MAking a Difference
Caregiver Stories & Gifts
We believe that caregivers deserve the chance to “recharge, refresh, and renew,” and the support structure CaringOn developed allows caregivers to accept this special gesture free of worry, stress and financial cost. Through donations from individuals and corporations, CaringOn is able to provide the necessary support and services needed so the caregiver has peace of mind while they enjoy their gift, step away and take care of themselves. This time/respite provides the caregiver with time to refresh, renew, recharge and come back rejuvenated and with a new energy. Below are a handful of the stories from our caregiver gifts.
Jimmy to Barbara Gluck
Jimmy Gluck is a 52-year-old construction worker who was at Ground Zero on 9/11. He was one of the brave “first responders” who rebuilt New York after 9/11 and suffered debilitating lung disease because of …
From Matthew Cole to Ashley Cole
Matthew Cole from West Virginia has Stage IV colon cancer and he nominated his wife Ashley for a CaringOn gift. He said: “Ashley is my wife of almost 12 years and half of those years …
Maggi Liebig and George Barnard
Maggie Liebig was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis 7 years ago and needed a double lung transplant. Her three brothers had died from the disease and she was determined to live. She met George Barnard …
Nicole Smith to Perry Smith
Nicole Smith nominated her brother-in-law Perry Smith for a CaringOn gift. Her sister Lasonia is 41 years old and was diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer just after she had her second child. While going …
Kris Shanklin to the Shanklin Family
Johns Hopkins Hospital social worker Liz Single nominated her patient Kris Shanklin and her family members for a CaringOn gift. Kris is a 28 year old young woman who received a shocking diagnosis of leukemia …
Christine Williams to Gabrielle Terry and Katrina Williams
Christine Williams is a double lung transplant survivor. After she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension, she received a double lung transplant five years ago and has experienced many issues, both physical and …
Erin Bishop to Steve Bishop
Erin Bishop was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2020 and through surgery, chemotherapy, and a mastectomy, she was bedridden and depended upon her husband Steve to do everything – the cooking, cleaning, shopping, and …
Billy Ballew to Amanda Ballew
Billy Ballew is a 42-year-old man living in South Carolina, who contracted metastatic colon cancer 4 years ago after working for years at an automotive plating factory with carcinogenic chemicals. He has been battling colon cancer …
A Wonderful Testimonial from Jill Mull, a Patient Navigator at Johns Hopkins Hospital
CaringOn Has been an incredibly helpful organization to so many of our Johns Hopkins breast cancer patients. To be able to thank your caregiver in a meaningful way and in such an easy way for …
A Tribute from a Professional Caregiver | Teresa Micheal to Victor Micheal
Patty nominated her patient Teresa Micheal’s caregiver husband Victor for a CaringOn gift. Teresa was so pleased to see Victor enjoy his gift before she passed away in November 2020. “As an Oncology Social Worker …
Caitlin to Brandon Lackey
Caitlin is a 36 year old mother who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. After a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation, she found out that she must have her ovaries removed. Her husband Brandon, …
Dianne Bagley to Lisa Bagley
When Dianne Bagley found out that she had metastatic breast cancer, it was her birthday in February 2018. She has been fighting to get well ever since and her sister-in-law has been there for her …
Jennifer Ward to Tim Ward
Jennifer Ward is a 38-year-old woman who is completing chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer and is preparing to undergo surgery in the fall. She is married to Tim and they have two children – a …
For Larry from Kelly
Kelly Kranson is a 39 year old teacher and social worker from Rochester, Michigan who has advanced colon cancer that has spread to her ovaries. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy. She and her husband Larry, …
Caregiver Gift Update: The Thomas Family
In the summer of 2018, CaringOn, along with Boys Latin School (where Derrick was a teacher), presented a gift to Sadra and Derrick Thomas for their tireless support of their son Mattheu during his treatments …