Supporting Military and Veteran Caregivers

Being a Dole Caregiver Fellow has been a blessing in the lives of my wife and I. It has given me purpose and confidence. I love being able to contribute back to the Foundation and continue my advocacy for caregivers. It has given me the community that I need to survive and thrive as a caregiver.

Thank you for developing the Dole Caregiver Fellows program. I am grateful to have been selected for the 2015 class. I have grown tremendously both personally and professionally, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside the amazing caregivers across America. I am grateful for the life-changing experiences that I have had to raise awareness about what the caregiver population needs, as well as the critical issues that we face.

Before I became an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow, I felt like a fish fighting the current. Since becoming a Fellow, I feel I have found the purpose God has intended for me, and my life has meaning and direction. I have found a “hidden” family I know will cheer me on when I feel like giving up. I am honored to be a part of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, and its family for, ‘once a Fellow, always a Fellow,’ has never been truer.

Being a Dole Fellow gave me a family and the confidence to go back to pursuing my dreams too. It gave me the strength and courage to help my veteran work to become a contributing happy member of society. Lastly, it helped me focus, giving me tools to not only become a leader and help other caregivers in our state find resources, but to work toward changing Iowa to become a place where veterans and their caregivers thrive.

I’ve learned so much since becoming a Fellow and it’s given me a purpose outside of caring for my husband 24/7. I’m no longer hidden and alone. The Fellowship has taught me how to come out of the shadows and shine a light on all of us. I’ve grown in so many areas and learned so much. I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity.

Becoming a Fellow is amazing. It has given me the opportunity to advocate for caregivers with far more reach and support than I had on my own. Most importantly, it has expanded my circle of friends in unquantifiable ways. I am no longer alone on this caregiver journey.