Finding Your Voice: A Teen’s Perspective on Serious Illness

When a teen has a serious illness, it can be hard to know how to help. Teens often want to do more on their own as they grow. Caregivers may wonder how to talk with their teen. They may also want to know how to include teens in care choices and help them handle hard feelings.

In this episode, Erica Sirrine, PhD, LCSW, talks with St. Jude patient Michelle and Tori Hinton, PhD, CCLS, senior child life specialist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They share ways family caregivers can help teens during a serious illness. 

Michelle discusses what she learned during treatment for acute myeloid leukemia, or AML. She talks about how her family communicated, made care choices together, and handled difficult emotions. She also shares how art, journaling, calming exercises, and support from friends helped her manage stress and stay connected to who she is.

Tori explains why giving teens a chance to take part in care decisions matters. She shares ways caregivers can support a teen’s independence while staying connected. The group also explores how to talk honestly, handle stress, and help teens feel heard. 

A special thank you to our host, Erica Sirrine, director of Social Work at St. Jude; our expert, Tori Hinton, senior child life specialist at St. Jude; and St. Jude patient Michelle.

This episode was recorded on August 3, 2026.  

Learn more about Michelle’s AML diagnosis on St. Jude Care & Treatment and Together by St. Jude™.  

Read about Michelle’s art on the St. Jude website.  

Learn about navigating serious illness as a teen or young adult on Together Teens & 20s. 

St. Jude does not endorse any product or organization mentioned in this podcast.