November is National Family Caregivers Month
In 1997, President Clinton signed the first National Family Caregivers Month Presidential Proclamation to recognize and honor caregivers. Since then, every president has followed his lead by issuing this annual announcement each November with the goal of raising awareness of caregiver issues, celebrating their efforts and increasing support for them.
The role of a personal care assistant (PCA) is defined as, “a professional who assists the elderly, disabled or people in recovery with performing day-to-day activities so they can be independent,” a simple yet very important job that can make a tremendous difference in someone’s life. Independence is everything. Our country was founded on it. It is a right that should never be given up or taken away. Yet, for those of us who are differently able, independence seems more of a hard-earned privilege than a naturally born right.
Marine Corps Marathon 2022 Caregiving team that escorted KPF Athletes and Families to Washington, D.C.
At KPF, personal care assistants have played an integral part in helping our athletes. In 2021, The Kyle Pease Foundation supported over 70 in-chair athletes at dozens of races nationwide. For each of our athletes to participate with KPF on race day, it takes a small village. For some that might be their parent, others it might be a hired caregiver and for others it could be a volunteer stepping up to assist our athletes to be included.
In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, we want to take a moment to focus on how vital caregivers are to our athletes and the Foundation, and to thank them for all they do. Caregivers make all the difference in the world.