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Treasure Talk
Caregiving Youth Newsletter
Dear Reader,
Welcome to the Premiere Issue of Treasure Talk !
This is the first edition of the Caregiving Youth
Partners' Project (CYPP) newsletter. The purpose of
the newsletter is to recognize, honor and encourage
youth caregivers as well as to share news and
information. Treasure Talk is for and about youth
caregivers and caregiving! We invite and welcome
your suggestions and contributions.
Connie Siskowski RN,PhD
Leaders Recognize Caregiving Youth
Annamarie Lent
Annamarie Lent, who attends Congress Middle
School, has been honored by two local leaders.
Congressman Alcee L. Hastings and Palm Beach
County Schools Superintendent Dr. Art Johnson sent
Annamarie letters commending her for her devotion to
her mother and sister. Five years ago, Annamarie's
mother was disabled in an automobile accident.
Since then, Annamarie has cared for her, giving her
mother injections for headaches and monitoring her
blood glucose levels. Annamarie cooks, cleans and
cares for her younger sister, who has a chronic
illness. Her parents are very proud of her devotion to
their family.
Annamarie has participated in CYPP's support group,
camp and other activities. She spoke at the recent
fund-raiser and was presented with the framed letters
as seen in the picture. Annamarie is completing the
seventh grade at Congress Middle School.
Whole Foods Creates a Stir
Store shares nutrition info with teens
On Friday, April 18th, Whole Foods Market in Boca
Raton hosted CYPP youth for a tour of the
market, buying hints and a cooking demonstration
using a Slow Cooker. Jarden Corporation then
donated a Slow Cooker to each student.
We hear "delicious" reports from both students and
parents who were so pleased with the dinners
students prepared that they are making a weekly
tradition of their Slow Cooker meals!
Youth Caregivers in Action:
Raphael Spiro
When Raphael Spiro was 12 years old he visited his
grandfather, who had suffered a stroke, five or six
times a week in a nursing home. During those visits,
Raphael frequently waited in the waiting room while
doctors performed various procedures. He realized
there was very little reading material there and started
to take in recycled books and magazines.
When he was twelve, Raphael created Beside Books,
an organization that has collected and distributed over
44,000 books to hospital, nursing homes, troops in
Iraq, Afghanistan and Israel, and prisons. In 2006, at
age 16, Raphael was awarded the Bank of America
Entrepreneur Award. He is now 18 and plans on
going to college to study veterinary medicine.
Money Matters
What kind of spender are you?
1. I know I ought to be saving, but I never seem to be
able to.
2. I really enjoy saving. In fact, I spend a lot of time
and energy thinking about how to save.
3. I have trouble saving money, and this bothers me
sometimes.
4. I spend only for things I really need.
5. Saving comes naturally to me. I save
regularly.
Take the challenge and find out what kind of spender
you are at www.TheMint.org!
Caregivers Featured
Professional journals and local radio broadcast raise awareness
In March Contemporary Pediatrics, a
monthly medical journal read by pediatricians and
other health professionals, put the spotlight on our
youth caregivers with a feature article to raise
awareness that over 1.3 million young people from
ages 8 to 18 care for sick or disabled family members.
In April Pediatrics, the journal of
the American Academy of Pediatrics, printed a letter
acknowledging the contribution and needs of youth
caregivers. Our founder and director, Dr. Connie
Siskowski, was interviewed on Forum For Nonprofits,
a radio broadcast that seeks to enhance the success
of nonprofit organizations. Many health
professionals and educators don't realize that children
and young adults often care for sick relatives. They are
starting to become aware! That means they can
become advocates for our youth
caregivers.
Sophie's Corner
A regular poetry feature
ODE TO A DEDICATED MOTHER
Oh, how I sit and wonder
how my life would be
without a mother.
Oh, how I sit and wonder
how it would be like without looking
into the woman's sweet face
that is full of grace.
Oh, how I sit and wonder
how my life would be if I lost
the one thing in my life that matters.
This woman I tell you of is like
the greatest gift received from above.
Because of her unselfishness,
she would rather do without
so that her four daughters can have
almost just about.
She always makes sure that I always
complete my chores,
and bakes double fudge cake
that the family adores.
Oh, how I sit and wonder
how it would be to lose my best friend.
The friendship we share,
no secrets we hide,
so we both have no pain hidden inside.
Oh, how I sit and wonder
how my life would be without a mother.
My life would be unhappy.
Sophie Dezulme is an eighth grader at Congress
Middle School. She is a caregiver for her
grandmother, Nana, and her neighbor, Marie.
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phone:
800-725-2512/561-391-7401
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Quote of the month:
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he
stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but
where he stands at times of challenge and
controversy. "
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Editors: Millie Barber, MD; Kathy Skipper
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