Caregiver SOS

Hosts: Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Hosts: Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Sunday Jul 31st, 2016 - with Ron Aaron and Carol …

Sunday Jul 31st, 2016 - with Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial

Suzy McNamara joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernial to talk about caregiving loss on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Suzy

 Suzy McNamara is an author, speaker, and caregiving and grief advocate whose work explores the emotional realities of loving someone through loss. She is the author of The Silkworm, The Magician, and The Sister Tree, a deeply human reflection on caregiving, faith, and enduring connection.

In 2024, Suzy lost her husband of 37 years after caring for him at home through early-onset Alzheimer’s, while also grieving the loss of her sister within the same year. These overlapping experiences shape her voice and give her a rare perspective on what it means to lose someone both gradually and all at once.

A mother of four, lawyer, and fundraiser, Suzy writes for those carrying the often invisible weight of caregiving and grief. Her work offers language, companionship, and meaning for people navigating life’s most difficult transitions.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Suzy McNamara joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernial to talk about caregiving loss on this edition of Caregiver SOS.
About Suzy
&nbsp;Suzy McNamara is an author, speaker, and caregiving and grief advocate whose work explores the emotional realities of loving someone through loss. She is the author of The Silkworm, The Magician, and The Sister Tree, a deeply human reflection on caregiving, faith, and enduring connection.
In 2024, Suzy lost her husband of 37 years after caring for him at home through early-onset Alzheimer&rsquo;s, while also grieving the loss of her sister within the same year. These overlapping experiences shape her voice and give her a rare perspective on what it means to lose someone both gradually and all at once.
A mother of four, lawyer, and fundraiser, Suzy writes for those carrying the often invisible weight of caregiving and grief. Her work offers language, companionship, and meaning for people navigating life&rsquo;s most difficult transitions.
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Caregiving Loss | Suzy McNamara

Karee White joins host Ron Aaron and guest co-host Tina Smith to talk about her caregiving story on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Karee

Karee White is a veteran, military mother, and Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellow based in Apex, North Carolina. She and her husband Jim are both veterans. Seven of their nine children have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces—a legacy of service that stretches back nearly 250 years in their family.

Her Story: Karee's daughter Kimmy, an Army paratrooper, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury at 25 years old while forward stationed in Italy following a deployment to Afghanistan. Kimmy was in a coma for a year. When doctors told the family there was nothing more they could do, they brought her home. Fifteen years later, Kimmy is relearning to

walk and can speak a few words. Karee has been her primary caregiver throughout.

Her Book: Ash Woven is officially released April 23, 2026. Karee's memoir traces her family's journey through generational service, sacrifice, and healing. It explores how strength is not newly found in crisis—it is remembered, drawn from those who came before. A portion of the proceeds supports the I Love Everyone Foundation. Available on Amazon.

Her Work with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation: As a Dole Caregiver Fellow with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Karee is part of a national network of military and veteran caregivers who share their stories to drive awareness, policy, and support. There are 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers in the U.S. (2024 RAND report), and millions more—including an estimated 2.3 million children—quietly providing unpaid care in those homes. 

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Karee White joins host Ron Aaron and guest co-host Tina Smith to talk about her caregiving story on this edition of Caregiver SOS.
About Karee
Karee White is a veteran, military mother, and Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellow based in Apex, North Carolina. She and her husband Jim are both veterans. Seven of their nine children have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces&mdash;a legacy of service that stretches back nearly 250 years in their family.
Her Story: Karee's daughter Kimmy, an Army paratrooper, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury at 25 years old while forward stationed in Italy following a deployment to Afghanistan. Kimmy was in a coma for a year. When doctors told the family there was nothing more they could do, they brought her home. Fifteen years later, Kimmy is relearning to
walk and can speak a few words. Karee has been her primary caregiver throughout.
Her Book: Ash Woven is officially released April 23, 2026. Karee's memoir traces her family's journey through generational service, sacrifice, and healing. It explores how strength is not newly found in crisis&mdash;it is remembered, drawn from those who came before. A portion of the proceeds supports the I Love Everyone Foundation. Available on Amazon.
Her Work with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation: As a Dole Caregiver Fellow with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Karee is part of a national network of military and veteran caregivers who share their stories to drive awareness, policy, and support. There are 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers in the U.S. (2024 RAND report), and millions more&mdash;including an estimated 2.3 million children&mdash;quietly providing unpaid care in those homes.&nbsp;
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

A Family Caregiving Journey with Karee White

Dr. Paul Bendheim joins host Ron Aaron and guest co-host Tina Smith to talk about providing care using a simple, evidence-based lifestyle on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

About Dr. Bendheim

Dr. Paul Bendheim is a board-certified neurologist, author, and founder of BrainSavers®,

Inc., a company dedicated to helping people reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s dementia by

strengthening and enhancing brain function and overall health through evidence-based

lifestyle interventions. His work focuses on preventing cognitive decline and promoting

brain resilience in aging populations. He serves as a Clinical Professor of Neurology at

the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, where he helps educate the next

generation of physicians.

A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Bendheim earned his undergraduate degree cum laude

in art history from Pomona College, followed by a Doctor of Medicine from the University of

Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, where he graduated with AOA honors. He completed

his neurology residency and a research postdoctoral fellowship at the University of

California, San Francisco.

Over his distinguished career, Dr. Bendheim has held leadership roles in academic

medicine, biotechnology, and clinical research, including serving as Executive Vice

President and Chief Medical Officer at Mindset Biopharmaceuticals and Medical Director

at Teva Pharmaceuticals Copaxone Division. His contributions center on Alzheimer’s

disease and other dementias, recognizing early in his career that lifestyle modification is a

powerful, evidence-based tool for prevention.

As founder and CEO of BrainSavers®, Dr. Bendheim led the development of the company’s

hallmark program, the Brain+Body Total Fitness Program, an evidence-based framework

combining mental, physical, nutritional, socialization, sleep hygiene and stress

management to foster cognitive vitality and overall health. He is also the author of “The

Brain Training Revolution: A Proven Workout for Healthy Brain Aging,” which details

practical strategies for maintaining mental sharpness throughout life.

Dr. Bendheim lives in Phoenix with his wife, Judith Amiel-Bendheim, a ceramic and jewelry

artist. He enjoys gardening, fly fishing, tennis, reading, and art, and takes pride in spending

time with his children, Jessica and Daniel, and granddaughters, Audrey and Amelia.

Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Dr. Paul Bendheim joins host Ron Aaron and guest co-host Tina Smith to talk about providing care using a simple, evidence-based lifestyle on this edition of Caregiver SOS.
About Dr. Bendheim
Dr. Paul Bendheim is a board-certified neurologist, author, and founder of BrainSavers&reg;,
Inc., a company dedicated to helping people reduce their risk of Alzheimer&rsquo;s dementia by
strengthening and enhancing brain function and overall health through evidence-based
lifestyle interventions. His work focuses on preventing cognitive decline and promoting
brain resilience in aging populations. He serves as a Clinical Professor of Neurology at
the University of Arizona College of Medicine &ndash; Phoenix, where he helps educate the next
generation of physicians.
A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Bendheim earned his undergraduate degree cum laude
in art history from Pomona College, followed by a Doctor of Medicine from the University of
Arizona College of Medicine &ndash; Tucson, where he graduated with AOA honors. He completed
his neurology residency and a research postdoctoral fellowship at the University of
California, San Francisco.
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Bendheim has held leadership roles in academic
medicine, biotechnology, and clinical research, including serving as Executive Vice
President and Chief Medical Officer at Mindset Biopharmaceuticals and Medical Director
at Teva Pharmaceuticals Copaxone Division. His contributions center on Alzheimer&rsquo;s
disease and other dementias, recognizing early in his career that lifestyle modification is a
powerful, evidence-based tool for prevention.
As founder and CEO of BrainSavers&reg;, Dr. Bendheim led the development of the company&rsquo;s
hallmark program, the Brain+Body Total Fitness Program, an evidence-based framework
combining mental, physical, nutritional, socialization, sleep hygiene and stress
management to foster cognitive vitality and overall health. He is also the author of &ldquo;The
Brain Training Revolution: A Proven Workout for Healthy Brain Aging,&rdquo; which details
practical strategies for maintaining mental sharpness throughout life.
Dr. Bendheim lives in Phoenix with his wife, Judith Amiel-Bendheim, a ceramic and jewelry
artist. He enjoys gardening, fly fishing, tennis, reading, and art, and takes pride in spending
time with his children, Jessica and Daniel, and granddaughters, Audrey and Amelia.
Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.

Sunday Jul 31st, 2016 - with Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial

In 1 playlist(s)

Caregiver SOS

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips