As a Cambia-sponsored rookie on the LPGA tour, Caroline Inglis, is always looking for ways to use her platform for good. She’s partnering with Cambia Health Solutions to help spread awareness around important health issues here in Portland and around the world.
We recently had a chance to sit down and chat with Caroline for part one of a wide-ranging interview that touched on everything from her transition into professional sports, traveling with the LPGA and how her father’s health care journey shaped her life.
If you haven’t already we encourage you to read part one of this series, “Q&A Part 1: Golfer Caroline Inglis Talks to Cambia About Love, Loss and Transformation.”
How has losing your father impacted who you are as a person and a golfer?
I think it has given me so much perspective in life, and helped me look at the big picture and grand scheme of things. When I play golf, I don’t just play it to make a living, I play for a bigger purpose, playing with the gifts that God has given me. That’s why I am so interested in working with Cambia, because I feel like I can make a difference and really help someone and do something that I’m passionate about. I think my experience shaped my identity and I am truly playing for a bigger purpose, keeping perspective, loving and being kind to others.
What advice would you give someone going through the grieving process?
I would say, give yourself time to process and take care of yourself. I think every person deals wth grief differently, and it’s easy for other people to tell you what to feel or think. In reality, people need to figure out what they need and how to grieve. It’s okay to cry and it’s okay to be sad.
There is no good way to deal with grief and it never goes away. I think it just changes. People grieve in so many different ways, and grief never truly goes away. But you have to find a way to adapt and reconcile yourself with what has happened, while also remembering the person in your heart because you’re always going to have those memories.
You shared in our last interview that you love Oregon and being home with your family. So, what are the challenges to traveling and how do you cope?
I feel like I'm such an Oregonian, I love the colder weather. The atmosphere is relaxed and chill and the food is so good. But what I feel like I miss out the most on is my family. I like being home with my friends and family, so it’s tough knowing that I miss special occasions or holidays. I also miss being able to sleep in my own bed, and being able to hang out with friends. Whenever I am tempted to get a little sad about it, I tell myself, "Come on Caroline, don't be too upset about it," and remind myself I'm lucky to be traveling and living my best life.
“We want to connect generations of women. It’s not solely about golf, it’s about young girls being inspired by women like Nancy Lopez and networking and connecting with each other,” Peggy Maguire on why Cambia sponsors the @PortlandClassic & @LPGA golfer @InglisCaroline #WomanUp pic.twitter.com/4oMESziUvB
— Cambia Health (@Cambia) May 13, 2018
Your travels have exposed you to a lot of different places and local cultures. Is there something unique or distinct about the culture in Portland that makes it stand out?
I feel like the culture here is more accepting and loving and I feel that everybody can be themselves. There are so many different aspects to Portland with a diversity of cultures and people; everyone can find their community here.
How do you see yourself advancing the cause of palliative care?
I can use the platform that I have with the media to raise awareness and get the word out because I don’t think everyone knows exactly what palliative care is. I’m open to helping in any way that I can.
To learn more about Cambia's people-centric palliative care vision, visit our Person-focused care page.
Visit Caroline Inglis’ LPGA profile page to find out more about her golf game and stats, and follow her on Twitter @InglisCaroline.
