Caregivers Honored at Inaugural Dear Me Care Circle
Caregivers Honored at Inaugural Dear Me Care Circle
Pre-Mother’s Day Love Bears all Things Brunch
CHICAGO (May 2, 2024) – The launch of a new group for caregivers was held on last April 27th at the Hyatt Chicago Medical/University District. It was a full room of caregivers and the family and friends who love them attending the ‘Dear Me Care Circle’ Pre-Mother’s Day Brunch. Themed
“Love Bears All Things” the event honored family caregivers of mothers currently here and those who have passed.
A highlight of the brunch was the presentation of awards to the many caregivers.
Special Care Giver Honorees – Jackie Jackson, Rainbow PUSH Coalition;, Barbara Deer, Executive Director of Juneteenth Illinois; Senator Kimberly Lightford; Representative Camille Lilly; and Karen Freeman-Wilson, CEO of the Chicago Urban League. Surprise Caregiver of the Year Award and the Heart of Caring Awards, presented to a number of recipients.
Producer Darryl Dennard moderated a panel of professionals who also are/have been caregivers for loved ones. Participating on the panel were: Redmond; Hermene Hartman, N’DIGO; Cheryl Grace, Powerful Penny, Sandi Lynn, Sandi Lynn & Associates; and Rochelle Simpson. All have been caregivers, and they shared tips, lessons learned and stories about their experiences caring for a loved one.
Many caregivers have unwavering dedication to their jobs and families that already stretches the bounds of what’s possible to achieve within 24 hours. On top of everything, they take on the critical role of caregiver, creating little time to prioritize their own well-being.
DMCC was founded by executive Wynona Redmond, who was caregiver to her mom, Lucy. She said, tearfully, “This is the first Mother’s Day my mom won’t be here. But I feel her in the room.” Heads shook in agreement; hands rose high, reaching for the ceiling in praise. Her mom’s passing served as the impetus that lit a fire under her feet and led her to create a community of support, the Dear Me Care Circle. For those facing the newfound responsibility of caregiving for a sick loved one, they are oftentimes professionals already engaged in their careers and communities as well as their families.
This new initiative will provide resources, guidance, support and a compassionate community to ensure that these extraordinary individuals can care for their loved ones without sacrificing their own well-being. Other activities include a caregiver webinar series, ongoing panel discussions, networking events, Dear Mom podcasts and the first “I’ll Always Love My Mama” caregiver webinar, Saturday, May4th at 10:00am. Host Wynona Redmond talks with her guest Dr. Portia Lockett. Register for the webinar at https://shorturl.at/iCSVX.
Persons wanting more information may visit the website at www.dearmecarecircle.org.
Dear Me Care Circle Mission (DMCC)
The DMCC Mission is to empower caregivers, to enable them to show up as unflinchingly for their loved ones, while also prioritizing their own mental and physical health; because when caregivers thrive, their loved ones receive the best care possible.
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