When our mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June of 2007, we became aware of the need for in-home healthcare. There are six children in our family and we were able to work together, supporting and helping not just our mother and father, but just as importantly we could be there for each other. One of us could run to the store for groceries, while another could spend time trying to identify foods Mom could eat and that had the right nutritional components. There was always someone to do laundry and help Mom bathe, dress and fix her hair. We were able to take turns going with Mom to chemotherapy and radiation treatments so she never went alone. During all of this, we couldn’t help but wonder how people were able to get through a difficult time like these without a large family like ours. We were told time and time again from hospital personnel and hospice staff that our situation was not typical. Most people are not able to take time off work or leave their own families in another state to go and take care of a loved one.