September 23, 2004, Kensington — Kensington, MD -- The National Family Caregiver Association (NFCA) has received a $10,000 Quality of Life Grant from the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) to support the National Family Caregiver Story Project.
The Story Project is a web-based initiative that was created to provide family caregivers with a vehicle for easily describing their feelings and listing their needs and wishes. Often it is easier to put thoughts down in writing than express them orally, said Suzanne Mintz, NFCAs co-founder and president. The Story Project is a gateway, not only for expressing yourself but also giving family caregivers the opportunity to read about others in similar circumstances and validate their own experiences.
"We never really had my father back after that surgery. He has fair days and really bad days. There are frequent doctor appointments and emergency rooms visits. Between caring for my four children and my parents I can never plan ahead because I never know what the day will bring. This past Mothers day I spent the entire previous night and all of Mothers Day in the ER with my dad. And forget about vacations or even a dinner out with my husband." EM - Florida
The National Family Caregiver Story Project also provides family caregivers with a public voice. It is an easy and systematic way to share caregivers stories with legislators, healthcare professionals and the media. Sharing their stories empowers family caregivers, added Mintz, they become personal agents of change helping community leaders to understand the key challenges they face everyday. In addition, journalists can search the stories database for family caregivers who would be willing to share their experiences, and make the connection through NFCA.
The National Family Caregivers Story Project was begun in 2003 with an initial $10,000 grant from the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. We are very grateful for the continued support of this important project, said NFCAs Mintz. For stories from the
National Family Caregivers Project, visit www.thefamilycaregiver.org and click on the story project icon at the far right of the page.
Dana Reeve, a Director of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation and founder of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center, started the program in 1999 with the goal of helping people living with disabilities in the here and now. Grants are awarded to programs or projects that improve the well-being of people living with paralysis, particularly spinal cord injuries. Reeve is also a member of the NFCA honorary board.
About the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) The CRPF is committed to funding research that develops treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. The Foundation also vigorously works to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities through its grants program, paralysis resource center, and advocacy efforts. For a complete list of grant recipients, please visit www.ChristopherReeve.org.
About the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) The NFCA is the nations leading grassroots organization in support of all family caregivers. NFCA educates, supports, empowers, and speaks up for the millions of Americans who care for chronically ill, aged, or disabled loved ones. NFCA reaches across the boundaries of different diagnoses, different relationships and different life stages to address the common needs and concerns of all family caregivers. It is the one place that all family caregivers can call home. You can learn more about NFCA at: www.thefamilycaregiver.org
For more information on the National Family Caregiver Story Project and NFCA contact Abigail Joyce at (301) 942-6430.
