From a young age, Jenifer Massie was immersed in a culture of service, beginning with Volunteering in her school’s “gramps and grannies” program and extending to caring for her own family members. Her caregiving roles evolved over the years, from supporting her grandmother and great aunt to becoming a “sandwich caregiver” while raising her own children. Jenifer’s approach to caregiving was shaped by her family’s tradition of stepping in where needed, often without formal discussions, and by her deep sense of gratitude and responsibility.
A pivotal chapter in Jenifer’s journey came when her oldest brother was diagnosed with stage four lung Cancer, and she became part of his care team. This period was marked by emotional vulnerability, profound family connection, and ultimately, her own diagnosis with colorectal cancer just weeks before her brother’s passing. Experiencing both sides of care—giving and receiving—transformed Jenifer’s perspective, teaching her the importance of self-advocacy, setting boundaries, and embracing vulnerability. Her faith played a central role in her healing and resilience, guiding her through the most challenging moments. Today, Jenifer channels her experiences into her professional work, supporting other caregivers and advocating for resources, self-care, and open family communication. Her story is a reminder of the strength found in community, the necessity of self-care, and the enduring impact of compassion.
About Jenifer:
Jenifer Alty Massie, Regional Director BrightStar Care, is a dedicated advocate for compassionate care and community support. A Lynchburg native, she deeply values the strong sense of connection between caregivers, clients, and staff.
Before dedicating herself to raising three children, Jenifer worked as a counselor for runaway and at-risk youth, providing guidance and support during critical times. Over the years, she has also cared for Aging and terminally ill family members, gaining firsthand experience in the importance of quality home care.
In 2021, Jenifer was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, an experience that gave her a profound understanding of the impact exceptional home care can have during times of pain and uncertainty. She believes that the Relationships between clients, caregivers, and nurses can provide comfort and stability when it is needed most.
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Known since childhood as “The Elliott Girls” or simply, “The Girls”, it makes sense that we work together to support our mother, and each other. Our trio begins with Jenefer Jane “JJ” who was and always will be “in charge”. She’s the peacekeeper. The responsible one, ensuring Natalie and Emilie remain alive. Next is Natalie, the middle child, who was and always will be Miss Congeniality. She’s the athlete. The rebel responsible for three babysitters exiting the summer of ’84. Then there is Emilie, the youngest, who was and always will be “the baby”. At 6’1”, she is the sensitive and quiet soul. The one responsible for the guinea pig that begged for lettuce and the stray dog we adopted from the bus stop.
After high school we went separate ways, from New Mexico to North Carolina. JJ would go on to get her Master’s in Business Administration and work in the finance world before partnering with her now husband, Dexter, to run a variety of businesses. Natalie would go on to get her Master’s in Social Work degree, and work in the mental health field, advocating for children and families to receive the most appropriate services. Natalie would marry and divorce early on but later marry Jason. Emilie would exit college early to marry and gift us with Owen and twins, Maxx and Natalie Jane aka “The Kids”. Emilie would later divorce and work with county government, focusing much time on caring for the kids.
The source of the sisterhood falls to Jim aka “Big Jim” and Connie, small town high school sweethearts married for almost 40 years.
In 2005, at the age of 52, mom would be diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. She hid the disease for years behind dad’s 6’2” frame. The tremors and sudden inability to move were both calmed and steadied by his arm and simple presence. He was her rock. Our rock. Close family and friends knew of her chronic illness, but to the rest of the world, everything was “fine”. Life would turn upside down when our dad unexpectedly passed in 2011 of a massive heart attack at the age of 58. The assumption was Dad would always be mom’s caregiver but that wasn’t God’s plan.
Mom would spend the years following our father’s death desperately seeking a cure for Parkinson’s while trying to manage her symptoms. As the years went by, the cruel symptoms associated with the disease increased, negatively impacting her body while her mind remained clear and in tune. We lived our lives checking in to make sure she was “okay” but knowing the day would come when we had to do more. And then it did. The summer of 2019 changed everything. That’s where the real caregiver story begins for us. Little did we know she would be only the beginning of our caregiving journey.
In March 2022, Natalie’s husband, Jason, was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. From the first time Jason detected something off about the swollen lymph nodes in his neck, to the formal diagnosis, and the decision to move to New York City to participate in a clinical trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the journey would push them to their limits. The silver lining of his diagnosis was the cancer brought them closer to God, restoring their faith in Him while also experiencing a myriad of blessings through the kindness of family, friends, and strangers. Their story is a testimony that will inspire and offer hope.
