Faces of Care Warriors is a collaborative photo project created by blogger and caregiver Veronica Shanklin of veemyselfandi.com and Dallas based photographer Gerry Brown of Tasteworthy Photography

 

Oftentimes caregivers are a forgotten force in the battle against Alzheimer's and other dementia. The goal of this project is not only to raise awareness for the disease, but to highlight caregivers and their parallel journey. The project is also an effort to let other caregivers know they are not alone. Sometimes simply knowing someone else is going through the same thing and facing the same challenges can be enough to inspire others to keep going. 

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Caregiving can be a relentless and thankless journey. Most of us did not ask for this title. Many of us saw a need and stepped up to fill that need. We are not only caregivers. We are Care Warriors. We wake up every morning, not knowing what the day will bring but we go into battle regardless. There are highs and lows and a never ending emotional roller coaster of uncertainty and grief, but also love and many times humor. 

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According to the Alzheimer's Association, in 2015 there were over 15.9  million family and other unpaid caregivers providing over 18.1 billion hours of unpaid care.  Our hope is that by highlighting these courageous individuals and their journeys we put a face and a story to those who work diligently everyday to make sure that the millions suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia are loved, comfortable and well cared for. 

 

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A special thank you to everyone who helped make this project come together. 

 

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