Description: Welcome to another episode of Simply Unbreakable brought to you by Chronically Simple. Your hosts, Kristy Dickinson and Brenda Agnew are accompanied by Sarah VanNetten, who is a wife, a mom, and the author of Steady as We Go!: COVID, Chicken, and a Miracle.

In today’s episode, Sarah shares how she unexpectedly became an advocate not only for her husband but for the healthcare system and everybody dedicating their time and efforts working for everyone affected by the pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

[1:10] Sarah shares how her life changed when her husband was diagnosed with COVID.

[3:33] What did Sarah’s advocacy look like?

[5:05] Sarah also became an advocate for the health care staff and for vaccine awareness.

[7:34] Brenda talks about her position as an advocate for her son.

[11:22] COVID advocacy has been different from any other kind of advocacy.

[14:28] Firefighters and police received more understanding and gratitude after 911, now people are recognizing health care heroes for their efforts during the pandemic.

[17:30] Do you know the cost of medical care? People should get a bill even if they don’t have to pay it, just to be more aware and thankful for the treatment they are receiving.

[22:21] Sarah wanted everyone to know who her husband was when he was at the hospital.

[25:30] Kristy shares how humanizing patients is needed.

[29:45] Gratitude and appreciation matter.

[30:52] Sarah talks about the “lonely farm-wife season” and the resulting perspective shifts.

[33:47] You need sadness to realize what happiness is.

[34:45] What happens when COVID patients come off?

[35:56] COVID does not stop the day you get out of the ICU, Sarah shares her husband’s rehabilitation.

[44:05] Finding purpose makes any experience worth living.

[45:38] Where does Sarah see her purpose now?

[53:57] Sarah realized she was stronger than she thought.

Mentioned in this episode:

Brought to you by Chronically Simple

Simply Unbreakable

Download Chronically Simple App

Simply Unbreakable is where ideas are shared and conversations about navigating the healthcare system are had. The ideas shared are those of the individuals and should not be interpreted as medical advice