become a doctor to ensure equal care for all.

A medical career born out of tragedy

Leslie McLeod of Camarillo and her siblings are thrown into the role of caregivers when their mother accidentally overdoses on medication. "Wholly unprepared, we walked through times of surprising closeness and devastating division as we learned to communicate frankly, make impossible decisions and extended grace to ourselves and each other," Leslie says. Dive into their story as part of our "Stories from the Heart" series brought to you by the Camarillo Health Care District.

Family dynamics, aging parents and forgiveness

Pattie Braga of Ventura shares a story about becoming a caregiver for her father after he has a stroke and the lessons she learned from him when given the gift of time.

The Gift of Time: Lessons from Dad

Elizabeth Olson of Thousand Oaks shares a story about her transformation from glistening English rose to fierce triathlon competitor, a health journey inspired by her father and nurtured by friends who continue to hold her accountable to a healthy lifestyle.

English Rose Turned Triathlon Competitor

Dawn Smithfield of Santa Rosa Valley shares a story about finding love later in life, and the ups and down of caring for aging parents.

Better Late Than Never

Dot Damon shares a personal story about juggling her roles as daughter, nurse and caregiver to her parents as their health takes a turn.

Juggling Act: Daughter, Nurse, Caregiver

True, first-person stories about health, wellness, resiliency and perseverance from neighbors and notables in the Camarillo Health Care District.

Stories from the Heart

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