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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 fath…

Susanne White's…

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 the challenges of caregiving, including her strained relationship with her controlling mother. However, through this intense experience, Susanne was able to heal that relationship and gain a deeper unde…

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…

Bob Kay's caregiving…

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 unwavering commitment and compassion as her primary caregiver. He navigated the complexities of the medical system, learned hands-on caregiving skills, and leaned on the support of his daughter to ensure Pat's…

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 …

Bob Kay's careg…

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 unwavering commitment and compassion as her primary caregiver. He navigated the complexities of the medical system, learned hands-on caregiving skills, and leaned on the support of his daughter to ensu…

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, navigat…

Paul Ptashnick is ba…

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 care of both parents simultaneously.The challenges Paul faces are multifaceted, from his mother's phobia of Nursing homes to the differing symptoms exhibited by his parents. Paul's proactive a…

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 ex…

In this episode, Chr…

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 shines through. Christine also opens up about the personal challenges of balancing professional caregiving with family responsibilities, including caring for her aging parents and her husband’s re…

Meet Christine Soza, an End-of-Life Doula and Medical Reiki Practitioner, and the founder of True North Awakening. Passionate about supporting individuals at any life stage, Christine is especially de…

Meet Christine Soza,…

Meet Christine Soza, an End-of-Life Doula and Medical Reiki Practitioner, and the founder of True North Awakening. Passionate about supporting individuals at any life stage, Christine is especially dedicated to guiding those facing end-of-life, helping to reduce fear and provide comfort through their journey. With extensive experience as a nurse, she views end-of-life care as a profound honor, offering compassionate support to both the dying and their loved ones. Tune in tomorrow to hear Christine share her transformative insights and Wisdom on navigating the end-of-life journey with grace and…

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 Pr…

In this wrap-up epis…

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 highlighted the wisdom and resilience shown by many of the youth caregivers featured while acknowledging the need to support those struggling.In this episode, we underscored the vital role of policies, programs, and …

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…

We are honored to he…

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 family. With no other relatives nearby, these remarkable teens became their mother's primary caregivers, tackling everything from helping her walk to managing the household. Their dedication and maturit…

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…

We are honored to he…

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 family. With no other relatives nearby, these remarkable teens became their mother's primary caregivers, tackling everything from helping her walk to managing the household. Their dedication and mat…

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 L…

This episode highlig…

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 Lorenzo's House after her father was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. She describes the transformative impact of the organization's "light club" groups, which provide a safe space for young …

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 h…

This week, we’re s…

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 responsibilities is inspiring. She found an outlet in the sport, using it as a way to channel her energy and reduce stress from the added responsibilities of caregiving.Samiha's story is equally p…

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 …

This week’s specia…

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 hidden population's challenges and experiences.The discussion, featuring Marvell Adams Jr. and Toni Gingerelli, covered the impacts of youth caregiving, such as educational disruptions and mental…

This week’s episode gives us a powerful and insightful look into the life of Aditya Akella, a 16-year-old caregiver for his younger brother with autism. Aditya's story is one of resilience, res…

This week’s episod…

This week’s episode gives us a powerful and insightful look into the life of Aditya Akella, a 16-year-old caregiver for his younger brother with autism. Aditya's story is one of resilience, responsibility, and a deep commitment to his family. From navigating cultural differences in caregiving between India and England to balancing his academic and social life, Aditya's experiences offer a rare and valuable perspective on the challenges and triumphs of being a young carer.Aditya demonstrates a level of wisdom and maturity that belies his young age. He eloquently articulates the impo…

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 m…

Kids Kicking Cancer&…

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's remarkable growth from 10 children in 1 facility to over 126 facilities across 10 countries.Rabbi G, alongside Global Program Director Cindy Cohe, explains the organization's distincti…

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&…

This week, we explor…

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 challenges, Feylyn balanced her caregiving duties with her Education and personal life. Her story serves as a testament to the strength and determination of young caregivers, who often bear burdens beyond …

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.…

This week's edu…

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 skills training, peer mentoring, and activities to help them achieve balance and nurture a stronger sense of self. Today’s episode spotlights the significant efforts Pyx Health is making to aid young c…

Subscriber-only episodeThe sisters proudly partner with the Caregiver Action Network. CAN's Caregiver Help Desk offers free support to family caregivers via phone, chat, or email Monday through F…

Subscriber-only epis…

Subscriber-only episodeThe sisters proudly partner with the Caregiver Action Network. CAN's Caregiver Help Desk offers free support to family caregivers via phone, chat, or email Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern. Get answers, resources, support group info, or a listening ear. Visit www.caregiveraction.org/helpdesk/ or call 855-277-3640.Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Sisterhood of Care, LLC Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com Like us on Facebook! Tweet with us on Twitter! Follow us on Instagram! Watch us on Youtube! Pin us on Pinterest! Link us on Linke…

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…

At just 18 years old…

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 advocating for her needs at school. Despite the difficulties, Kaylin has found solace in her passions, such as marching band, which provided a much-needed safe space to express herself.Kaylin's care…