Advocating for Caregivers During National Family Caregiver Awareness Month

11/12/2025

Written by Lisa Lenrow, MBA – NRG Patient Advocate Committee Vice-Chair

I am honored to have been selected as NRG Oncology Vice Chair of the Patient Advocacy Committee (PAC). I am compelled to volunteer for organizations whose mission I feel passionate about and advancing science and the impact of clinical trials is tremendously important to me.

It all began with an unrelenting headache and chronic fatigue that sent us to the emergency room. There, we received the devastating news: my husband had a brain tumor. In that moment, our lives changed forever, and my calling as a patient advocate was kindled.

His brain tumor diagnosis transformed my life and ignited my passion for seeking solutions and innovative treatments. Drawing on my career in healthcare marketing, I quickly became a strong advocate – navigating clinical data, engaging with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring my husband’s voice and treatment preferences remained central throughout his care.

I was thrown into the role of caregiver and representative for my husband. I took on the responsibilities wholeheartedly because had the situation been reversed, I know he would have done the very same for me. I wanted to be the best care partner possible, and my work in project management came in handy in juggling his daily schedule.

As November is National Family Caregiver Awareness Month, I feel it is appropriate to remind the NRG Oncology community of the importance of caregivers, the sacrifices they make to care for their loved one. Most importantly the inexperience we feel as we navigate uncharted terrain.

There is no “What to Expect” best seller that prepares you for the challenges of caring for a loved one who is ill. This is a good time to check-in on your patient’s caregiver to be sure they’re taking care of themselves. A caregiver can’t be at their best if they’re in a constant state of stress and exhaustion. Take a moment to help them figure out what they need to make themselves feel better and encourage them to take the time to give that to themselves.

As clinicians, you know first-hand that treating a cancer patient is complicated and at times unpredictable. Care partners face similar experiences because it’s impossible to make caregiving routine. After deciding against the only clinical trial that was available for him, my husband was prescribed standard of care. During treatment he was physically exhausted, unstable on his feet and in fear of falling due to dizziness, brain fog and muscle weakness.  By the end of his six-week course of radiation, his hair fell out.

For nine months my husband fought to beat brain cancer. His passing has created a steadfast desire for me to advocate for patients and their care partners to improve patients’ experiences with cancer and outcomes. My role at NRG Oncology will allow me to honor my husband by making his voice heard and his battle with cancer to make a difference.  I look forward to supporting your important work and contributing meaningfully to raising visibility for cancer research.

Bio: Lisa is a patient advocate, peer reviewer and IRB member.  She volunteers for organizations to raise disease awareness, funding for patient education and support materials, and advancing the science and impact of clinical trials.