Caregiver Stories
We want to hear your story!
Why? Because your story matters. Have you ever listened to someone talk about their life and thought ‘Oh, someone else has been through that, too? I thought it was just me!’ Every story shared is a chance to aid another caregiver and help them feel less alone. Your story will be confidential or use your initials. Help other caregivers and yourself by sharing your experience.
Short Film “Ruth” Focuses on Realities of Caregiving
“Ruth” is a 9-minute short film starring the late Lynn Cohen as the mother, living with Alzheimer’s, with Barbara Tirrell playing her daughter and caregiver. Actor David Hyde Pierce, a longtime Alzheimer's Association Champion and caregiver said of the film:...
Patricia’s Story
I care for my mother, Lucille, a breast cancer survivor. She suffers from crippling arthritis rendering her unable to walk. She is still sharp in mind and a joy to be around. Also, a never-ending mom who worries about her babies. The most difficult part is missing...
Gary Barg – A fearless Caregiver
Gary Barg is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Caregiver Media Group based in Fort Lauderdale. Since 1995, it has published Today’s Caregiver magazine, Caregiver.com, and hosts the Fearless Caregiver Conferences across the country. Barg explains what pushed him to start...
Actress and caregiver knows the devastation of Alzheimer’s
Yvette Nicole Brown: Her Challenging Off-Screen Role As a young girl in East Cleveland, Ohio, actress Yvette Nicole Brown dreamed of a career in show business. Her father, Omar, stoked her ambitions, taking her to movies regularly and sharing his stacks of R&B and...
Marlee Matlin’s Caregiver Story
Marlee Matlin knows she owes a lot to her mother: Libby Matlin was one of her biggest cheerleaders as she embarked on an acting career, beginning at age 7 with the role of Dorothy in a local theater production of "The Wizard of Oz." Before losing her mother to...
Caregiver Story: Donna Maye & Mom
How did you become the caregiver for your loved one? Once mom was unable to live alone, my niece and her family moved in to care for her. Eventually she needed to leave her home, thus she came to live with me the year I retired. We are now in year six of our...
Te Amo, Papi: Comedian & #ENDALZ Champion Chris Garcia Shares His Alzheimer’s Story
“If it wasn't for humor, we wouldn't have gotten through any of this,” comedian Chris Garcia says of his family’s Alzheimer’s experience. His father, Andres, a Cuban refugee, died from complications due to Alzheimer’s in 2017. “Luckily my mom is the funniest person in...
Heather’s Caregiver Story
How did you become the caregiver for your loved one? I was 10 when my mom got sick and when I was 19, I stepped into the primary caregiver role to give my dad more time on the farm. What is the hardest thing about being a caregiver and the most rewarding thing?...
Michelle’s Caregiver Story
How did you become the caregiver for your loved one? My mother chose me as her caregiver. My mother-in-law did not have anyone else willing to care for her full time. Has your relationship changed with the loved one that you are caring for? If so, how? My...
Shonda’s story: Why Caregiving is a Challenge and an Honor
Shonda Bell became an advocate for people with dementia after both of her parents were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s two years apart, requiring her to navigate complex medical issues and even financial fraud. Shonda Bell — a special education teacher from Albany,...