In May, my brother-in-law had a significant stroke.

When I visited my sister the weekend before the 4th of July, they were in Green Bay at the hospital—five hours from their home in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan—and it was clear she needed someone in her corner.

She was doing everything.

Prepping and cooking every meal at the hospitality lodging facility because the hospital didn’t prepare vegan, vegetarian, low-fat, sodium-conscious meals…which they had been using to successfully reverse her husband’s diabetes.

Sitting in on every PT and OT session (twice a day).

Advocating for her husband’s care as he re-learned how to talk and take his first steps again.

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The transition home

After the weekend, I followed them home for the 5+ hour drive back to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

After a long two months away, it was a triumph to return home. It was a massive boost in everyone’s mental health and well-being—especially the emotional reunion with Aurora, their beloved Doberman.

As a family, we helped prepare the home as much as possible—transporting furniture and coordinating delivery of medical equipment and a medical bed, just to name a few.

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Continuing care (and what’s often missing)

One of the first things scheduled for Jim, my brother-in-law, was his acupuncture appointment—a treatment the hospital would not allow during his stay, even though world-renowned centers like the Cleveland Clinic have entire departments for complementary medicine.

They are now continuing their intensive rehab at home.

Neighbors volunteered to prepare and deliver meals every other day. They knew how much Jim’s health had improved the previous year following the Mastering Diabetes meal plans (even his dietician was surprised), and—without us even asking—they found and prepared foods they knew would best support him. 🥺♥️

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The reality of access

At the same time, the reality of access became glaringly apparent.

…not being able to walk without assistance in places that aren’t wheelchair-friendly

…having occupational, speech, and physical therapy scheduled throughout the week

…needing an easel whiteboard in plain sight just to keep track of and coordinate the schedule

Step by step, they continue to reclaim what the stroke took from Jim’s body.

They have never given up, and every day, new strides and incremental successes add up over time.

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The role of caregivers

My sister, Meg, has been the primary caregiver 24/7.

I want to acknowledge her for the extraordinary work she has done advocating for and supporting her husband.

It has also been heartwarming to witness how our family has rallied around them.

It’s what family is about—love, compassion, and care.

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What this experience revealed

This whole experience has been an eye-opener about the gaps in our medical system when it comes to integrative recovery:

• nutrition is rarely personalized to support healing
• complementary treatments are often dismissed
• the emotional and logistical weight on caregivers is enormous

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Why flexibility in your health plan matters

I’m more grateful than ever that my health coverage offers choice.

Choice of care.
The ability to seek out complementary support.
The ability to adjust nutrition and bring in therapies that support the whole person.

When life throws you a curveball, you want your health coverage to allow you that kind of flexibility.

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A simple reminder

If you’re not sure whether your plan allows for the kind of choice and flexibility you would want in a crisis, now is the time to find out—before you need it.

Book some time on my calendar.