In this episode of The Broken Pack: Stories of Sibling Loss, Dr. Dean talks with journalist, author, and surviving sibling Steven Petrow. Steven is Julie Petrow-Cohen's brother. Julie was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer in 2017 and died on June 30, 2023, after choosing to use New Jersey's Medical Aid in Dying law. Steven promised her he would write about her decision. He has been doing so ever since.

In this conversation, Steven shares who Julie was as a sister, a wife, a mother, and a friend, and what he navigated as the older brother supporting her through her choice. Steven and Dr. Dean also discuss cancer etiquette, what it means to carry a sibling's voice forward, and why sibling relationships matter more than our culture tends to acknowledge. 

In this episode you will:

• Hear Steven's story of being Julie's big brother and how their bond shaped both of them across a lifetime. 
• Learn about Medical Aid in Dying as a choice
• The emotional work of supporting a sibling's decision
• The particular grief of knowing a loss is coming. 
• Be inspired by Steven's commitment to keeping Julie's voice alive.

Content warning: This episode discusses Medical Aid in Dying.

Links Mention and  Other Related Links:

• ORCA Foundation (formerly Clarity Foundation) -An organization that Julie, Steven, and their family found support from. Clearity supports people with ovarian cancer and their families.
• FAQ on MAiD- https://www.compassionandchoices.org/resource/frequently-asked-questions/
• Steven’s articles on Julie & on MAiD
• NPR Article on Steven learning to understand Julie's choice
• Steven's website
• Steven's article on cancer etiquette
• NPR  Science of Siblings

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If you would like more information or to share your own sibling loss story, please contact Dr. Angela Dean at contact@thebrokenpack.com or go to our website, thebrokenpack.com.

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Thank you!
Angela M. Dean, PsyD, FT, GTMR

Credits:
The Broken Pack: Stories of Sibling Loss  is produced by Not Done Here Media

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