In 2017, we continue to provide getaways to the weariest caregivers. This year we anticipate sending 12 caregivers on respite trips to Vancouver, Canada. In addition, we will be focused on spreading UNDERSUNG, the remarkable film by Adam Larsen & Heather McHugh. The film is now readily available for purchase or if you would like to schedule a local screening, please contact us.
Finally, we will be re-formatting our approach to respite getaways in order to find a more sustainable path forward. If you would like to complete an application for a respite getaway or nominate a deserving caregiver, please do so here. We will keep all applications on a waiting list and will notify awarded caregivers as resources allow.
The Giver is Gifted Blog
This is an interview with Suzy Clement, a mother of two special needs children. Suzy is a photographer / artist and is married to Lenny Gonzalez, a videographer and musician. Their daughter Mielle is 14 years old and has Juvenile Myositis, a rare, autoimmune disease. She is still in treatment and is functioning well, given her challenges. Lucien is 9 years old and diagnosed with a form of autism. He is mostly non-verbal and requires help with all his daily needs.
Amy Silverman’s recent memoir, MY HEART CAN’T EVEN BELIEVE IT, blends memoir and journalism to tell the story of Amy’s struggles to come to terms with a new role: caregiver for her daughter Sophie, who has Down Syndrome.
Elizabeth Aquino, a past recipient of a CAREGIFTED Getaway, has been an active member of the epilepsy community, founding a non-profit foundation called PACE (People Against Childhood Epilepsy) that raised several million dollars for cutting edge research and eventually folded into CURE. She also served on the board of several non-profits serving the special needs community, including The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles and Realm of Caring.
