Leonie Mulgrew married her husband Shane nearly 36 years ago. They built a life together, with Leonie working as a beauty therapist at Myer and Shane running his business.

In 2021, Shane was diagnosed with stage four melanoma after a misdiagnosis. This critical moment changed their lives, leading to an extensive, 15-hour surgery and significant medical treatment. Leonie took on the role of Shane's primary caregiver during his battle with cancer. This involved managing medications, diet, nursing care, and emotional support around the clock.

Balancing work with caregiving was tough. Leonie faced emotional strain at her beauty therapy job, compounded by COVID-19 restrictions and unsupportive work environments, prompting a change in her career path.

Leonie transitioned to Lifeline Pacific Paradise, where she found a supportive environment. Her role as a store manager allowed her to help others, finding new purpose and fulfillment. Travel became a crucial part of Leonie's emotional healing. Trips with Shane, including one to Lake Macquarie, facilitated significant trauma release and offered a respite from caregiving stress.

Leonie actively supports and advises carers, emphasising empathy and non-judgmental support through groups like Stories of Hope. She fosters a positive, understanding work environment for her volunteer team.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the BUPA Foundation (Australia) through their Community Grants Program. To find out more, head to https://www.bupafoundation.org/.

Cheryl Harris, is a community advocate, and former unpaid carer. She transitioned from hospital administration to volunteering and has been deeply involved in senior care and disability services.

Cheryl's life changed when her husband Ken was diagnosed with kidney disease in 1995. She navigated the complexities of dialysis and healthcare, showing immense strength and resilience. Juggling hospital visits, strict dietary plans, and emotional turmoil, Cheryl managed Ken’s chronic illness, always keeping his well-being at the forefront despite significant personal sacrifices.

After Ken's passing, Cheryl focused on personal growth, finding new purpose and contributing to the community. She understands the importance of balancing self-care with her passion for helping others."

Cheryl’s tireless work in her community spans from kidney health to homelessness. She believes in the power of small acts of kindness to improve the world. For Cheryl, volunteering and community work continue to be her anchors, providing purpose and joy as she reinvents her identity.

Committed to positive change, Cheryl collaborates with local organisations and is working on a project with the University of Sunshine Coast to create a resource hub for carers and seniors.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the BUPA Foundation (Australia) through their Community Grants Program. To find out more, head to https://www.bupafoundation.org/.

Barbara Minuzzo has had a lifelong journey in unpaid care. This began with Barbara looking after her father who battled high-level dementia. This demanding role set her on a path of continuous caregiving.

Today, she cares for her mother, who has experienced a stroke and suffers from high-level dementia. Her focus remains on enhancing her mother's independence and quality of life.

Barbara finds immense fulfillment in her role. It's a conscious choice born from knowing her mother would feel lost in an environment where she can't speak the language. Support from organizations like Merri Health Gateway has been invaluable for Barbara, providing her with the necessary backing to continue her challenging but rewarding role.

Being a caregiver involves more than just fulfilling physical needs. It's about addressing the mental, social, emotional, and spiritual complexities of those cared for, which many often overlook.

Barbara treasures the small joys, like picking flowers from the garden with her mum, which bring a sense of normality and happiness amidst the daily challenges. She highlights that carers need time and space for self-care and mindfulness. Planning for these moments is essential, as caregiving can be an around-the-clock responsibility.

Barbara's dedication and insights offer a profound understanding of the unpaid carers' world. Her ongoing journey is both inspiring and enlightening, emphasising the importance of gratitude, patience, and self-care.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Broken" by Colin Lillie

This Limited Kintsugi Heroes podcast series was made possible with grant funding from the BUPA Foundation (Australia) through their Community Grants Program. To find out more, head to https://www.bupafoundation.org/.