CARING FOR THE CAREGIVERS CONTEST
Do you know a selfless caregiver who needs some much overdue pampering?
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are more than 50 million people who take on the responsibility of caring for a chronically ill, disabled or elderly family member or friend. And while being able to assist a loved one in their time of need can be incredibly fulfilling, it can also be very demanding and tiring work. Every year, November is designated as National Family Caregivers Month. It is meant to be a time for us to thank, celebrate and support our caregivers. In recognition of these many selfless individuals, Spa Gregorie’s is teaming up with Cox Communications to host a Caring for Caregivers Contest where one lucky winner will receive some well-deserved pampering.
Family and friends are invited to nominate outstanding caregivers online. Entry deadline is Friday, November 14, 2008. If you would like to participate in the Caring for Caregivers Contest and honor a devoted caregiver who could use a soothing spa treatment, click the link below and send Spa Gregorie’s a one-page description of who you are nominating and why. Show a caregiver your love and support and nominate them today. Congratulations to Caregiver Winner, Lori Brown & Barbara Logue-Barish! (See their amazing stories below.)
Spa Gregorie's offers a collection of realxing, rejuventating, and healing therapies. Visit http://spagregories.com/treat.shtml to learn more about all of the soothing services Spa Gregorie’s offers.
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2008 CAREGIVER WINNERS
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Winner #1
Caregivers Name: Lori Brown
Nominated by: Steven B.
Nomination: I would like to nominate my wife, Lori. I am active duty military and can't be around to help out all the time with our three kids. Two of our children are special needs. Our youngest, Hunter, has Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy. Our oldest son, Dakota, has Asperger's Syndome. Lori is always helping out other special needs families helping them find their way in the confusing world of state and federal programs. While I was deployed last year she traveled back to Indiana where our families are from and helped care for my grandmother for a few weeks (on top of our own kids) while my grandmother was recoving from having her leg amputated just below her knee. This care allowed my grandmother to be able to stay out of a nursing home and allowed her to stay in her home and to learn how to get along in her on home. I will be forever greatful for her loving care of not just our kids but my family. She deserves a little pampering but on military pay that is not always possible.
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Winner #2
Caregivers Name: Barbara Logue-Barish
Nominated by: Jaclyn L.
Nomination: In September 2007, my mother received heartbreaking news - her brother Steven was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor and given four months to live. In the previous five years, she also lost her father and other older brother. Yet she did not let this latest tragedy diminish her desire to help others. Steven passed away last month (Oct ’08), and during his year of battling cancer, my mother was his most dedicated caretaker. She helped him navigate the maze of our healthcare system to find him the very best treatments. When doctors wrote him off because of his terminal stage, she fought even harder, helping him get into to clinical drug trials and get the latest radiation therapy. As a result, he lived three times longer than anyone expected. On several occasions, my mother took time away from her job, her fiance and her volunteer commitments with the American Cancer Society to be by his side – when he had surgery, when he started radiation, and simply when he needed company. When swelling in his brain forced him into the hospital and the end was obviously near, yet again she flew to his side. She stayed with him at night, helped feed him and even changed his diaper – something she never expected to do for her older brother. This past year was bittersweet for my mother – I think she became closer to her brother in those 12 months of caring for him than in all her 55 years. Yet the stress of traveling back and forth and watching him to succumb to cancer took a dramatic toll on her. I went to Denver to be with her and my uncle in his final days, and I was amazed at the energy it takes to care for someone like that – and I only did it for four days. I came away with a new appreciation for the amount of time she spent caring for her brother, and a newfound respect for my mother as a person. I can’t think of anyone else who deserves this award more than my mother -- a truly exceptional human being and a role model for all people caring for their loved ones.
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2008 CAREGIVER NOMINIEES
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Caregivers Name: Amber oneill
Nomination: good afternoon everyone there at gregories, i see your a special generous place that offers kindness to people who need it. a little bit about my sister amber who i am nominating. Amber takes care of her quadrapalegic husband, she is 35, he is 42, she also has a 3 year old son.In june of 2007, he had a motorcycle accidnet that left him paralyzed from the neck down. he was in the hospital for 3 months and then they sent him home for her to take care of him. They lost there house , his job, and everything else you can imagine. The state or government will provide no services to her as far as taking care of him, so she basically has a 3 year old baby and a 42 year old baby. she feeds him changes him showers him, has to provide all of his urine, and bowel care, basically everything you and i do everyday without thinking about it. She is worn down, she is a beautiful girl who used to be so peeepy and healthy. well its taking a toll on her body , she hurts from head to toe and she rarely gets a break, its 24/7. my sister is my best friend and i miss her drastically, we have all chipped in here and there for here to get a massage once in a while, i take care of her husband and her son and my husband and two sons to give here a break once in a while. i beg you to award her with this gracious gift, her life has been turned upside down, and she gives and gives, and she need to be taken care of right now.please, please please consider her, and take her into a tranqil setting that allows her to escape, even if its for the day. god bless you sincerely ronda correa
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Caregivers Name: Karla Kaye Finochio
Nomination: My name is Debra Kaye Cejka, the twin to Karla. We ,the three of my Mothers children took on the responsiblity of caring for our my mother with cancer and our loving step-Dad with Parkisons and dementia. We three took time away from our homes to stay around the clock for their needs. My mother lost her battle and our step-Dads condition went full steam ahead. My brother had an incredible bond to my Mother as he was six weeks old when we lost a baby sister of three to a brain tumor.Eighty days after my Mothers passing, our brother of forty-eight died of a heart attact in my parents home alone. Up to this point we have lost a sister of three, a brother of thirty-seven of cancer,and our brother of forty-eight to a heart attact. Through all this my sister living closer to our step-Dad did lots of research and a home to put him in ,that we could resume our lives with some what of normal.Karla is at his home on the average of every other day for visits, doctor appointments,xrays blood work,etc. His health has gone full blown and now has Lou Garrets,ruematoid arthirtis, and cancer. If that was'nt enough our real Dad had a heart attact and we were on a plane to be there for him. While all along she put into motion for her husband and daughters to step in her place to make sure our "Frank" will be alright,while away. It was touch and go,had we not been there our Father would be gone as he had many mishaps that could go wrong.I left and came back three more times to pack our Father up and handle his affairs.My sister contacted Dads friends to get convince him to do up a will. She had to do his taxes, find papers that were not together.She moved him from a two story apartment To another town to a single floor apartment. When our Dad had his heart attact, he also broke his ankle in three places. She handled all this in another state all on her own,then after he got the okay to travel, she brought him to California. She after many struggles,got our Father into the same home our step-Dad lives .They liked each even before living together. Then Karla flew back to Dads Handled getting rid of unwanted furniture packed his persnal belonings and had it sent to Califorina,and even had to sell his car. Shes back home and her life as it once was is no longer. Next week for example she has doctor appointments for Dad and Frank ,Monday thru Friday! Every week is doctor appointments ,or Dad wanting supplies,or his computer is down, or the newspaper isn't caring the t.v, guide,or he wants to get out. She is over worked with all their needs, paper work,filing, making appointments, picking up perscription,etc. Shes not sleeping well has problems with her siatic and no relief in sight. She is in much need of pampering and has a big heart for our two 'Wonderful Dads' WE wouldn't do anything different, they are two incredible Men and happy we have them near by. Thankyou for reading my letter. Karla and I are are the only siblings left along with our two Dads. Thankyou for taking the time to read my letter.
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Caregivers Name: Shari Landes
Nomination: My mom is the mom of all moms. Not only does she put family before herself, but she is so selfless that on some nights she hardly sleeps at all. She has been the primary care-giver to my 80 year old grandmother who has Parkinson's disease. Suffice to say, that's just the tip of the iceburg. My fiance' and I just got back from an extended tour and needed a place to stay, so we are in the house as well. I see how hard my mom works, how many tireless hours she puts in. Being that my grandmother has Parkinson's, her mind isn't what it used to be, and she can be really hard on my mom sometimes. With that said, my mom continues to selflessly love and care for all around her, no matter what the cost. She always makes sure that everyone in the house is well fed, nurtured and above all else; happy. You can easily see that she gets her joy from seeing the people around her happy, even when there is no return involved. It would be wonderful to see her pampered for a day in return for all the selfless pampering she has done for those around her.
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Caregivers Name: Connie DeLaRosa
Nomination: Connie is a caregiver for a group home where there are 5 young men. They all have their own different issues and Connie has to be on call 24/7. She is constantly taking someone to a doctor's appointment, making sure they are getting the programs they are supposed to get. Whenever there are problems, which seems constant for one or the other, she steps in and advocates. She also provides social activities and takes the residents to many special events, Special Olympics, social activities. She always has a smile on her face and truly is a gem!
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Caregivers Name: Melissa Moran
Nomination: My neighbor and dear friend for six years, Melissa Moran exemplifies extraordinary patience and faith. Melissa's cherished husband, Rob who is merely in his early 50's endured a severe stroke less than a year ago, leaving him partially paralyzed, speechless and and at constant risk for additional strokes. (He has had two subsequent ones.) Melissa is totally alone in her selfless care- taking for her husband. He is utterly dependent upon her for even the most mundane physical tasks. This incredible woman has been dealt a painful reality yet has adapted to the best of her ability. It is her mission to continue maintaining a sense of normalcy for her children who range in ages 16 through 21. In fact, she has not once imposed the tremendously exhausting duties upon her children who are highly scholastic achievers. Instead, Melissa encourages them to stay focused on their schooling and their strong faith. They are constantly showering their father with love and fortunately, he is able to hear and understand. Prior to this tragedy, I had always been impressed by this woman's warmth and kind nature. If ever there was a "type" of individual deserving to be pampered and having some care reciprocated, it would have to be Melissa Moran. Humble, selfless, comforting and triumphant describe my wonderful friend.
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Caregivers Name: Lilly Wu
Nomination: My mom, Lilly, accidentally fell into the Caretaking profession. She retired from her job with a computer parts company, and was looking for a part-time job that was fulfilling. She's always believed in helping people and wanted something where she could help others and do some good in the community. My mom is a strong believer in having no age limits when it comes to compassion and community service. So she interviewed with a family who was looking for a caretaker for their mother, Rosa, who has dementia. Rosa's family said she had an immediate response to my mom, which was very rare. My mom was hired full-time and has been caring for Rosa ever since. Her family is so pleased because they say since my mom has been working with them, Rosa has improved so much, especially after the Doctors said there was no more hope for her. Rosa can now talk, she responds, is potty trained again, plays the piano and can go outside for walks. Rosa used to be pretty much catatonic and didn't respond to anybody or anything. My mom is so dedicated to her job and gives it her all with her heart and soul. She is such a hardworking woman and very independent to search for financial independence when the cultural norm for her is to rely on her spouse. I have tried to give her pampering gifts but she never accepts them and says she is fine without them. But I know she would love to have a day of pampering, to know how appreciated and loved she is. Thank you!
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Caregivers Name: Kathy Flanagan
Nomination: Dear Spa Gregorie: I would like to nominate my daughter, Kathy Flanagan for the "Caregivers Contest 2008". Last April I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Breast Cancer. Kathy has seen me through MRI's, CT Scans, too many tests and doctors visits to mention. She has taken charge of my needs and medical care, basically putting her life on hold. She has taken numerous days off work to sit with me in Chemo. I had a Lumpectomy a week ago, and she took the time off work to be with my husband and son and see me through surgery and recovery. This has all been done without complaint. She has taken care of her household and mine and been so selfless these past months. She organized a team in "The Race for the Cure" on my behalf. I feel that I am so lucky to have been blessed with such a wonderful and caring daughter. She recently turned 30 and is too young to be having her mother nominate her for a "caregiver award".
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Caregivers Name: Pam Wolf
Nomination: My grandparents, Bill and Rita, had become a “burden” to the extended relatives that shared a house with them because of the degenerative condition of their health. Rather than see her parents placed in a home hundreds of miles away from anyone who would care to see them, my mother, Pam, took both of them into her home and provide the extensive care needed to recuperate them. My grandfather has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and often forgets where he is and who he is talking to, a fact that is made even worse by his neighborhood sleepwalking. My grandmother has been battling Lupus for decades and has had to undergo numerous surgeries for the replacement of her knees and hips, making walking and standing difficult endeavors. My mom is an excellent nurse, managing to bathe, clothe, feed, exercise them while keeping both of their complicated medication schedules on track. Having survived breast cancer, my mom knows how important the recovery period is and having a supportive family environment. She has an immeasurable amount of patience and consideration, often dropping what she is doing to tend to their needs. Caring for my grandparents is a full time job that my mother has taken on willingly, believing that what she is doing is the right thing. If this were not enough, my mother also provides daycare for my 2 year old nephew, Zeke, in order to help out his single father. Her days are certainly hectic and requires an immense amount of energy and resolve, but she smiles and says “Don’t worry, everything is going to be OK”. My mom is a special person, giving herself to a greater purpose at a time in her life when most people her age would be asking for a break.
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Caregivers Name: Kathy Genereux
Nomination: Kathy Genereux is a dynamic, passionate, faith-filled, selfless woman, mother, daughter, and aunt-extraordinaire who has juggled being a caregiver and a working professional for almost 17 years. It all began when I was in high school and my mom changed the front bedroom into a hospital room for my grandfather who spent the last two years of his life with us. Meanwhile my grandmother moved into our home as well and though healthy changed the dynamic of my single mother’s life forever. Then after the passing of my grandpa, my great uncle moved into the front bedroom because he was ill and my mom continued the role of caregiver. After another couple years my uncle also passed from this earth but thankfully my grandma’s health remained strong and my mom’s role became companion more than caregiver for my grandma who remained living with her. However as time progressed, my grandma needed more and more care and again in the beginning of the 2000 my mom assumed the role of caregiver and specifically over the last 2 years she has had an extensive role doing this because my 86 year old grandma now requires 24 hour care after a long hospital stay. But my mom believes in family caring for family she never entertained any other option of care for my grandma and has always sacrificed anything and everything for all of our family. Furthermore she always does the extras for the family too…like being the best babysitter ever for one of her nine great nieces and nephews, or planning a dream wedding for me, or keeping her front door and refrigerator open to all of us on everyday of the week...Honestly she is always there without complaint if you need anything! Now as she prepares to be a grandmother herself for the first time in the midst of giving daily care to her mom she deserves more than ever to take some time to relax. Please consider recognizing my incredible mom for this award. She would never expect it because she has never done any of this for recognition…truly she does all of this out of love. She shares love so freely and also brings a good laugh to life too with her energetic and positive attitude in the face of all of this. Thank you so much!
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Caregivers Name: Patricia Campos
Nomination: My mother, Patricia Campos, is the hardest working woman I've ever met. She is also the greatest woman I know and this is why I want to nominate her. She's been working at Sunrise Senior Living for two years now, and ever since she got the job she has taken it very seriously. She even attended a course at school so she could become a CNA, and even though it was tough she complete the course and got her certificate. I admire her so much because even though she has type 2 Diabetes, that has not stopped her from working, she comes home very tired everyday but she enjoys taking care of the residents at her work. She always tells me about them, and how she has gotten to know them so well, she is very caring and always wants them to feel comfortable. I always see her taking small gifts to her residents and coming back and telling me how much her residents appreciate the little things she does. Everything she does comes from her heart she doesn’t expect to get a reward or anything like that, as long as she sees that the elderly she takes care of are happy, she’s happy. This journey has been a long one for her and I’m so proud to see her keep on going, because I know how hard it must be for her. She has always wanted the best for my little brother and I, and I understand why she works so hard and so much. I believe my mother should be recognized for her hard work and dedication, she gives so much to her work and just wants her residents feel at home at the Sunrise. If only you could see the things she does, and how her residents appreciate her work and call her the best, the one who knows them exactly, you would see what a great woman she is. Her residents love her and I love her too, I really hope she is chosen for this because she is one of a kind, and I know that the people she takes cares of would want this for her too. :)
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Caregivers Name: Penny Aros
Nomination: I am proud to nominate my mother for caregiver of the year. Although my mother has been living with my grandmother Beulah Chandler (Nany) for many years, it wasn't until the last 5 years that she's had to care for her on a daily basis. Nany is turning 93 this month and has always cared for herself and never wanted to be a burden to anyone. Her body is failing, but her mind is still sharp as a tack. My mother is fighting breast cancer and is finding that her body is not cooperating as it used to. She makes sure that Nany has her medications and meals and still takes her to the store reluctantly. See Nany seems to fall often these days and scares the living daylights out of my mom, but she seems to push through her fears and continues to make sure she is safe. Nany does not like to visit the hospital and will do anything in her power to avoid it even if she know she should go. Mom tries so hard to explain to Nany, but she is so stubborn. I want my Mom to know that she is my role model and I appreciate the difficulties she is experiencing not only caring for Nany, but being strong through her own stuggles. My brother and I help out when we can, but she truly is the rock of the family. I love her so much and she deserves this honor every year.
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Caregivers Name: Helen Valera
Nomination: Helen Valera must be one of God's Angels! She cared for my Mom & Dad for 3 1/2 years. They passed away within 7 months of each other, both at the age of 94. Their lives were so enriched by Helen. Her love and dedication to them was beyond belief! Her encouragement on "those tough days" where the legs might not work right or the physical strength was missing, was sweet and kind. My parents were married for 60 years and adored each other. Helen had the insight to compliment their devotion to each other. Whether it was hand washing my Mom's delicate items or cooking special foods for them in her home and surprising them with their favorites, her compassion was endless. Helen knew how important it was for them to maintain their dignity in their "Golden Years" & she made sure those needs were met. She became an expert in curling my Mom's hair, making sure there were no spots on their clothes and that their personal hygene was always perfection. Little accidents did happen and her way of dealing with them was so caring. My Dad was in a wheelchair, due to bad knees and he had a catheter. She even managed their doctor appointments with expert care. My parents confided aging difficulties in Helen(sometimes hard to share with me and my family), knowing she could help with a solution. They prayed together in the evenings before she went home and gave them encouragement as they went to sleep. She always had a smile on her face and in her heart, no matter how hard a day it had been. They always knew they could depend on Helen! Toward the end of my Mom's life, Helen did not leave her side. My Mom passed away first. My Father was lost. Helen's strength & faith helped all of us in those difficult days that were ahead for my Dad. Helen encouraged my Dad to play Bingo, go on field trips & always made sure he read his Wall Street Journal! When friends called to chat, she knew when he could handle it and when she needed to take a message. Even in his wheelchair, she persuaded him to do his exercises daily! Helen Valeros enriched not only my parents lives, but mine and my family. Since my parents' passings (Mom in October 2006 and Dad May 07), she calls me or texts me every couple of weeks just to let me know she's thinking of me! Being an only child, some days I feel lost without my Mom & Dad to talk with. She knows my daughter's fondness of mangos and even brings fresh ones to our home! On my parents' birthdays and holidays Helen brings flowers & cards to the cemetary and lights candles for them at her church. I feel so blessed to have Helen in my life. My wish for her to be a Queen for a Day! She works so hard and so deserves some special pampering for herself!
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Caregivers Name: Bedreye Sacuy
Nomination: My mother-in-law Bedreye "Betty" is a living saint. My father-in-law fell very ill about 18 months ago along with having dementia. She is the only reason he is still alive. She keeps track of at least 8-11 different medications, she is up at all hours of the night changing beds, clothes and just comforting him. Since his heart attacks, also having diabetes, and an inoperable heart condition, he has been basically bed-ridden. The hospital suggested he go to a care facility and she would not hear of that. Their home is the "care" facility that they both need. She puts all of her own needs aside to care for a man that mentally is not always there. We visit 1-2 times a week and no matter how tired or run down she is she has never once complained. She cooks full meals for all the visitors and family. She has the best heart and soul of anyone I know. I would love for her to be the one being pampered .
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Caregivers Name: Barbara Miller
Nomination: Barbara is my mother and she has been the tireless, faithful and unwavering cargiver to my stepdad, Steve Miller. Steve has battled mutiple ailments for the past 8 years and my mom has been there every step of the way. Steve suffered from a back injury, depression and mental diseases, diabetes, a serious blood disease and, finally, Liver cancer. My mother was taxed, sometimes to the ends of her abilities, in taking care of Steve with grace and hope, the way we all would want our Spouses or Parters to do. This month, Steve lost his battle with liver cancer. While the mantle my mom has carried has been lifted, I know she would take all the work and stress back on for just one more minute with him. My mom is an amazing, strong woman - but very few people know the extent of her sacrifice and love. She is an example of selfless love. Thanks!
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Caregivers Name: Michele Colello
Nomination: My mom is, simply put, one of the most amazing women I know. Over the last three years, I have been diagnosed with cancer three times, and undergone chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and two adult stem cell transplants. My mom has been there for me every step of the way - staying with me nearly every one of the 240-some days I have been hospitalized - and not just during the day! If I was inpatient, she was inpatient. Despite her struggling with her own chronic illnesses of fibromyalgia and lupus, she is inexhaustibly selfless, and continues to care for me as I spend the year after my latest transplant recovering. Our time fighting cancer has been rough, but my mom has supported me physically, emotionally and spiritually for every moment of it. She has sacrificed sleep, home-cooked food, her own bed (and bathroom), and more to assist me in whatever way she could. Two month stretches in a hospital sleeping on a chair is no easy task! The love and care that she displays goes far beyond anything I could imagine, and I only hope that I can have the opportunity to show that love to my own children. And I’m not the only one she takes care of – my brother and dad get the benefit of her generous heart as well! She certainly deserves to have some time devoted just to HER – please spoil this amazing lady! Sincerely, her daughter, Cynthia
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Caregivers Name: Denise Park
Nomination: My dear friend, Denise, is one of the most unselfish people I know. She and I became friends when she found out that I had a baby with Down Syndrome. Her firstborn son, Justin also has Down Syndrome. She has loved and cared for him, but was put throught extra challenges when at age 7 he started losing all of the developmental skills they had worked so hard to achieve. After many tests, he was diagnosed with disintegration syndrome which is under the umbrella of autism. It was extremely depressing to watch her son become another person before her eyes. Denise spent countless hours researching and visiting professionals for help. She has tried Justin on a variety of medications and has had to put him on a strict diet because he was also diagnosed with celiac disease. She has to lock up food and keep constant watch over him due to his obsessive tendencies to place things wherever he thinks they need to be. Denise has to care for all of his physical needs including bathing, brushing his teeth, and shaving. He is a very sweet young man, but after 21 years, she is exhausted. There is no relief in sight until Justin is placed in a group home. Please grant her a special day as she has been faithful in caring for her son. Thank you.
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Caregivers Name: Michele Walthers
Nomination: I would like to nominate my sister, Michele Walthers. My mom and dad came to live with my sister about a year and a half ago. My mom’s health wasn’t good and my dad wasn’t able to help because he has macular degeneration and is almost blind. Plus, he has lost most of the use of his right hand because of an accident. So, my sister had them move in with her and her son. In December, my mom was diagnosed with liver cancer. They gave her 4 – 6 months to live. My sister took on the job of making sure she was taking all her meds at the right time, and seeing that she was eating and comfortable. I tried to come over almost every night to help out, but it was my sister that was there after I left. She was the one that would get up in the middle of the night to check on her or to give her more pain medicine. Or just to sit with her because the meds weren’t working and she couldn’t sleep because of the pain. As mom got weaker, she had to be lifted into a wheel chair and then lifted again onto the commode. My sister had to bath and change her. My mom (who was a retired nurse) felt awful about my sister having to do so much. My sister never made mom feel bad, she always told her she was happy to help her because she loved her so much. As my mom got worse she wasn’t able to walk and was loosing control of bodily functions. By now, hospice was coming in every few days. My sister and I would each take a day off work and a close friend would come in on the other 3 days to make sure someone was always there during the day with mom. Even though I was there almost every evening, (I was able to go home) my sister was there every night and weekend. She was never able to get a good night sleep because she constantly had to get up and help mom. We had to make sure she didn’t get bed sores so she had to be turned every few hours. My sister even got a baby monitor so she could listen to make sure mom was ok. The hospice nurse told us she couldn’t believe how well my mom was being taken care of. Sometimes my sister would get so overwhelmed she would cry. But she never let my mom see. She always put on a brave front for my mom and took gentle care of her. My sister went through so much those last 5 months of mom’s life. She passed away on May 1st. My sister did more for my mom than should ever be expected of a person. I forgot to mention that my sister had been diagnosed with breast cancer (for the 2nd time) and had to have a mastectomy a few months before my mom became ill. She was still recovering from that and going through the reconstruction process while she was caring for my mom. So I hope when you read this you will consider my sister Michele because she set aside her problems to care for my mom so lovingly. I LOVE my sister and wish good things for her because she truly deserves it.
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Caregivers Name: Patricia Sproul
Nomination: My mom has been a caregiver for about 10 years now and she works so hard! She is 69 years old and alone and still she spends her time caring for others. She has experienced so many hardships these last few years and needs a break so badly! She has just recently opened her home to her sister who cannot care for herself, so when my mom gets home from work she spends her free time tending to her sister. When my grandparents were still alive, it was my mom who took care of them also. She really deserves a day for herself.
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Caregivers Name: Lauren
Nomination: I would like to nominate my daughter. When I had cancer she was my caregiver. Both times I had cancer. When her grandfather died she was her grandmothers caregiver to help her through this time for 6 months. Wher her other grandfather was dying she helped him through this hard time she stayed with him through the night to help him pass. But now she is the caregiver for her Autistic son. He is two years old and except for a little help from me she does it alone. She also has a 5 year old daughter that she takes care of. My daughter is amazing. Except for when she goes to the gym or has to work she is always with her children. She is one of the most amazing people I have ever meet. Her father is now facing Prostate cancer surgery and I am sure she will be there for him also. I would love to see someone take care of her for a change. She is only 27 years old. She is a Makeup Artist and is always making people look beautiful. It is her turn to get pampered.
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Caregivers Name: Anita Morrell
Nomination: Anita Morrell has recently retired at age 70 after 35 years of emergency room nursing in Orange County. Anita has spent most of her life caring for the community but beyond that she has spent her lifetime, within tremendous grief, caring for her family. Anita had 5 children with her husband Gary. She lost her two sons to a genetic heart disease in the 70's. They died within 9 months of each other at ages 12 & 14. Two years later her oldest daughter had full cardiac arrest due to the same disease and was in a coma for 3 months. This daughter survived but has needed care her entire life. Anita has ALWAYS been there for her. Anita lost her husband to the same disease after caring for him for years. Then she lost her Brother-n-law after caring for him for years after he received a heart transplant. Her 1st grandson was stricken with the same disease and she has been caring for him since he was 11 years old. Most recently, (in fact she is in the hospital with her now), her daughter has undergone an extremely invasive procedure which will serve as a bridge to a heart transplant. She will be in the ICU for a month and then will need round the clock care for months, which Anita will be providing. Anita has done all this and continues to provide extraordinary care for her loved ones without hesitation nor complaints. Not to mention with the courage and strength of 100 people. She deserves this award more than anyone I can think of. Please give her an acknowledgment and some much needed pampering!
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Caregivers Name: Rosario Morales
Nomination: I think my mother Rosario should be nominated for this contest because she is long over due for a relaxing day. Ive wanted to buy her a day spa gift but have not been able to afford it. She is one of the most unselfish, loving and caring people I know and if she were to win it would be so special and great that I would be so grateful. She is taking care of my father Robert who has alzhiemers disease. He has always been the man of the house and provider for his family for over forty years and his duties as a man have been taken away one by one leaving him feeling helpless. As a result my mother has had to put up with someone who sometimes can be hurtful with his words when he gets frustrated. Although I think my Mother has become even stronger I think she would love to be pampered even for just a little while. She has had to take care of past relatives and has hardly ever been credited in comparison. In mexico she wasnt able to attend school after the third grade because they were too poor to afford things so shewas a street vendor along with her brothers and sisters selling various types of mexican treats my grandmaother would make. My grandmother broke her leg one day and since they were so poor she never was able to get a cast so she wrapprd it everyday. I still remember seeing her leg when she would wrap it when she was older. It looked extremely painful. My mother tels me stories of her child hood and it almost brings a tear when I think about it. In thhe mid sixties at age nineteen she came to californis and met my father at her place of work in Placentia where she met my father who was forty at the time. At that time I doubt she knew what kind of sickness my father would eventually have. His older sister had it before she passed away. Unfortunately she had to be put in a home and my parents tried their best to take care of her but the sickness made ny aunt skeptical of everyone and she would accuse my Dad of trying to take her stuff. In the end a friend of my Aunts convinced her to take us off her will. Leaving nothing to her surviving relatives. My father does show the same kind of behavior sometimes but my mother has had a way to keep a smile on his face on top of bathing, gooming and maintaining proper hygene. Along with keeping the house and yard up. My brother lives with the both of them and I live in Laguna Niguel since its close to work. I dont have a drivers licence so I cant commute as much. My sister lives in Riverside and she is also a great asset too but she has a family of her own with fopur boys to raise. We would all like to see my Mom get treated the way she deserves so much. Thank you you for taking the time to read my submission. I think this is a great idea and send my appreciation to those involved with this program. With all sincerity, Vincent
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Caregivers Name: Debbie Wells Allen
Nomination: Debbie is actually my mom. She cares for my severely disabled brother who has been disabled since birth. He is physically 30 years old but because of birth malpractice he is mentally about 11 months. He cannot be toilet trained, he plays with baby toys, and likes to watch tv and movies. He cannot feed himself or dress or bathe himself. He is a 24/7 project. My mom has always put him first and herself second. She has persevered through cancer and gall bladder removal. She is a single mom who's day pretty much consists of taking care of him. Her only income is the tiny amount she gets from the state to take care of him, as she doesn't have the time for a job. Her car is dying and she barely makes rent let alone has the ability to pamper herself. I really believe my mom deserves a break, because she hasn't had one in 30 years.
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Caregivers Name: Sarah N. Slevkoff
Nomination: It's a given why people will care for members of their own family, or a lifelong friend. It's also a given why nurses care for the patients that are assigned to them; and then provide the minimal amount of care to maintain their employment. What I can't figure out is why my wife Sarah who is a registered nurse goes above and beyond her job requirements and puts in that proverbial 10% above the 100% and then comes home at the end of her 12 hour shift; not only physically drained, but also emotionally drained and then cares for our two baby girls. So I always end up at the bottom of the totem pole of her priority list. Irregardless of the numerous "caregivers" who are usually relatives; the reality is that when you or someone you love is ill or injured; the real caregivers are those nurses who don't receive the recognition or pay that doctors do, yet do the majority of the work and are the friend to the friendless in the cold sterile environment of a hospital. So when you or your loved one's are sick or injured, you better hope that some disgruntled nurse, or some relative that's unable to provide that level of care for you isn't your caregiver; but someone just like Sarah who will give 110% in care, stand up to incompetent doctors who are about to make a life threatening mistake; and be your advocate and friend in a scarry and lonely environment. While other nurses are receiving complaints from both doctors and patients along with lawsuits for negligence; Sarah receives gifts from her patients when they leave. Please give my wife a well deserved break so that both her husband and her patients can benefit from the relaxation and rejuvenation that only a spa vacation can provide. Sincerely, "bottom of the totem pole"
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Caregivers Name: Socorro Castro
Nomination: It would have to be my precious mother. The eldest of 17 children, sacrificed her nursing career to help her mother (my grandmother) to assist her with the younger siblings. Shen then married and had 6 children of her own, when I was 5 my parents divorced and she become mom and dad for the 6 of us. Remarried 13 yrs. later, adopted 4 children and cared for them as well. Her husband became very ill due to heart attach, diabetes and now in dialisis 3 times a week, approximately 8 yrs. ago; and mother is and has been his sole care giver all these yrs. Mom is now 81 yrs. old and still going strong; however, she to me looks a bit tired and getting fragile. Mom, I take my hat off to you and salute you; in standing ovation I submitt this nomination on behalf of my lovely mother, and would like to ask you to take great consideration this amazing and courages woman for your contest! Thank you.
