A Caregiver’s Journey: Tracey’s Story of Love, Positivity, and Advocacy

When Tracey reflects on the past year, she is overwhelmed with awe, determination, and gratitude. Her life changed in January 2024 when her husband, Norm, a radiologist, was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). The months that followed were filled with surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and an unyielding commitment to face every challenge together.

Norm’s medical background gave him an early sense of what was coming. What began as mild stomach issues and a rash soon escalated. While Tracey was on an annual cruise with her mother, she received a call from Norm. In his calm, matter-of-fact tone, he said, “I’m going across the street to get a biliary stent put in.” A friend and GI surgeon performed the procedure. In true Norm fashion, he walked back to work after the surgery and finished his day before asking a nurse to drive him home.

Soon after, Norm developed jaundice, prompting a visit to Moffitt Cancer Center, where life-saving surgery was performed by Dr. Pimiento. Tracey speaks of the care they received, especially from Dr. Pimiento, with deep appreciation. She recalls how a simple 20-minute walk with the surgeon helped Norm overcome a bout of post-surgery depression. That moment transformed their outlook, giving them renewed hope and a steadfast commitment to face the future with positivity.

Tracey describes herself as a “full-time volunteer,” dedicating her time to causes she loves, like sea turtle conservation. A retired military veteran, she has been married to Norm for 20 years. Together, they navigate life with humor, resilience, and love, savoring every moment they share.

A Glimpse into Tracey and Norm’s Journey

What keeps Norm motivated as he balances his health journey with his role as a top-ranked pickleball referee?
Norm’s motivation comes from being needed. He focuses on caring for his patients and excelling as a referee on the pickleball tour.

How has your passion for volunteering influenced your approach to caregiving?
“Caregiving is the most selfless thing a person can do. Like volunteering, it requires passion and expecting nothing in return. The motivation comes from love.”

What inspired you to want to be a CholangioConnect caregiver mentor?
“Making a difference in someone’s life. Many people feel like they have no one to turn to. I’ve always been that person who’s there for others to just call and talk. Sometimes, all someone needs is to feel like someone cares. Everyone’s journey is different, and we can all learn from one another.”

What do you envision for your role as a caregiver mentor?
“I want to make the healing process easier for everyone. From diagnosis to the start of treatment, it can be the most stressful time of a person’s life. Caregivers take on a lot of guilt, and I hope to help lessen that in some way.”

Are there particular moments you hold onto as motivation for the future?
Tracey treasures a trip they took to Fiji between Norm’s chemotherapy and radiation treatments. “No internet, no TV, no family—just Norm and me. We spent the week on the beach, talking about life and our love for one another. We asked the hard questions, cried about the difficult times, and reflected on what the future could hold. It was the most liberating thing we’ve ever done.”

Tracey’s journey as a caregiver is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the human spirit. Through her advocacy and mentorship, she hopes to inspire others to find strength, build connections, and approach caregiving with compassion and hope.