Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Established in 1987 by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the Rosalynn Carter Institute promotes the health, strength, and resilience of caregivers at every stage of their journey. As Mandy Barr, a caregiver coach and engagement specialist at the Institute, eloquently explained, the organization is dedicated to supporting caregivers from all backgrounds—whether they are military, veteran, or civil...

As a senior Navy Chaplain, Bob Evan's calling has always been to serve and care for others, whether it was his troops, fellow service members, or the wounded warriors he encountered. When his fiancée, Gretchen, was severely injured by a mortar round in Afghanistan, Bob's role shifted from chaplain to devoted caregiver. Despite his extensive training and experience as a pastoral counselor...

This week, our episode highlights the vital work of PsychArmor, an organization dedicated to transforming how society engages with veterans and service members. Led by Dr. Tina Atherall, PsychArmor's mission is to provide education, training, and resources to both the military community and the individuals and organizations that support them. We talk about the growing need for caregiver suppo...

Qwynn Galloway-Salazar is the heart and soul of this week’s Heroes Caring for Heroes episode. As an Army veteran, end-of-life doula, and the founder of In Their Honor, Qwynn has dedicated over two decades to elevating the quality of life for military, veteran, and caregiving communities. Her personal journey, however, took an unexpected turn when her husband, Jose, a retired combat veteran and law...

This week’s special educational episode shines a spotlight on the incredible work being done by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to support caregivers, families, and survivors of veterans. In this educational episode, Maureen Elias, a Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for Benefits at the VA, provides a comprehensive overview of the vast array of benefits and programs available thro...

Angelena Taylor's caregiving journey began quite unexpectedly at the age of 28 when her father, Benjamin, experienced a stroke. This event marked the start of her role as a caregiver, which she took on with dedication and focus. As a daughter and military caregiver, Angelena balanced her responsibilities with her Miss USA World Universal Ambassador title, using each role to support the other....

Lori Rogers shares her powerful journey as the caregiver of her 33-year-old son, Craig, who was diagnosed with autism at 2.5 years old. When Craig was first diagnosed in 1993, Lori and her husband Neil dove headfirst into supporting him, trying various therapies, diets, and interventions to help him. Despite the challenges, they refused to live in victimhood and instead focused on hope and finding...

Susie Singer Carter shares the story of caring for her mother, Norma, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 16 years before her passing. Susie describes how she was the first to notice the signs of Alzheimer's, even as her family dismissed her concerns.  As Susie navigates her mother's declining health, she also faces personal challenges, including going through a divorce. Susie brough...

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Susanne White's caregiving journey began unexpectedly when she received a call from her sister about their aging parents. Susanne's mother was in the early stages of dementia, while her father was struggling to care for her. As the eldest sibling living closest, Susanne immediately stepped up to become the primary caregiver for her parents.  Over the next four years, Susanne navigated th...

Bob Kay's caregiving journey with his wife Pat was one marked by deep love, resilience, and profound personal growth. After meeting as teenagers and building a life and business together over 45 years of marriage, Bob faced the devastating challenge of caring for Pat as she battled stage 4 breast cancer. Through the ups and downs of Pat's treatment and declining health, Bob demonstrated...

Paul Ptashnick is back with us continuing his story of his caregiving journey. When his father was diagnosed with Parkinson's shortly after retirement, Paul stepped up to provide support, navigating the complexities of his father's declining health. His story takes an unexpected turn when Paul's mother is also diagnosed with Lewy body Parkinson's, requiring him to juggle the ca...

In this episode, Christine Soza shares her journey from a young caregiver to a seasoned CNA. Starting with caring for her stroke-afflicted grandfather and a woman with dementia, Christine’s early experiences laid the foundation for her compassionate approach to caregiving. She discusses her roles in nursing homes, oncology, and AIDS care, emphasizing how her dedication to providing dignified care...

In this wrap-up episode, we discussed the "Caregiving Youth Hidden in Plain Sight" special series, a collaboration between JJ and Natalie and My Care Friends CEO Todd Keitz and Katie Seymour (VP of Programming and Community). We were all amazed at how eye-opening it was to learn about the challenges faced by young people caring for family members with disabilities or illnesses. We highli...

We are honored to hear from two extraordinary young women, Alia and Nahla Ahmed, who have been caring for their mother since the ages of 10 and 8. Their story is one of resilience, responsibility, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood.  Alia (16) and Nahla (14) candidly share how their lives were upended when their mother suffered a debilitating polio relapse amidst the stress of moving their fam...

This episode highlights the impactful work of Lorenzo's House, supporting youth and families dealing with younger onset dementia. Featuring Olivia Compton, a 15-year-old youth leader, and Patti LeFleur, who leads the organization's youth programming, the discussion delves into empowering young caregivers. Olivia shares her journey, explaining how she found support and community through L...

This week, we’re shining a light on the inspiring stories of two young caregivers, Aaliyah and Samiha, from Canada. At just 14 years old, Aaliyah has been caring for her younger sister with autism her entire life. She shares how she supports her sister's social interactions, helps with schoolwork, and even shares her passion for rock climbing. Aaliyah’'s courage in the face of such respo...

This week’s special policy panel, featuring experts Marvell Adams Jr. and Toni Gingerelli, discussed policy change and support for caregiving youth. They highlighted the significant gap between the estimated 5.4 million youth caregivers and the likely much larger actual number, emphasizing the need for better data collection through school-based assessments and self-reporting to understand this hi...

Kids Kicking Cancer's work is vital in supporting families navigating the complexities of chronic illness.  KKC empowers children with chronic illnesses and their families through the power of martial arts and breathwork. Founder and International Director Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg “Rabbi G” shares his deeply personal story that led to the creation of Kids Kicking Cancer and the organization&a...

This week, we explore the compelling story of Dr. Feylyn Lewis, who assumed the role of caregiver for her mother at the age of 11. Following an unsuccessful spinal surgery that resulted in her mother's severe disability, Feylyn found herself taking on the responsibilities of a youth caregiver, assisting with her mother's daily needs and medication regimen. Despite facing significant chal...

This week's educational episode discussion features Pyx Health, a company on a mission to aid individuals battling loneliness, which can trigger various behavioral and physical health challenges. Pyx Health employs a blend of technology and human services to deliver around-the-clock care and support for those in need. Pyx Health strives to assist these young caregivers by offering social skil...

At just 18 years old, Kaylin Jean-Louis has already taken on the immense responsibility of caring for her grandmother with Alzheimer's disease. Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience and wisdom of caregiving youth, hidden in plain sight. From a young age, Kaylin has navigated the challenges of her grandmother's declining health, helping her mother with daily routines and adv...

This week's panel discussion unveils the hidden reality of caregiving youth worldwide. Representatives from the US, UK, Canada, and Australian organizations discuss the significant challenges young caregivers face, including lack of awareness, cultural barriers, policy gaps, and limited access to support. The panelists, each with their unique experiences and insights, share a wealth of knowle...

Rebekah Dowhy started caregiving young when her mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at her birth. Over time, she became a primary caregiver, handling tasks like feeding, medications, and wound care. It was emotionally challenging as she dealt with her mother's terminal illness and felt isolated in her caregiving role. Despite challenges, Rebekah maintained a strong bond with her moth...

Beverly Barnett is a registered nurse and men's health advocate. She has dedicated her life and career to healthcare after developing a passion for nursing as a young girl receiving treatment at a segregated clinic in her hometown. She drew inspiration from the compassionate nurses who cared for her during this difficult time. Beverly shared her personal caregiving journey of caring for her h...