COVID-19 Safety
- Bradley Cooper has refused to leave the house while quarantining with his mom and daughter during COVID-19
- Cooper’s mom is at extra risk if exposed to the virus because of a medical condition
- Cooper lost his father to lung cancer in 2011
Cooper, 45, revealed that while sheltering-in-place with his mom and 3-year-old daughter, the family hasn’t left the house during the pandemic because his 80-year-old mother, Gloria, is particularly at risk if exposed to the virus due to her age and preexisting issues. According to Cooper, Gloria has a colostomy bag (a plastic bag that collects fecal matter from the digestive tract through an opening in the abdominal wall) which means she could face serious health complications if infected.
Read MoreDr. Brieze Keeley Bell explains when you should stay home or call your doctor during COVID-19
The Experience of Being a Cancer Caregiver
Caring for someone battling cancer isn’t easy, but the experience can be even more difficult if you’re caring for your parent. While it can take a toll on your emotional health, caregivers play an integral role in making sure patients are properly cared for, and can bring a little positivity into their life. Similar to Cooper, other celebrities such as Bill Rancic, Patrick Dempsey, and comedian Jesus Trejo have spoken out about their experiences watching loved ones battle cancer.
After losing his mother to ovarian cancer, the Grey’s Anatomy star created the Dempsey Foundation to not only help families impacted by cancer, but also provide resources to caregivers such as group therapy free of charge.
“We have to look at the psychological impact and have enough self-awareness to ask for help,” Dempsey tells SurvivorNet. “Remember to take care of yourself. Because if you’re not taking care of yourself, then it’s going to be harder for you to take care of the person you’re in charge with.”
Patrick Dempsey shares an important PSA for cancer caregivers
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
