Ep 71: What Pancreatitis Taught Us About Caring in Crisis
by Financial Design Studio, Inc. / February 11, 2026How do you care for someone well in a crisis? In this episode, Michelle interviews Anna Lewis, about what she’s learned after her mom has spent a two months in hospital with severe pancreatitis. We explore the ways both community and finances shaped the way her family was supported.
Take a listen right here, or watch this episode on YouTube!
Related Links for Caring in Crisis
Read the updates on Stephanie Lewis’ story here!
FDS resources on medical issues:
- Article: “Estate Planning Checklist.” Read more about the Power of Attorney (POA) here and why it’s important to have for medical emergencies.
- Video: “How to Care for Aging Parents in the Hospital.” In this video, an ICU nurse shares what to expect when you enter the hospital and transitioning to the next care facility.
- Podcast: “Healthcare for Aging Parents.” In episode 53, Leah McNamara, an ICU nurse, shares her story and the options you have for finding the right care for both your family and your budget.
- Podcast: “Relocating to Care for Aging Parents.” In episode 66, we explore a fictional case study of clients who realize their parents need additional care and need to find a way to meet that need.
Listen to Anna’s other podcast episodes:
- “How to Set Your Kids Up For Success.” In episode 36, In this episode, 19 year old Anna Lewis shares how the younger generations would answer this, as well as what her own parents have done for her.
- “The Anti-Consumerist Manifesto.” In this episode, Anna breaks down the history of consumerism and where the dangers lie, as well as ways that the anti-consumerist choses to live differently.
Timestamps
0:59 Meet Anna!
5:06 What kind of medical crisis happened to your family?
14:53 How does life change in a crisis like this?
20:59 How has your community responded?
30:07 Why is community essential?
35:26 How to build community around you
43:01 How do finances play into this?
47:18 How to tangibly help and be caring in crisis
Credits for Episode 71
Host: Michelle Smalenberger, CFP®
Guest: Anna Lewis
Executive Producer: Anna Lewis
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Recommended Reading
Ep 74: Is Your Marriage Ready for Retirement?
In this episode, Michelle interviews Dave and Diane about how they built their finances together and are now preparing to retire together.
Ep 73: Raising Kids Who Understand Money: Teens + College Students
In this episode, we cover helping your teen find a job and eventually a career, banking and credit cards, and how plan for big savings goals.
Financial Design Studio, Inc.
We are financial advisors in Deer Park and Barrington, IL. A team with a passion for helping others design a path to financial success — whatever success means for you. Each of our unique insights fit together to create broad expertise, complete roadmaps, and creative solutions. We have seen the power of having a financial plan, and adjusting that plan to life. The result? Freedom from worrying about the future so you can enjoy today.