Who would have thought that known personalities would give up fame and fortune for their loved ones? Specifically, they decided to turn away a bit from the spotlight and attend to a sick family member amidst the popularity. Indeed, these movie stars and music icons know what it takes to be a caregiver.
Instead of portraying a role exclusively in films and music videos, our idols have chosen to play the role of a caregiver, too. A caregiver’s job description can be overwhelming. It is because his main role is to manage the emotional, spiritual, practical and physical needs of the person who needs care. This indeed is what the stars are doing with their loved one.
1. Joey McIntyre
Formerly a member of the popular singing group, New Kids on the Block, Joey McIntyre lost his mom to Alzheimer’s Disease in 2014. As she battled her disease in life, according to this ex-NKOTB member, “The last few years there was just love and sweetness.” He adds, his mom “had a strong abiding faith in her God. And I am a product of that faith.”
The singer/songwriter keeps on pushing boundaries with the music he makes and performs as a solo artist. He also has a vast experience in screen and theater. These include appearances on Broadway show, “Wicked,” and regular appearance on Boston Public. Recently, Joey admits he is an advocate for Alzheimer’s through the Alzheimer’s Association Champion. He is also battling to put an end to Alzheimer’s Disease. He raised funds and awareness on behalf of his mother, then living with the illness.
2. Patrick Dempsey
This star of Grey’s Anatomy created The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing. This was after his mother’s diagnosis of having ovarian cancer in the late 1990s. As the founder of the center, the actor has this advice for the caregivers: Stay positive.
He says that whatever a caregiver’s strength is, it’s okay. He also adds that it is essential to empower oneself (as a caregiver) with information. This particular information, on the other hand, will give him or her the strength he needs.
3. Rob Lowe
His father is a survivor of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and both his grandmother and mother died of breast cancer. The “Parks and Recreation” star is currently working with the Cancer Hope Network to promote support, specifically for the caregivers. His experience watching his own grandmother fight breast cancer for 20 years helped him with his advocacy.
In an article he personally wrote, Rob shares, he was in his 30s when he and his brothers cared for their mom. This happened throughout her battle against stage 4 cancer. According to the “St. Elmo’s Fire” cast member, “It’s not a role I was expecting to land” as it did not transpire with so much preparation. He admits though that the role turned out as the most rewarding things he’s ever done. Providing care is also undeniably among the most difficult.
4. Dwayne Johnson
The mom of this “Fast and the Furious” star whom we admire a lot, had a stage 3 cancer diagnosis a decade ago. As she fought, specifically with lung cancer, Johnson shares he learned to “Always take a moment to count our blessings. There’s always something to be grateful for.” It was in 2010 when the actor announced his mom won over the battle against cancer. He added, his mom went through radiation and chemotherapy.
5. Baldwin Brothers
The famous Baldwin Brothers namely, William, Daniel, Alec, and Stephen, belong to a family of activists and actors. They are also considered as family caregivers. Despite this, and while they are all males, all are admittedly ‘mama’s boys.’ They helped their sisters take care of their mother, Carol.
The Baldwin mom is among the 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States as reported by the American Cancer Society. She formed the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund from which all the Baldwin brothers have actively engaged. They helped raise over $3 million for medical research grants in search for a cure.
What the Caregivers are Here For
Behind every terminal illness patient, there is possibly a caregiver whose critical role most of the time, people tend to ignore. As such, he helps an individual understand and process his illness. In addition, a caregiver favorably affects a patient’s treatment decisions and his ability to adjust to the reality of being under care.
Whether you are a patient or a family member of the patient, don’t hesitate to seek help from a caregiver. Attending different medical appointments all by yourself or without any help from a caregiver won’t help. And, if you don’t know how to start with getting a caregiver, let Innovative Homecare Solutions help you. We are Live-In Care Specialists, and we pride ourselves on being friendly, competent, and dedicated to improving our clients’ lives.
We offer Live-In Care or Come & Go Care, which we also call the hourly care. Call us anytime at (630) 225-0100. To know more about the services we offer, visit our website.
