• Home
  • About Me
    • Featured
    • Coco’s Caravan
  • Contact
    • Subscribe to my blog
  • Motherhood
    • My favorite Affordable Baby and Kids Clothing Stores 2021
    • Five Toddler Toys My Boys Love to Play With
    • 8 of the best must have products for twins
    • 13 of The Best Tips for Flying with a Toddler
  • Lifestyle
  • My Story
    • My Story
    • My Birth Story
    • My Story (told by my dad)
    • Justins 2nd Death Anniversary
    • Two Against One
  • Courses
  • Community
    • Their Stories
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

Coco's Caravan

My secret project in LA

in My Story on 05/19/22

I was lucky enough to be apart of this project with Katie Couric. She interviewed me and two other amazing women to talk about the toll of a diagnosis. How a cancer diagnosis can be hard on the patient, caretakers, and family members.

The conversations we had were so powerful, validating, and eye opening to the effects a cancer diagnosis can take on everyone involved. Alua Arthur is a death doula which I had never heard of before and I loved everything she said. I wish I had someone like her when I was going through some of those last hard months with Justin.

Kate Bowler is a cancer survivor and shared her experience of going through cancer. Then Katie and I are widows sharing our experience from a partner to a cancer patients point of view. Having these three perspectives made for some powerful conversations around the toll of a diagnosis. You can watch the interview below! Continue reading to see how this all came about and more about meeting Katie for the first time.

Table of Contents

  • Backstory how this all came together
  • Our secret project in LA
    • Meeting Katie Couric
    • The interview
  • You can read my full story HERE

Backstory how this all came together

It all started when I opened my DM’s on Instagram with a message from Katie Couric. I did a double take and thought this couldn’t really be her. I went to her account and saw the blue check mark next to her name and thought, ok wow this is really her account.

Katie kept messaging me and I didn’t think it was really her. I would respond, but was still unsure if this was legit or not. It seemed too good to be true. I know that some celebrities have a team of people who control their instagram accounts so I wasn’t sure.

I got a message from her in January about a project she was working on and she wanted to send me some information on it. I still wasn’t sure if it was legit, but I sent her my brand managers email. I honestly never thought anything would come of it.

A week later my brand manager calls me and she says “are you sitting down?” and I was like yeah why. She responded and said “Katie Couric’s team wants to do an in person interview with you.” I started jumping up and down and screaming. What?! I was sure glad I responded to those DM’s. lol

Our secret project in LA

I flew to LA for the project and I decided to have my friend Brittany come with me for emotional support. She has a ton of background in broadcast journalism and politics. She has done a ton of TV interviews before as well and I knew she would be able to help give me some tips. Brittany and I grew up together and she also knew Justin really well. It was nice to have her there for support.

The location for this project was at this beautiful home in LA. I started to get nervous when I saw all the production lights and the crew setting it all up. It all started to feel super real when I walked into the room where we would be filming.

Meeting Katie Couric

When I found out that I was going to be doing this interview with Katie Couric I started reading her book “Going There” the next day. I wanted to read it all before I met her for this interview. I didn’t know much of her story with her husbands cancer and I found it very comforting to read about. I felt like she was describing how I had felt during my journey with Justins cancer. It really does help to know that someone knows what you are going through. I was excited to meet her and talk about it.

I thought that I would have a couple minutes to say hi and then we would have to start filming, but we ended up chatting with her the whole time. I had a conversation with her while she was getting her hair done and even after filming she stayed awhile and chatted with all of us. She was seriously so nice and knew so much about me and my story.

Katie just fixing my bow haha

I was a little nervous for the interview and she was so supportive and kind. It’s so easy to talk to her and she is so great at what she does. I felt like we were all just having dinner with friends chatting. When I was hugging Katie goodbye she reminded me that when she sends me a DM on Instagram its really her and I should reply. lol

The interview

The topic of cancer, death, and a diagnosis are all very heavy topics, but I believe they need to be talked about. I thought it was very special to have all the different perspectives of a cancer diagnosis. The cancer patient, the family members to a cancer patient, and a death doula. All coming together to bring awareness of how a diagnosis can effect everyone involved.

I feel so grateful to be apart of this! These types of conversations can be hard, but I hope the more we talk about it the more it can help others. I felt lucky to be around such amazing women! I learned so much from each one and will carry that with me for the rest of my life. It was a day I will never forget and truly cherish forever.

You can read my full story HERE

Tweet
Pin
Share
0 Shares

7 Comments

« Justin’s Family: Do we have a relationship with them?
The best toy storage bins »

Comments

  1. Mickie Ortiz says

    May 19, 2022 at 8:12 pm

    Jenn, you responded with poise and you were very articulate in your interview with Katie Couric. It made me cry to sense how hopeful you were through the whole journey, and then Justin died. It’s so hard to know what to do in those circumstances, but I hope by now that you have been able to let go of what you could have done differently. I would gladly contribute memories of Justin to pass on to your boys and I’m sure there are many others who would do the same. It’s not the same as it would have been with him sharing his feelings, but it might be valuable to those little guys down the road. ❤️🥲🥲

    Reply
  2. Rhiannon says

    May 20, 2022 at 9:43 am

    What a wonderful experience! Thank you for sharing. I’d be freaking out too if Katie DM’d me.

    Reply
  3. Ashlee says

    May 20, 2022 at 11:58 am

    I’m so happy you had this opportunity! Your story is powerful and it will move mountains! Justin would be so proud of you!

    Reply
    • Tash says

      May 20, 2022 at 3:07 pm

      Wow, I have so much admiration for you. Listening to your story brought back the pain of my mom and dad when they had cancer- you described it so well- you never think it’s the end even just before it is and you cling to hope💔 I feel guilt too. Justin would continue to be so proud of you as a single mom with his boys and everything you are achieving. So much you can be proud of🤗

      Reply
  4. Megan Schenk says

    May 21, 2022 at 1:21 am

    As I was pushing play to listen to this video I was sobbing, I knew I was going to relate to Kate, the patient, but also learn more from you and Katie as the caregiver. And the death doula, wow!! It’s such a hard thing to be the patient, but also so hard to be the one “causing the suffering.” You were incredible explaining where you were coming from and I know Justin is So grateful you have been such an inspiration and helper to So many going through similar situations!! ❤️ Great interview, great video!! Thank you to all of you!!

    Reply
  5. Amy says

    May 23, 2022 at 10:37 am

    I am the social media manager for Huntsman Cancer Institute- Katie’s interview appeared in my personal feed and when I realized I “knew” you I immediately logged into the HCI account to see your posts about this. What an incredible opportunity and important conversation.

    Reply
  6. Rose Copeling says

    May 23, 2022 at 8:17 pm

    Jenn, you handled that interview so well. So proud of you as I’m sure it wasn’t easy opening up about all your feelings, about what you could, should have done and said. I’m sure I too, would have clung to every grain of hope. One of my brothers iOS in the fight for his life with Multiple Melanoma. He is so positive but I know how hard he is trying to keep his spirits up. Unfortunately, he lives in New Zealand and I’m in Toronto so I’m finding it difficult to know what to say to him. One thing that I picked up from the interview, is that it’s OK not to be Ok. Next time I chat to him, I will say that to him.
    You did a great job, you are an amazing Mom and I’m sure you know how proud Justin would have been of you. Good luck with the move and the next phase of your life in your new home ❤️❤️❤️

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

welcome
Hi I’m Jenn, but my friends call me Coco. I recently lost the love of my life to cancer. I’m now a single mom of IVF miracle twin boys. I hope to help others as I share my journey as a new widow and mother of twins.

Instagram

cocoscaravan

#worldcancerday #worldcancerday2023 #cancersucks # #worldcancerday #worldcancerday2023 #cancersucks #cancerawareness #cancerfighter #fuckcancer #cancer
Tomorrow is #worldcancerday so I wanted to write a Tomorrow is #worldcancerday so I wanted to write a blog post sharing tips on how to support a friend with cancer. 
Comment the word “support” to get a DM with the link to the blog post and chemo care package list. #cancer #supportcancer #cancersupport
Comment “clipart” below to get a DM with detai Comment “clipart” below to get a DM with details on how to add clipart to your photo! (Clipart no space) #clipart #photoshoot #photoshootideas
#ad Life can be stressful, but thankfully, insuran #ad Life can be stressful, but thankfully, insurance doesn’t have to be with @statefarm.
This one is super easy and fun to do! Comment the This one is super easy and fun to do! Comment the word “Heart” below to get a link to your DM. I’ll share all the details on how you can do this photoshoot at home! #valentines #valentinesdayphotoshoot #vdayphotoshoot #kidsphotoshoot #valentinesday
So funny how Utah is known now for the weird Soda So funny how Utah is known now for the weird Soda drinks. I love them so I’m here for it! 🙌 I blame @kerimae2 for teaching me this gas station trick! Coconut syrup and true lime packets!  #soda #coke #utahsoda #utah #sodadrinks #stanleycup
Step by step instructions on how to make these ado Step by step instructions on how to make these adorable Valentines day cards on the blog! 

Comment “card” to get a DM with a link to the blog post! I’ll teach you how to make these! 

#valentinesday #valentinesdaycards #diyvalentines
Also check out my account @cocoscaravancommunity w Also check out my account @cocoscaravancommunity where I share stories and talk more about grief. If you want to share your story send an email cocoscaravancommumity@gmail.com
Take the picture!! Save the memory! I’m going to Take the picture!! Save the memory! I’m going to keep talking about this until I go blue in the face! I have every picture memorized at this point. I’ll never have a new photo of Justin. Every picture I have of him is special. I have so many but still wish I had more!  Please take the photo and save the memories! #takethephoto #takethepicture #savememories #savingmemories #keepingmemories #photos #preciousmoments #lossofalovedone #griefjourney #griefandloss #youngwidow
Got the boys cameras for Christmas and it has been Got the boys cameras for Christmas and it has been the best gift! I didn’t realize how cute it would be. Fun to see the world through their eyes! ❤️

Comment “camera” to get a DM with the link to the camera
#playfood #melissaanddoug #playfoodforkids #toytip #playfood #melissaanddoug #playfoodforkids #toytips #momtips #toys @melissaanddougtoys
Link in bio: Click on my courses! What stresses yo Link in bio: Click on my courses!
What stresses you out about photo organization? Can you find photos quickly if you need to find a certain one? I can help you out! #photo #photoorganizing #photoorganization #newyeargoals
When people say social media is all bad, well I ha When people say social media is all bad, well I have to show them this video and say I disagree. It has connected me to other widows, given me purpose, and has given me a platform to help others! 
Read my story link in bio ⬆️ #helpingothers #shareyourstory #socialmedia #grief
**NEW BLOG POST** link in bio to read what I learn **NEW BLOG POST** link in bio to read what I learned in 2022 and also read what my followers learned. #lookingback #whatilearned #whatilearnedtoday #2022recap
Use this audio with a favorite video of you and yo Use this audio with a favorite video of you and your kids! #motherhood
Read my story link in bio⬆️ #griefandloss #los Read my story link in bio⬆️ #griefandloss #lossofalovedone #grief #widow #griefjourney
Link in BIO to learn how to make your one second v Link in BIO to learn how to make your one second video and how to add music! #onesecondeveryday #onesecond #cocosonesecondvideochallenge Tag me in your videos!!
#grief #griefduringtheholidays #lossofalovedone #g #grief #griefduringtheholidays #lossofalovedone #griefjourney #griefsupport #divorcegrief #divorce #widow #familysupprt
Link in bio to purchase or get more info ⬆️⬆ Link in bio to purchase or get more info ⬆️⬆️
PROMO CODE: cocoscaravan ($40 off single box) 
Fresh meals made the day before they are delivered. No chopping or cooking needed. All you do is warm them up in the microwave. You have a perfectly made meal for your family.

If you need another reason to love Feastbox more, for every box you purchase for your family, they give a meal to a family in need. Feel good about what you’re eating and how your’e giving back #fullofhope #feastbox @feastbox.meals
Watch the full interview link in bio ⬆️ #highl Watch the full interview link in bio ⬆️ #highlight2022 Hands down the highlight of my year was meeting @katiecouric and working on this project with her. The toll of a cancer diagnosis. @katiecouricmedia 

I feel so grateful to have meet these amazing women and be a part of this. Helping people feel less alone in the cancer world. #cancer #cancerdiagnosis #cancerspouse #cancersucks #cancersupport
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Popular Posts

How to support a friend with cancer

How to add clipart to photo

The Best Play Food and Accessories

Categories

  • Caravan Community
  • DIY
  • Home Slider
  • Lifestyle
  • Motherhood
  • My Story
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized

Join Us on Instagram

cocoscaravan

#worldcancerday #worldcancerday2023 #cancersucks # #worldcancerday #worldcancerday2023 #cancersucks #cancerawareness #cancerfighter #fuckcancer #cancer
Tomorrow is #worldcancerday so I wanted to write a Tomorrow is #worldcancerday so I wanted to write a blog post sharing tips on how to support a friend with cancer. 
Comment the word “support” to get a DM with the link to the blog post and chemo care package list. #cancer #supportcancer #cancersupport
Comment “clipart” below to get a DM with detai Comment “clipart” below to get a DM with details on how to add clipart to your photo! (Clipart no space) #clipart #photoshoot #photoshootideas
#ad Life can be stressful, but thankfully, insuran #ad Life can be stressful, but thankfully, insurance doesn’t have to be with @statefarm.
This one is super easy and fun to do! Comment the This one is super easy and fun to do! Comment the word “Heart” below to get a link to your DM. I’ll share all the details on how you can do this photoshoot at home! #valentines #valentinesdayphotoshoot #vdayphotoshoot #kidsphotoshoot #valentinesday
So funny how Utah is known now for the weird Soda So funny how Utah is known now for the weird Soda drinks. I love them so I’m here for it! 🙌 I blame @kerimae2 for teaching me this gas station trick! Coconut syrup and true lime packets!  #soda #coke #utahsoda #utah #sodadrinks #stanleycup
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Custom design by How Sweet Designs

Copyright © 2023 Jennifer Hanks · Custom design by How Sweet Designs
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Term and Conditions