Qwynn Galloway-Salazar is the heart and soul of this week’s Heroes Caring for Heroes episode. As an Army veteran, end-of-life doula, and the founder of In Their Honor, Qwynn has dedicated over two decades to elevating the quality of life for military, veteran, and Caregiving communities. Her personal journey, however, took an unexpected turn when her husband, Jose, a retired combat veteran and law enforcement officer, faced a major medical emergency.
Qwynn found herself thrust into a new role – that of a caregiver. Despite her extensive experience and expertise, Qwynn struggled to reconcile her professional identity with the deeply personal and emotional experience of caring for her own loved one. Her vulnerability and honesty in sharing this journey are both inspiring and heartbreaking as she navigates the challenges of maintaining her own well-being while supporting her husband through his recovery. Qwynn's story serves as a poignant reminder that even the most seasoned caregivers can find themselves in need of support and community.
Throughout our conversation, Qwynn's resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to her family and her mission shine through. Her willingness to open up about the isolation and loneliness of caregiving, the importance of self-care, and accepting help from others offers a powerful message. Qwynn's journey is a testament to the strength and resilience of military and veteran caregivers, and her story will resonate with and inspire others who find themselves in similar circumstances.
About Qwynn:
Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar, known as Doc Q, is the Founder and CEO of In Their Honor. An Army Veteran and spouse to a Combat Veteran, she has devoted over two decades to enhancing the quality of life for military and Veteran communities. As an End-of-Life Doula Educator and Storyteller, Qwynn launched In Their Honor to collaborate with various stakeholders, ensuring Veterans and their families receive the care and support they need through the end of life. Her previous role as Co-Director of SAMHSA’s Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families Technical Assistance Center underscores her deep commitment to this cause.
Qwynn's influence extends across numerous initiatives focused on women Veterans, LGBTQIA+ Veterans, and end-of-life support. Notable roles include Lead Advisor for PsychArmor’s “Caring for Veterans Through the End-of-Life Collection” and her ongoing contributions as a Creative Advisor. She is also involved with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's End-of-Life Doula Council and the Compassionate Communities Think Tank. Her research and advocacy have earned her recognition as one of USA Today’s 2024 Women of the Year and the inaugural Woman Veteran of the Year by Georgia's Department of Veterans Services, highlighting her leadership and dedication to making a significant impact.
Support the show
Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver
Sisterhood of Care, LLC
Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com
Like us on Facebook!
Tweet with us on Twitter!
Follow us on Instagram!
Watch us on Youtube!
Pin us on Pinterest!
Link us on LinkedIn!
Tune in on Whole Care Network
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.
