When Hannah Roberts, a medical student, learned that her mother had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, she made a life-changing decision.
She chose to take a year off from her medical studies to be by her mother's side, managing the myriad of tasks and responsibilities that come with such a severe illness.
“My decision to step away from medical school for a year was driven by the need to be present with my mom and help her through this challenging time,” Roberts explained. “My days are filled with preparing meals, running errands, doing grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, and coordinating nursing care. I work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything is in place.”
The role of a caregiver is not an easy one. It is a complex mix of exhaustion, fulfillment, pain, joy, fear, and reward—all intertwined in the fabric of daily life. Despite the difficulty, Roberts finds immense value in being there for her mother, striving to offer her the care and comfort she needs.
Supporting a loved one through such trying times is a profound act of compassion and humanity. Providing comfort and dignity during their final moments is a gift of immense value.
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, caregiving is a significant and growing responsibility:
- Nearly 25% of caregivers in the U.S. are Millennials, aged 18–34, and this group includes both men and women equally.
- In 2013, the estimated value of family caregiving, if compensated, was around $470 billion annually.
- Approximately 40 million family caregivers assist another adult or loved one with daily activities.
- More than half (55%) of these caregivers report feeling overwhelmed by the demands of caregiving.
Caregivers often remain unsung heroes, managing their grief and challenges while supporting their loved ones. We must offer them the support they need and recognize their selfless contributions.