So much has happened since the last time I shared a message on my blog! Much, of course, I am delighted to say, has been wonderful. I am, however, sad to say that one of the most heartfelt events in our lives during this time was the passing of our beloved service dog, Duncan. Diagnosed in early 2022 with late-stage kidney disease, our sweet Duncan…
War Changes Lives: A Military Caregiver's Journey
My Wordpress BlogOn December 5, 2021, America lost one of our nation’s most accomplished and devoted leaders, a fantastic leader with an outstanding legacy: Senator Bob Dole. When I learned of his passing, I immediately wanted to write a tribute and post it on my blog to honor his legacy. But months after his passing, I still find facing our loss difficult, and through tears, I fight…
From Our Family To Yours, Merry Christmas! ’Tis the season to laugh a little louder, hug a little longer, love a little deeper. Wishing You Joy In Every Moment This Season! Have a Safe and Merry Christmas!
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is hosting the 6th Annual National Virtual Convening! This year’s event will be presented by Philips and will include words from Senator Elizabeth Dole, The Honorable VA Secretary Denis McDonough and others in the military caregiver space. Registration is free! You can register at https://web.cvent.com/event/5b3fbbc9-fb2a-4782-95fe-69ef0c6e0f31/summary. You can also register through the same link for the EDF’s Annual Hidden Heroes Gala…
I have no words… I feel a lot of emotion and disbelief as a result of the events in Afghanistan. Many veteran and caregiver organizations have come together to support our troops and their families during this tumultuous time. Among those organizations, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation has offered tremendous support by providing live virtual calls, and I have attended each session. The live, virtual calls…
This past April, I was invited to attend a Life By Design (LBD) virtual workshop. I looked at my calendar sideways and wondered how I would have time to fit it in, and I am so glad that I chose to attend! The materials shared were life-changing for me. As a caregiver and professional fellow/postdoc, I learned new tips and strategies that I plan to…
Happy New Year Everyone! I recently had a chance to interview with Lee Woodruff for an AARP article to share my story. Click the link below to view the article: Military and Veteran Caregivers Who Advocate for Our Sick and Wounded Warriors. A 2014 RAND study reported that there are over 5.5 million military caregivers in America. Yet, America’s caregiver population, as a whole, surpasses…
I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday. This year, I celebrated differently, as most people did. My family decided to host a virtual Thanksgiving celebration. I had hosted virtual calls before and had just experienced a successful virtual 20th-anniversary call on Zoom and with the chance to share my screen, shared videos, and played games, so I knew virtual calls could be fun. But,…
Over 5.5 million individuals support a wounded, ill, or injured service member or veteran. According to a RAND study conducted in 2014 – today, that number has increased and only shows the large population that supports our wounded today. As a military caregiver, I can personally attest to the enormous gap that is missing from my emotional, physical, and social support. That has been that way since…
Justin Bennett of HealthyFit.info reached out to us with an interest in writing an article on technology aids for people with diabetes. Caregivers, as well as those who know of someone living with diabetes, will find these tips useful. Please welcome our guest blogger as he offers practical advice on technology apps for diabetics. Individuals with diabetes are responsible for constantly tracking their health, which…