All There Is with Anderson Cooper Sarah Wildman: Let Grief Be Messy
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Apr 17, 2026 Sarah Wildman, New York Times writer and editor who wrote moving essays about her daughter Orly, shares candid memories and caregiving realities. She talks about Orly’s personality, facing a cancer diagnosis, hospice and final hours. Conversations cover keeping memories alive, the awkwardness of others around grief, childhood cancer underfunding, and why letting grief be messy matters.
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Orly's Resilience During Repeated Cancer Setbacks
- Sarah Wildman describes Orly as a joyful, athletic 10-year-old who was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma and underwent multiple surgeries and metastasis treatments.
- Orly bounced back repeatedly, surfing two weeks after brain surgery and reading 15 books, which showed her resilience and spirit.
Record Conversations And Create Tangible Legacy Items
- Sarah wishes she'd recorded more conversations and asked Orly to create legacy materials like letters.
- She notes texts and digital memories can disappear, so proactively recording voice, video, and written wishes preserves the person's presence.
Being Present During Orly's Final Hours
- Sarah recounts being present as Orly died, alone with her husband and a longtime caregiver while hospice was delayed.
- She remembers repetitive bedside requests to say I love you, the disintegration of the last hour, and the visceral images she cannot unsee.