The Care Partner Cipher: We Take the Mic

Every patient has a story—but every care partner has one too.

On this episode of Hip Hope Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health, host Oya Gilbert passes the mic to three care partners from the multiple myeloma community: Michelle Ware Ivy, Diane Kennedy, and Chad Moore.

Together, they share what happened when multiple myeloma entered their families and how they suddenly found themselves becoming advocates, researchers, appointment partners, emotional anchors, and voices for the people they love.

The conversation explores the difficult moments that often happen outside the spotlight—from telling children and parents about a cancer diagnosis to questioning treatment decisions, managing fear, navigating grief, learning to be present, and finding ways to care for yourself while caring for someone else.

Michelle also shares how her promise to her late husband, Malcolm, continues through her advocacy and the Malcolm Orlando Ivy Foundation. Diane discusses becoming the “truth serum” during medical appointments and learning when to trust her instincts. Chad opens up about the “messy” reality of caregiving and realizing that care partners don't always have to know the answer or fix every problem.

Their message to other care partners is simple but powerful:

Be flexible. Lead with love. You don’t have to have all the answers.

In this cipher, the care partner’s light doesn’t dim when the patient enters the room.

This time, they take the mic.

▶️ Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QYr2COcD41g

🎧 Listen to Hip Hope Hooray! Men Talkin’ Health on Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.