Cristol Barrett O’Loughlin, founder of ANGEL AID CARES, was a caregiver to 3 of her brothers early in her life; now she works to care for caregivers. Cristol is focused on the mental health and wellness services of caregivers within the rare disease community, her lived experience created a passion to help. In this episode Cristol talks about the grief she has experienced in her life, not just that of loss, but also the grief of what she thought her own life was going to look like.

Angel aid is focused on providing the daily relief a caregiver may need. Daily relief can be achieved through communications that may be encouraging people to take care of themselves (sleep more, eat well, take time for reflection, and increased mindfulness). Angel Aid also offers weekly and monthly support groups, as well as in person experiences such as wellness retreats. Angel Aid has developed the Raregivers Emotional Journey Map, a cycle of hope and grief for caregivers, patients, and professionals. We challenge you to find where you are on the journey map and tag @angelaidcares on social media, or even just share this with your loved ones or friends.

“We are stronger together as a community, there’s enough shared experiences and there’s enough shared science, that if we work together we are going to impart and bring a much more accelerated change.”

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