What This Disability Caregiver Wants You to Know A message for anyone who has ever wondered what the mental load of caregiving really feels like. Caregiving, especially for someone with profound autism or any individual who needs round-the-clock support, is not just an act of love. It is a full-body, full-heart, full-life commitment. It [...]
Caregiver Spotlight - Mary My daughter is my world. She inspires me by not letting anything phase her. She takes me on many activities and events and always gives it her all; always focusing on the positives and just enjoying what she does and being with her friends. She's done so many plays and [...]
Caregiver Spotlight - Lilly This is just one small example of our story: During the COVID-19 epidemic, we were all infected. Cathleen was the most serious at that time. However, she was very strong. Not only did she take all her medicine well, but she also tried to take care of her grandmother. She [...]
Caregiver Spotlight - Tanya Raina has changed my life in many ways. She has made me that strong person that I am today. She continues to amaze me with her perseverance. She made me realize that there's no limitations in what we can do in life. I continue learning everyday about myself raising her. [...]
Be the spark that can ignite a nation. Newly made parents of a child born with special needs, quickly learn that navigating the world that has put up barriers to inclusion and general support can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. From the initial diagnosis to the ongoing search for the right resources and [...]
The Christopher Smith Foundation is pleased to announce our April Caregiver of the Month, Veronica Fiscus.She was nominated by Peter Wittingham of the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada. Here is what he had to say about her:Veronica, is the primary caregiver for her brother, Matt (diagnosed with Down syndrome), and also her aging dad, [...]
October Caregiver of the Month - Margaret H. My name is Margaret Hines, and I am very honored to receive the Christopher Smith Foundation Caregiver Award for the month of October. I have been a caregiver for three years and truly love my job. For 22 years I was a teacher’s aide, and this [...]
July Caregiver of the Month – Nicole A. Hello my name is Nicole. I am a mother of 3 beautiful children. Kara who is 14 (soon to be 15) and twin boys Noah and Ryan who are 9 years old. Each of my children are diagnosed with Autism/ADHD and each at [...]
June Caregiver of the Month – Merissa N. Merissa with son, Isaiah (10) In 2015 my son was diagnosed with Autism; after his diagnosis, I knew I had to wipe my tears and be my son’s most prominent advocate. Caring for a loved one with special needs can profoundly impact caregivers, requiring significant [...]
May Caregiver of the Month - Chrissy I feel like the luckiest sister in the world to have been given the gift of a best friend the day my brother was born. Growing up we were always extremely close so it was just natural for me to become his primary caretaker. I never would have [...]
