In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving Launches as Podcast Sharing Powerful Stories of Male Caregivers

In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving, a podcast focused on the compelling narratives of men who have supported spouses, life partners, family members, loved ones and friends during their time of sickness published its first episode today in conjunction with global Rare Disease Day. The podcast is co-hosted and produced by former MassBio CEO, Bob Coughlin and life science communications and patient advocacy consultant, Paul Kidwell; with technical direction from Dan Thibeault and his company Fast Twitch Media.

Episode 1 features the incredible story of John F. Crowley, former Genzyme executive, Amicus Therapeutics founding CEO and Executive Chairman, and incoming CEO of BIO. Crowley is best known for his role as an entrepreneur in the biotechnology industry following the 1998 diagnosis of his two youngest children with Pompe disease, a rare and often fatal neuromuscular disorder. His children's diagnosis inspired him to co-found a biotech company to develop a treatment that he credits with ultimately saving his children's lives. The Crowley family journey was chronicled in the book "The Cure: How a Father Raised $100 Million--and Bucked the Medical Establishment--in a Quest to Save His Children" by Geeta Anand and also depicted in the major motion picture "Extraordinary Measures" starring Harrison Ford, Brendan Fraser and Keri Russell.

"John's story of courageous and selfless caregiving is riveting and a wonderful example of the sacrifices care partners like him are willing to make under the direst of circumstances," said Bob Coughlin, Co-host of In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving. "He remains the standard by which all caregivers are measured, and his story is unmatched for its fearlessness and passion in the face of unspeakable odds."

"Anyone who has cared for a loved one, a child, or any person in need knows the immense weight of that responsibility. I applaud the growing number of men who readily, enthusiastically, and compassionately embrace the important role of caregiver," said John Crowley, incoming CEO of BIO. "I am delighted to share my story in the hopes that it will inspire those who are facing the unique challenges and joys of caregiving, your impact is more meaningful than you know."

In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving will focus mostly on stories of male caregivers who have supported individuals with various diseases and medical conditions across all therapeutic areas including select cancers, ALS, Alzheimer's, and numerous rare diseases. The podcast will highlight the growing population of male caregivers who are caring for their spouse, life partners, children family members, and friends, and joining the ranks of the throngs of women caregivers who have historically been central to this effort.

"As more men are identifying themselves as caregivers for their loved ones, it's great there will be an avenue, like this podcast, for male caregivers to share their experiences," said Marvell Adams, Jr. CEO, Caregiver Action Network. "We are looking forward to hearing what these caregivers have to say?as they continue to amplify the needs of the over 90 million caregivers in the US."

About In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving

In Sickness. Men and the Culture of Caregiving is a monthly, interview style, pre-recorded podcast focused on stories of male caregiving experiences across many disease areas and medical conditions. The podcast is co-hosted and produced by Bob Coughlin and Paul Kidwell, with technical supervision provided by Dan Thibeault of Fast Twitch Media. Each podcast will include 1-3 studio guests who will be interviewed by the podcast hosts. In Sickness is available on all podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google, Deezer, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart and TuneIn.

For more information, please contact Paul Kidwell at [email protected].