Episode Description

In this powerful episode of The Care Collective Podcast, Mikayla sits down with Ashley Larimore, a caregiver, entrepreneur, and third-generation farmer who splits her time between Charleston, South Carolina and her family’s farm in Maryland.

At just twenty-three, Ashley became the primary caregiver for her mother during an aggressive breast cancer battle, an experience that changed her life and led her to advocate for caregivers and patients everywhere. She shares what it was like to navigate long drives to treatment, advocate in medical appointments, balance work with care responsibilities, and process the layers of grief that come after loss.

As we honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ashley’s story is a reminder that behind every patient is a caregiver carrying an invisible load, and that asking for help, setting boundaries, and finding gratitude are essential parts of healing.

Whether you’re a caregiver yourself or simply love someone who is, this episode will leave you feeling seen and inspired.

Key Topics Covered

• What it’s like to be a caregiver for a parent with breast cancer
• How caregiving can inspire advocacy and purpose
• Balancing work, grief, and family responsibility
• Learning to accept help and set healthy boundaries
• The emotional ripple effect of caregiving within families
• Why advocacy matters in medical settings

This episode blends real stories and emotional truth with practical lessons about resilience, empathy, and what it means to show up for the people you love, even when it’s hard.

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