Monica Vest Wheeler | You Must Give to Live | WHEN Stories™

Content Warning: This inspiring story may include sensitive topics or experiences that could be triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. #whenstories You Must Give to Live Every caregiver has a story. In this deeply moving WHEN Stories talk, author, speaker, and caregiver advocate Monica Vest Wheeler shares how losing her career unexpectedly became the beginning of a life devoted to helping families navigate caregiving, grief, Alzheimer's disease, stroke recovery, brain injuries, mental health, and life's most difficult moments. After being fired from her newspaper career, Monica discovered that her greatest gift wasn't simply writing stories—it was helping people survive them. Over the next three decades, she would care for multiple family members, volunteer at more than 150 stroke camps across the United States, support traumatic brain injury survivors, document countless stories of resilience, and become a trusted voice for caregivers everywhere. If you've ever been a caregiver... If you've lost someone you love... If you've struggled with anxiety, depression, burnout, or wondering what your purpose is after life falls apart... This talk will remind you that even the hardest chapters can become the beginning of something meaningful. In this talk you'll discover: • How one devastating job loss became a life-changing mission • The emotional realities of caregiving that few people talk about • Why caregivers need permission to ask for help • How storytelling helps heal grief and trauma • The importance of taking care of yourself while caring for others • Finding purpose after heartbreak • Why communication can strengthen families during crisis ABOUT MONICA VEST WHEELER Monica Vest Wheeler is an author, speaker, former newspaper reporter and editor, and nationally recognized advocate for caregivers, brain injury survivors, stroke survivors, and families navigating catastrophic health events. Through her writing, photography, and speaking, she has spent decades helping people process grief, communicate through difficult seasons, and discover hope in life's hardest moments. Learn more: https://www.monicavestwheeler.com ABOUT WHEN STORIES WHEN Stories features powerful true stories from everyday people whose lives changed forever after one defining moment. Every speaker shares the moment "when everything changed" and the lessons that followed. Subscribe for inspiring stories of resilience, hope, healing, leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal transformation. #Caregiving #CaregiverSupport #Alzheimers #StrokeRecovery #MentalHealth #Grief #BrainInjury #CaregiverBurnout #Purpose #WHENStories Video Production by MKE Video SPONSORED BY: Kate Carter with Kate Carter Coaching Kristin Adkins with Crash Design Co. WHEN Stories: http://whenstories.com Discover more inspiring stories or share your own at WHEN Stories™. Unmute Your Story—be seen, be heard, make an impact! #WHENStories #Storytelling #Inspiration #LifeChangingMoments #unmuteyourstory