Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver and My Care Friends to Launch “Caregiving Youth: Hidden in Plain Sight” Podcast and Education Series

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JULY 23, 2024 - ROANOKE, VA -

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver and My Care Friends are proud to announce the launch of a special podcast series titled “Caregiving Youth: Hidden in Plain Sight.” This series aims to shed light on the over 5.4 million children and teenagers in the U.S., and the tens of millions of youths worldwide, aged 21 or younger, who are currently or have previously provided care for individuals with complex illnesses, chronic conditions, disabilities, mental health issues, and aging loved ones.

The six-week series will feature powerful stories from caregiving teens and young adults, along with educational episodes from organizations offering support to these young caregivers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The series will culminate with a live panel discussion facilitated by NBC/MSNBC news anchor Richard Lui, featuring the youth confessors.

Natalie Handy, Founder and Co-Host of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, shared, "Caregiving is hard enough for adults, but I never thought of the impact on our youngest caregivers. It's time we all recognize these hidden helpers and offer them the recognition and support they so desperately need and deserve."

"My Care Friends is excited and proud to sponsor the Caregiving Youth: Hidden in Plain Sight series", said Todd Keitz, Founder/CEO. "Our participation is rooted in my personal experience as a caregiving youth and active participation on the National Advisory Council of the American Association of Caregiving Youth. My Care Friends provides a Caregiving Youth group in our online community and private groups for AACY alumni and mentors."

The series has partnered with leading caregiving advocates and organizations to ensure the message is heard worldwide. Sponsors and partners include: DePaul Community Resources , CareForward, Caregiver Action Network , Elizabeth Dole Foundation and Hidden Helpers, National Alliance for Caregiving , American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) , AMI-Quebec , Carers Trust , Kids Kicking Cancer , Heroes Circle , Hospice Toronto , Young Carers Program, Little Dreamers Australia , Our Military Kids , PARENTS ACROSS AMERICA , and Pyx Health .

The series kicks off with the first caregiving youth podcast on Tuesday, July 30, and the educational episode on Thursday, August 1. For more information, please visit: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com/caregivingyouth

About Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver:

Established in 2022, "Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver" provides caregivers a candid space through a podcast, training, and social media. Hosted by sisters J.J. Elliott Hill and Natalie Elliott Handy, it aims to inspire and support caregivers of all ages through storytelling and training series, fostering a supportive community.

About My Care Friends:

Launched in August 2022, My Care Friends is a free online community and resource hub for caregivers, patient advocates, and their supporters. The platform allows members to join groups based on their specific caregiving needs, whether related to conditions like Alzheimer’s, end-of-life care, or general support.

For media inquiries, please contact:

JJ Elliott Hill , Co-Founder & Host

[email protected]