Love in the Time of Chronic Illness: How to Fight the Sickness, Not Each Other If you are a caregiver or know someone who is caring for a relative or friend, join the June 20 Elder Action meeting to hear Barbara Kivowitz, author of Love in the Time of Chronic Illness: How to Fight the Sickness, Not Each Other. The book grew out of her own experience of a decade-long chronic pain condition and being cared for by her husband. She and her co-author were astounded about how their situation affected every aspect of their relationship with their caregivers. They interviewed many couples, experts, and a range of people.