Literature Review

Caregivers Are Invisible. They Shouldn’t BeBy Emma Nadler, LPCCNewsweekDecember 18, 2023Eight years ago, I unexpectedly joined the other 38 million unpaid caregivers in the United States. The AARP estimates that 11.5 percent of the U.S. population are caring for family members in 2023. We are many, and somehow, we are still grossly overlooked and under supported in nearly every way. My daughter, Eden, now in second grade, was born with a rare genetic deletion—so rare it does not have a name. She lives on a feeding tube, endures various chronic medical challenges, cognitive impairment, severe autism, and requires around-the-clock care. 

A Wish Come True—8-year-old in hospice goal surpassed by 10,000 cards and giftsWEWS-TV (Cleveland, OH)December 12, 2023Conesville, OH—Last week, we talked about a little boy in hospice who wished for 2,000 birthday and Christmas cards; after that, so many of you reached out, wanting to know an update! ... They got more than 13,000 cards and gifts from across the nation. On Tuesday, UPS picked up the packages and cards from the Community Hospice center and hand-delivered them to Andrew’s home where he was overwhelmed and in shock at how much there was. The boxes filled their kitchen, barely leaving standing room, but more importantly, they brought Andrew the holiday joy he needed.

Children in hospice care gifted Christmas presents in Virginia BeachWVEC-TV (Norfolk, VA)December 10, 2023Virginia Beach, VA—It’s the season of giving and Edmarc and Dominion Energy are teaming up to give back to families who need it most. Sunday morning, Santa Claus and a team of helpers from Dominion Energy and Edmarc delivered Christmas gifts to families with children facing life-threatening, terminal illnesses. Edmarc, a nonprofit that helps children in hospice care, organized the effort. The organization’s assistant director, Dorothy Jenson, said it’s about taking the stress off families who need a reason to smile. “The holidays are especially hard for some families... This puts everybody into the spirit,” she said. “We treat the whole family, not just the child who’s sick.” She said her team wanted to lift spirits and make sure families with sick children can make the most of the holidays.