“We receive dozens of caregiver nominations and stories each month—each one filled with strength, sacrifice, and love. Some make me smile. Others bring me to tears. All of them remind me why we do what we do at Cocktails & Caregivers.

I’m Amanda Clark-Wahl, the founder of this organization, born from my journey as a caregiver, balancing a baby on my hip while caring for my husband through colon cancer. The mix of joy and heartache that filled those days became the reason we shine a light on caregivers now.

This story hit close to home. It’s raw and real and far too familiar. This is Abbey Franzen’s story—and to every Abbey, every Amanda, and every caregiver walking through the unimaginable—we see you. And you are not alone.”

-Amanda Clark-Wahl, Founder, Cocktails & Caregivers Foundation 

Abbey’s husband, Brad, was diagnosed with stage 4c colon cancer at just 25 years old. Since 2020, their life has been a whirlwind of chemotherapy, HIPEC surgery, and now a new chapter of uncertainty. What was initially planned as a hopeful clinical trial at MD Anderson in Houston was suddenly derailed when a new tumor was found, missed on earlier scans. Now, they’re preparing for surgery at Yale, with chemotherapy likely to follow.

When we first read Abbey’s story, she was just six weeks postpartum, a moment already marked by exhaustion and emotion. She’s balancing newborn care, family logistics, and the trauma of revisiting a cancer battle they thought they had already fought. And through it all, she continues to advocate, to love fiercely, and to show up—day after day—for Brad and their family.

That’s why we stepped in with a Keeping Caregivers Close grant to help cover the costs of travel, lodging, and transportation. When care means crossing state lines or staying far from home, we want caregivers like Abbey to know they’re not alone.

Her story is one of grit, heart, and relentless devotion—and she inspired us this week in all the ways that matter most.

Supporting Our Caregivers

Do you want to help caregivers like Abbey, who remind us to always “Live Loud. Love Deep”?

Join our generous sponsor Round Room Gives along with our monthly giving donors, The Martini Club, to help Cocktails & Caregivers fund grants to assist with selfless caregivers like Abbey Franzen.

Learn more about how you can support the mission at cocktailsandcaregivers.org.