Unexpected! Finding True Love in Caregiving

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

About Charisma:

Charisma Sydnor, 29, has lived most of her life as a native of Richmond, Virginia. Before becoming an entrepreneur, she pursued her master’s in Occupational Therapy at Shenandoah University.

The success of her and her husband’s business led her down a new and exciting path where she was able to use her platform for a broader purpose.

Connect with Charisma

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happilycharisma/?hl=en

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charisma-sydnor-96632411b/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA5Zfb-OOm7eDHHa8iu9izQ

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

Previous Episode

Caregiving Wisdom Beyond His Years: Lessons from a 16-Year-Old Trailblazer

This week’s episode gives us a powerful and insightful look into the life of Aditya Akella, a 16-year-old caregiver for his younger brother with autism. Aditya's story is one of resilience, responsibility, and a deep commitment to his family. From navigating cultural differences in caregiving between India and England to balancing his academic and social life, Aditya's experiences offer a rare and valuable perspective on the challenges and triumphs of being a young carer.

Aditya demonstrates a level of wisdom and maturity that belies his young age. He eloquently articulates the importance of understanding the unique needs of each young carer, rather than making assumptions or providing one-size-fits-all solutions. Aditya's advocacy efforts, including speaking at the House of Lords and participating in a documentary, further highlight his dedication to raising awareness and creating positive change for young carers like himself.

Aditya touches on the importance of self-care and finding balance as a caregiver. He shares his personal strategies, such as spending time with his beloved dog and indulging in the occasional video game or hot chocolate, as ways to recharge and maintain his own well-being. Aditya’s story serves as an inspiration to other young carers, reminding them that they are not alone and that their experiences, though challenging, can also be a source of strength and personal growth.

About Aditya:

A self-described “regular teenager in England”, Aditya is interested in cars, public speaking, sports and politics. He is a proud older brother for his younger brother, age 11, who has severe autism, ADHD, and is non-verbal. Aditya share, “A lot of carers fall into the trap of feeling insecure or restricted by their role, though being a carer is more of a launchpad than it is a well”.

Connect with Aditya:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditya-akella-349297267/

Blog: https://akellatech.blogspot.com/

** The sisters proudly partner with the Caregiver Action Network. CAN's Caregiver Help Desk offers free support to family caregivers via phone, chat, or email Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern. Get answers, resources, support group info, or a listening ear. Visit www.caregiveraction.org/helpdesk/ or call 855-277-3640.**

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC

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Next Episode

Turning a Mess into a Message with Christina Keys

Christina Key's life brimmed with success and vitality. But fate had different plans in store for her. An unexpected phone call shattered her idyllic existence, thrusting her into a whirlwind of chaos and uncertainty. As her mother's health hung in the balance, Christina's role transformed from a thriving tech professional to a devoted caregiver.

Little did she know, this was just the beginning of a journey that would test her resilience, challenge her spirit, and uncover depths of strength she never knew she possessed. Get ready for a captivating story filled with triumph and heartache, where each twist and turn will keep you wanting more.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Unearth the unique hurdles family caregivers frequently meet and strategies to suitably navigate them.
Discover the vital role of a supportive community in bolstering a caregiver's experience.
Grasp how to balance caregiving tasks with essential self-care to maintain well-being.
Immerse in inspiring tales evidencing the transformative power of supportive connections for caregivers.

About Christina

Christina Keys pursued the American dream: a successful career, travels, financial stability, and happiness. However, everything changed on March 16, 2013, at 3:42 when her mother suffered a life-changing stroke. With just a 1% chance of survival, Christina shifted from a career woman to a devoted caregiver. Over the span of three years, caregiving left her financially, emotionally, mentally, and physically depleted. Doctors even predicted she had just six months to live due to the stress of caregiving. Faced with a crucial decision, Christina chose to not only change her own life but also help other struggling caregivers. She transformed her personal struggle into a mission through her work with "Loving Them Forward," a local nonprofit she co-founded and now presides over as president. Additionally, as the Director of Community Growth for caregiving.com, she leads a team of nearly 200 caregiving.com Champions, fostering positive changes for caregivers across the US. Christina dedicatedly cared for her mother from 2013 to December 2022 when she passed away, and she continues to support her ex-boyfriend, whom she began caring for in 2019.

Connect with Christina

Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Sisterhood of Care, LLC