This is a special week on the podcast, as Chris sat down with Christy's firstborn, Max, to talk about what it was like growing up with a sibling who has childhood cancer. Max shares candidly about his experience as the big brother of Carter, who was diagnosed with ALL at six years old. Max was eight years old, and he shares how his age and development played a role in how he interpreted what was happening with his younger brother. He explains how there was a lot of fear and frustration that he never shared because he knew what was on his parents' plate, and he encourages other siblings in a similar situation to find someone to talk to. Max shares the importance of finding his own identity apart from childhood cancer, and how the experience of growing up as a "cancer family" impacted his relationships with his parents and his brothers. He also reminisces on his family's first Lighthouse retreat as a Retreat Family, and the gift it has been to return year after year to serve as well.
