Caregiver, Sister, Advocate — And Still Me
When people hear the word caregiver, they often picture someone selfless, strong, and always available. And while there’s truth in that, it’s not the whole story. I’m a caregiver, yes — to my sister Trish, who lives with cerebral palsy. But I’m also a woman, a business owner, an advocate, and a person with my own needs, dreams, and identity.
That’s what intersectionality is all about — the way different parts of who we are overlap and shape how we experience the world. For me, caregiving isn’t just something I do. It’s something that intersects with every other part of my life.
The Layers You Don’t See
Caregiving is emotional. It’s physical. It’s constant. And it’s often invisible. I’ve had to navigate systems that weren’t built for us, advocate in rooms where we weren’t invited, and carry responsibilities that don’t clock out at 5 p.m.
As a woman, I’ve felt the pressure to “just handle it.” As a sister, I’ve felt the guilt of wanting space. As a caregiver, I’ve felt the weight of being seen only in that role — like my own identity fades into the background.
But I’m still me. I’m still here. And I matter, too.
Why Intersectionality Matters
When we talk about inclusion, we can’t just focus on one identity at a time. We have to look at the full picture. Because caregiving doesn’t exist in a vacuum — it intersects with gender, race, class, disability, and more.
Some caregivers are also disabled. Some are single parents. Some are immigrants. Some are teenagers. Some are elders. And all of them deserve to be seen, supported, and respected.
What I’ve Learned
Being a caregiver has taught me more about love, patience, and resilience than I ever thought possible. But it’s also taught me how easy it is to lose yourself in the role — and how important it is to reclaim your voice.
That’s why I co-founded The Ability Company with Trish. Because we both have stories that matter. And because we believe that caregivers deserve to be part of the conversation — not just behind the scenes, but at the center of it.
Around the Fire
This month, as we explore intersectionality, I invite you to think about the caregivers in your life. Ask them how they’re doing. Listen to their stories. And remember that behind every person being cared for, there’s someone else carrying a lot — often quietly.
We’re not just caregivers. We’re whole people. And we belong in the story, too.
Disclaimer - The Ability Company
The opinions shared in our blogs reflect personal experiences and viewpoints. They’re not meant to represent every journey or replace professional advice.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional advice. The Ability Company makes no guarantees about accuracy or completeness and is not liable for decisions made based on this content. Use at your own discretion.
