This week’s episode focuses on Christopher “Chris” Schuler—his journey as a son, father, and most notably, a devoted caregiver. Chris, adopted from Colombia and raised in a loving, close-knit Family in New York, reflects deeply on identity, belonging, and the power of chosen family. His parents’ move to Rhode Island marked a period of even stronger family bonds, which would later prove invaluable when his father was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain Cancer. The diagnosis and subsequent Caregiving experience were transformative for Chris: he describes the initial shock, the emotional toll of shifting immediately into crisis mode, and the unwavering determination to care for his father, drawing strength from childhood lessons of Love, attachment, and resilience.
Throughout his father's illness, Chris balanced being a parent himself, maintaining his job, and providing near-round-the-clock care. He candidly shares the physical and mental challenges of caregiving, including the toll on his own Health and the Burnout that caregivers often experience. Yet, amidst the difficulty, he found meaning by staying present, bringing humor to dark moments, and cherishing precious time with loved ones. The experience has forever changed Chris—today, he proudly claims his identity as “Dad,” guided by his father’s Legacy of love and laughter, and is committed to using his voice to support and advocate for other caregivers navigating similar journeys.
About Chris:
Chris is a staunch brain cancer awareness advocate. He was the primary caregiver to his late Dad, Donald Schuler, who was diagnosed with GBM in July 2021. He works closely with biotech’s and patient advocacy organizations across the globe, amplifying their critical work and building key Relationships to further improve outcomes for patients. He spent eighteen years as a successful philanthropic facilitator, having raised millions for a variety of causes. He's currently a Venture Partner with Varia Ventures, working to raise awareness for emerging venture funds dedicated to uncovering and funding innovative discoveries to improve brain health. Chris continues as his Dad's caregiver — caregiver to his life, legacy and memory.
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Known since childhood as “The Elliott Girls” or simply, “The Girls”, it makes sense that we work together to support our mother, and each other. Our trio begins with Jenefer Jane “JJ” who was and always will be “in charge”. She’s the peacekeeper. The responsible one, ensuring Natalie and Emilie remain alive. Next is Natalie, the middle child, who was and always will be Miss Congeniality. She’s the athlete. The rebel responsible for three babysitters exiting the summer of ’84. Then there is Emilie, the youngest, who was and always will be “the baby”. At 6’1”, she is the sensitive and quiet soul. The one responsible for the guinea pig that begged for lettuce and the stray dog we adopted from the bus stop.
After high school we went separate ways, from New Mexico to North Carolina. JJ would go on to get her Master’s in Business Administration and work in the finance world before partnering with her now husband, Dexter, to run a variety of businesses. Natalie would go on to get her Master’s in Social Work degree, and work in the mental health field, advocating for children and families to receive the most appropriate services. Natalie would marry and divorce early on but later marry Jason. Emilie would exit college early to marry and gift us with Owen and twins, Maxx and Natalie Jane aka “The Kids”. Emilie would later divorce and work with county government, focusing much time on caring for the kids.
The source of the sisterhood falls to Jim aka “Big Jim” and Connie, small town high school sweethearts married for almost 40 years.
In 2005, at the age of 52, mom would be diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. She hid the disease for years behind dad’s 6’2” frame. The tremors and sudden inability to move were both calmed and steadied by his arm and simple presence. He was her rock. Our rock. Close family and friends knew of her chronic illness, but to the rest of the world, everything was “fine”. Life would turn upside down when our dad unexpectedly passed in 2011 of a massive heart attack at the age of 58. The assumption was Dad would always be mom’s caregiver but that wasn’t God’s plan.
Mom would spend the years following our father’s death desperately seeking a cure for Parkinson’s while trying to manage her symptoms. As the years went by, the cruel symptoms associated with the disease increased, negatively impacting her body while her mind remained clear and in tune. We lived our lives checking in to make sure she was “okay” but knowing the day would come when we had to do more. And then it did. The summer of 2019 changed everything. That’s where the real caregiver story begins for us. Little did we know she would be only the beginning of our caregiving journey.
In March 2022, Natalie’s husband, Jason, was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. From the first time Jason detected something off about the swollen lymph nodes in his neck, to the formal diagnosis, and the decision to move to New York City to participate in a clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the journey would push them to their limits. The silver lining of his diagnosis was the cancer brought them closer to God, restoring their faith in Him while also experiencing a myriad of blessings through the kindness of family, friends, and strangers. Their story is a testimony that will inspire and offer hope.
