From diagnosis through death: Pilipin@ American adult children caring for their parents

Morbidity and mortality from cancer is on the rise among Pilipin@ Americans (Gomez et al., 2013). Various cancer epidemiological studies show that compared to other Asian Americans an increasing number of Pilipin@ Americans are being diagnosed younger and at later stages (Gomez et al., 2013). There is no literature specifically on the impact of parental advanced cancers on Pilipin@ American families. This thesis explores how a parent's terminal illness, such as late stage cancer, impacts young adult children in the Pilipin@ American community. This research asks the question, what are the experiences of young adult Pilipin@ Americans caregiving and losing a parent to a terminal illness? The study explores this question through an autoethnography of the researcher and through conducting in-depth interviews with 8 individuals. Engaging in critical self-reflection through autoethnography, and using grounded theory, this thesis explores the subject's experiences along the following trajectory: 1) experiences at diagnosis and treatment; 2) experience at end stage and 3) passing and grief. The major themes found included the following: getting the news, staying strong, feeling the pain of death and gendered grieving. The findings of this thesis have major implications that may be useful for those who provide support including health and service providers, educators, clergy, and others who work with Pilipin@ Americans.