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Dear AACY Friends,
Earlier this year, many of you saw Jacob's story on WPTV with Hollani Davis and later on the TODAY Show with Maria Shriver. Jacob, a Caregiving Youth, was caring for his grandmother with dementia and his mother, Jennifer Gutierrez, who was courageously battling MS. It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Jennifer's recent passing due to complications from her illness.
Jennifer was an incredible advocate for AACY and Caregiving Youth, lending her voice to our cause since her first feature with her older son, Jon, on VICE News' What It's Like to Take Care of Multiple Family Members at Age 15 in 2017. She also appeared on The Doctors alongside me, sharing her family's story and highlighting the unique challenges young caregivers face.
With the support of her family, Jennifer left a meaningful legacy for which we at AACY are grateful. It was important to her to make a difference, and she succeeded. Her strong voice will continue to be a powerful force in the caregiving movement, and her efforts will not be in vain. Let's all continue to advocate and create meaningful change for Caregiving Youth in her honor.
We remain in touch with Jacob and his family, and we, along with Jacob's mentor, David, mourn this loss alongside them.
With gratitude,
Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD
Founder and President
American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY)
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Caregiving Youth Research Collaborative (CYRC) Presentation at the 3rd Conference on Caregiving Research | A huge thank you to Dr. Betsy Olson and her PhD student, Leiha Edmonds, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Leiha presented the results of the Mapping Project at the University of Pittsburgh’s "Building Bridges: Connecting Caregiving Research, Policy, and Practice" conference (September 25-27, 2024). This groundbreaking, NSF-funded research was highlighted in the poster titled "Why Caregiving Policy Should Care About Schools: The Well-being of Caregiving Youth." | | | |
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Meet Dr. Connie Siskowski of Boca Raton | VogageMIA | VoyageMIA published an exclusive feature on Dr. Connie Siskowski, a trailblazer in the field of Caregiving Youth. In this insightful article, Dr. Siskowski shares her inspiring journey, from her early discoveries in Palm Beach County to the founding of the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY). | | | |
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AACY Attends Elizabeth Dole Foundation – 2nd Annual Hidden Helpers Summit (Washington, DC) | AACY proudly attended the 2nd Annual Hidden Helpers Summit, hosted by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation in Washington, DC. As a member of the Hidden Helpers Coalition, AACY remains committed to supporting all Caregiving Youth who manage the complexities of military life, caring for family members impacted by service and deployments. | | | |
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Global Perspective: UK Study by Carers Trust Highlights Educational Impact on Young Carers, Reflects U.S. Challenges | A major new study by Carers Trust in the UK has unveiled powerful research and data on young carers, revealing the universal challenges faced by Caregiving Youth worldwide. | | | |
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Recognizing Caregiving Youth with Connie Siskowski | The Dr. Raj Podcast features Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD, and Founder of the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY). In this inspiring interview, Connie shares her groundbreaking work supporting young caregivers who care for ill, disabled, or aging family members. | | | |
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Todd Keitz, AACY National Advisory Council Member, and his company, My Care Friends, complete podcast series "Caregiving Youth: Hidden in Plain Sight." | This series, produced in collaboration with Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver, posted two episodes each week for six weeks, bringing much-needed attention to the over 5.4 million children and teens in the U.S. who provide care for loved ones with complex illnesses, disabilities, and aging-related issues. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Todd for championing the voices of caregiving youth via My Care Friends and through special initiatives such as this series. | | | |
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American Association of Caregiving Youth Attends Elizabeth Dole Foundation's 9th Annual National Convening | We are incredibly grateful to CEO Steven Schwab and the entire team at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation for inviting AACY to attend the 9th Annual National Convening at Amazon HQ2. As proud members of the Hidden Helpers Coalition, we were honored to stand alongside advocates working to strengthen support for military and veteran caregivers. The recognition of Caregiving Youth within this vital community highlights the importance of their unique role. | | | |
Summer Camp Treasure was an exciting highlight for AACY this year! The camp offered a variety of activities, including a ropes course, swimming, and gym fun. We were also thrilled to have Jeffrey DiLavore, Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator from Delray Medical Center, join us for an impactful presentation. Camp Treasure provided a much-needed break for Caregiving Youth, giving them a chance to enjoy summer and simply be kids. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this unforgettable experience possible! | |
Caregiving Youth Project Activity Highlights! | |
Nutrition Workshop & Pool Party at Embassy Suites Boca Raton | |
CYP Family Day Picnic a Huge Success with Health Education Highlight | |
A Conversation with a Caregiving Student | |
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Mary Craumer, MSW, Family Specialist for the Caregiving Youth Project (CYP), engaged in a meaningful conversation with one of her students about the unique challenges of being both a caregiver and a student.
The student shared:
“One thing I wish people understood is that helping others also helps yourself. It deepens your understanding and brings a special kind of joy—like a warm smile inside.”
Reflecting on the support from CYP, the student said, “CYP helped me be myself again. I felt happy and free because I wasn’t judged for who I am.”
This captures the essence of the AACY Caregiving Youth Project—supporting Caregiving Youth at both school and home as they navigate their caregiving journeys.
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Caregiving Youth Project | The Rising Role of Caregiving Youth | |
For those involved in healthcare, education, and community systems, please note that the number of Caregiving Youth (CY) we serve at AACY is not only growing, but the number of people they care for is also increasing! According to our End of the Year Survey in 2023, there were 540 care recipients among 417 students (1.3 care recipients per CY). In 2024, there are 751 individuals being cared for by 494 middle and high school students (1.5 care recipients per CY). What a significant contribution they make! | |
Dilma Bennett, MBA | Development Director | |
Milka Santos, BSW | Community Educator | |
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Join us for the AACY Community Caregivers Awards Brunch on November 18th at the Broken Sound Club, Boca Raton! Co-Chairs Maria Levix & Althea Largie Ceasor invite you to this uplifting event honoring those who give back to our community.
Proceeds will directly benefit AACY’s programs, offering Caregiving Youth stronger support systems and educational and respite opportunities.
Your presence, donation, or sponsorship will have a meaningful impact.
Registration starts at 10:30 am, with the program running from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Don't miss this chance to make a difference!
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Celebrate National Family Caregivers Month with us this November! Within your circles, please take a moment to acknowledge all family caregivers, especially Caregiving Youth! | |
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Mission: We champion youth who provide care for chronically ill, injured, elderly, and/or disabled family members. We support their role as caregiver and guide their success in school and life.
Vision: We envision a nation in which there is understanding, appreciation, and celebration of the lives of Caregiving Youth on their individual path to life’s dreams and opportunities.
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| Here Are a Few Ways You Can Support AACY! | |
- Commit to a Monthly Donation
- Attend a Local Fundraising Event
- Become a Business/Corporate Sponsor
- Become an Affiliate
- Donate in honor of a loved one and add their name to the American Association of Caregiving Youth Wall of Recognition—makes a great gift!
- Connect AACY to local or national events for Speaking Engagements to educate about Caregiving Youth
- Volunteer to support our students and programs
- Follow, like, share, and comment on AACY's LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram
- Shop AACY Gear
- Write your Representative to advocate for legislation recognizing Caregiving Youth
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Many Thanks to Our Partners: | |
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The American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) is a Florida 501 (c) (3) corporation.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (#CH12431) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR AT WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
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