About Us

A very frazzled Xahnia

April 2000, my happy life of 42 years turned into a horrible nightmare. Without realizing it, I became a Family Caregiver to my husband, Barry, who suffered two strokes at the age of 54.

Eight hours after suffering his first stroke, Barry was resuscitated from a second, more serious near fatal stroke leaving him physically and mentally disabled and confined to a wheelchair. Barry could never accept his disability, and always took his anger and frustration out on me. Today, Barry is dying of kidney disease with less than a year to live.

Barry

Later I realized, when the doctor resuscitated Barry back from the dead to live a difficult, and at times a pathetic, and demeaning existence, the doctor had little regard for my life. The doctor’s actions had taken away my freedom and rights through the love and commitment I have for my husband. The love that binds had placed me in the overwhelming and stressful roll of Family Caregiver, to create a quality of life worth living for Barry, and resulting in a life of hardship for me.

Family Caregivers are amazing heroes, but are shown disrespect by the lack of recognition for their long-term contributions towards society and are neglected with no government programs to help ease their hardships.

Xahnia

Just as spousal abuse was once hidden from society, the hardships of Family Caregivers must also come to light. Like that of other victims of abuse, Family Caregivers may feel shame and not even understand the psychological trauma they experience, making it difficult to share their stories with others for fear of being ridiculed.

Today, I am a Family Caregiver Advocate who speaks out on behalf of Family Caregivers and their loved ones - people like you - who will one day, find them selves to be either a Family Caregiver or require the assistance of a family member to look after them.

Who is taking care of the care-giver?
Who will help you when you need help?

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