Episode Description
In this episode of The Broken Pack™: Stories of Sibling Loss , journalist and author Steven Petrow joins Dr. Dean to discuss various aspects of sibling loss, grief, and medical aid in dying. He shares his personal experiences with losing his sister, Julie, to a six-year ovarian cancer experience, navigating his responses to her choice, and their perspectives on end-of-life choices. The conversation highlights the importance of privacy, listening, and respecting the wishes of cancer patients and etiquette in both grief and cancer. Steven Petrow also shares Julie’s voice and hopes for expanding access to medical aid in dying for terminally ill individuals. This episode also sheds light on the unique dynamics of sibling relationships and their influence on individuals' identity and well-being.
Content warning: This episode discusses Medical Aid in Dying.
Links Mention and Other Related Links:
Clearity Foundation - https://www.clearityfoundation.org - An organization that Julie, Steven, and their family found support from. Clearity supports people with ovarian cancer and their families.
Empathy Cards (some may be snarky, others are not, sibling loss ones support The Broken Pack™)- https://tinyurl.com/34ab2js8
FAQ on MAiD- https://www.compassionandchoices.org/resource/frequently-asked-questions/
Steven’s articles on Julie & on MAiD
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/28/opinion/medical-aid-death-choice.html
NPR Article on Steven learning to understand Julie's choice- https://tinyurl.com/a7x3p58h
Steven's website: https://stevenpetrow.com
Steven's article on cancer etiquette -
https://www.mariashriversundaypaper.com/steven-petrow-cancer-etiq
If you would like more information or to share your own sibling loss story, please contact Dr. Angela Dean at contact@thebrokenpack.com or go to our website, thebrokenpack.com.
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Thank you!
Angela M. Dean, PsyD, FT
Credits:
The Broken Pack™ Podcast is produced by Not Done Here Media
"If Tomorrow Starts Without Me" © ℗ 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
Performed by Fuji Sounds (feat. Joe Mylward)
Written by Joe Mylward and Brian Dean
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