The Reluctant Promotion: From CEO to Caregiver with Natalie Elliott Handy

2023-01-24

Have you ever said to yourself, “Who’s got time for cancer when there’s so much work to do?” In this episode we’re talking with middle sister Natalie Elliott Handy, who lovingly refers to herself as “yellow mustard” to her “grey poupon” older sister, JJ. Since childhood, Natalie has been the most outgoing and outspoken of the three sisters. Similar to her siblings, she has a passion for serving others; having over 24 years experience working with children, families and individuals in need of mental and behavioral health services.

Have you ever said to yourself, “Who’s got time for cancer when there’s so much work to do?”

In this episode we’re talking with middle sister Natalie Elliott Handy, who lovingly refers to herself as “yellow mustard” to her “grey poupon” older sister, JJ. Since childhood, Natalie has been the most outgoing and outspoken of the three sisters. Similar to her siblings, she has a passion for serving others; having over 24 years experience working with children, families and individuals in need of mental and behavioral health services.

Natalie talks with sisters JJ and Emilie about the day she found out her husband Jason was suspected to have cancer, an appointment she chose not to attend due to an “important” meeting. Natalie shares how she initially thought it would be “easy to navigate the system” based on her past experiences in the healthcare field but boy was she wrong.

Listen in as Natalie shares the blessings she and Jason experienced along the way as they navigated the highs and lows and the twists and turns of Jason’s cancer journey. Natalie proudly talks about how she “found God” in New York City, and professes, “my husband’s cancer saved me”.

She states, “I’ll take the daily stressors of being a CEO to that of a caregiver any day!” But every day wasn’t really so bad as Natalie goes on to share how she found glimmers of hope in the support she received from family, friends and through the kindness of strangers. Trust us, you’ll be shocked at the number of times one person can go to Trader Joe’s and Morton Williams grocery store in one day! But hey, everyone’s got their “go to” strategies for staying sane!

Key Takeaways:

Don’t be afraid to share our feelings of self-doubt and insecurities with others
Remember, “No one asked you to work that hard”. If they do, are you really in the right place?
Allow others to support you. You are not in this alone, nor should you be!

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Learn More About Natalie Elliott Handy

Natalie Elliott Handy, MSW, is a seasoned healthcare executive with a passion for serving others. Natalie has over 24 years in the health and human services industry, she has worked with children and their families, partnering with local and state level government agencies and community organizations, to meet critical mental and behavioral health needs.

Connect with Natalie Elliott Handy

Linked In: linkedin.com/in/natalie-elliott-handy-

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalie.elliott.3760/about

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalie.elliott.3760/

Blog: https://www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com/blog

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