S1E12 Jennifer A. O'Brien

The CARTI Hopecast

In this episode of The CARTI Hopecast, host Adam Head sits down with Jennifer A. O’Brien—author, caregiver, artist, and widow of a hospice and palliative care physician. When Jennifer’s husband, Dr. Bob Lehmberg, was diagnosed with stage IV kidney cancer, their shared life of service took a heartbreaking turn. What followed was a season of love, loss and radical presence.

Jennifer chronicles that season in her book The Hospice Doctor’s Widow: A Journal, a deeply personal art journal that began as a private act of survival and became a powerful resource for others navigating terminal illness and caregiving. In this conversation, she reflects on grief, identity, and how her visual storytelling became a continuation of her husband's work.

Together, they explore the concept of “precious time”—a phrase Bob used with families nearing end-of-life—and how it reshaped Jennifer’s approach to caregiving, creativity, and healing.

Takeaways:

• We must always maintain hope for the best while preparing for the worst in life.
• The concept of precious time emphasizes the importance of meaningful connections during difficult moments.
• Through art journaling, individuals can navigate grief, documenting feelings and fostering self-care.
• Facing terminal illness requires balancing hope with preparation, acknowledging the inevitable while cherishing relationships.
• The transition from caregiving to widowhood can be eased through thorough preparation and support.
• Sharing personal stories can empower others and foster community in the face of shared struggles.

Founded in 1976, CARTI delivers leading-edge cancer care in a compassionate, patient-centered environment. Our mission is to make trusted cancer care accessible for every patient we serve through compassion, innovation, and purpose.

The CARTI Hopecast shares authentic, meaningful stories that focus on human experiences. Every day, we see patients and families navigating unimaginable hardships, sometimes feeling alone in their journey. Through The Hopecast, listeners hear stories of resilience and transformation, fostering a sense of connection and hope.