Tricia Fitzgerald brings a deeply personal and candid perspective to the experiences of long-term caregiving within a family affected by chronic illness. Drawing from over two decades of advocacy and professional work supporting children and families, Tricia’s story is rooted in her own journey—beginning with undiagnosed chronic illness symptoms as a child and culminating in the late discovery of Ankylosing Spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis in adulthood. These diagnoses not only shaped her own life but also set the stage for her caregiving journey when several of her six children began exhibiting similar autoimmune conditions, adding layers of both challenge and resilience to her role as a mother and advocate.
Through her story, Tricia highlights the complexities of navigating the medical system, including the frequent dismissal of symptoms, gender disparities in medical treatment, and the persistent need to advocate fiercely for proper diagnoses and care. She candidly shares the toll caregiving takes on personal well-being, marriage, and professional life, while emphasizing how communication, mutual support, and humor—such as the family’s use of “mashed potatoes” or “mockingbird” as de-escalation cues—have fortified her marriage and family bonds. Tricia also reflects on the importance of self-care, finding joy in small moments, and encouraging her children to develop their own voices as advocates as they transition into adulthood.
Her journey is one of perseverance, love, and a relentless pursuit of both care and authenticity, making her story both inspiring and deeply relatable for caregivers everywhere.
About Tricia:
Tricia Fitzgerald, M.Ed., is a seasoned leader in social and family services with over 20 years of experience in education, advocacy, and program management. As the Program Director for Maryville Crisis Nursery, she oversees critical services for families in crisis. Her expertise is further honed by her role as Adjunct Faculty in the College of Education at DePaul University, where she has trained and supervised aspiring teachers since 2005.
Tricia is also the founder of Gentle Beginning, Inc., through which she provided childbirth education, doula services, and family advocacy for a decade. Her professional passion for supporting families is deeply personal; as a mother of six children, all with chronic health conditions, she brings unparalleled empathy and firsthand knowledge to her work. Tricia is a dedicated advocate, committed to ensuring every child and family has the resources and support they need to thrive.
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