This is a testament to what is possible when we join forces and share our stories and experiences. Each time we talk openly and honestly about our successes, challenges, high-points and hurdles, we are being advocates. I’ll share more on additional KIRC advocacy efforts in an upcoming post.
How did this come about? I shared with all of you last October that KIRC served as moderator for a panel during the Age Boom Academy, 2022, hosted by Columbia Journalism School.
One of the journalists taking part in that event said she could hear the passion in my voice when speaking about this topic, and so she reached out for this event.
So, a huge thank you to journalist Kat McGowan (event moderator) for the invitation to share my caregiving journey, lessons learned, and advocacy efforts.
Pitching your story
This event means I will be able to give voice to many of our REAL stories and share coverage ideas with national journalists.
There is also a session to ‘pitch’ story ideas to some of the leading news publication outlets in the country.
I am a journalists first and foremost, so there is no reason why I couldn’t pitch a story or two myself! Do you see just how powerful we are when we work together?
For instance, this tidbit from a KIRC family member sharing a personal ‘A-ha’ lifestyle change. It has come about as the result of caring for his elderly mother:
Courtesy: Canva.
“This journey is quite the struggle. Many like myself are going at it alone and it will eat you up and spit you out if you let it.
Here’s my tip for those in a similar situation: Buy yourself a blood pressure cuff and monitor your blood pressure weekly.
Make time to go on walks, bike rides, yard work and if you can’t find time to go to the gym, get some weights for home and get off the couch.
Prior to November 2022, I was gaining weight and the blood pressure was at the point where I was going to need medication. The thought of going on medication was my motivation.
I lost about seven-eight pounds, walk about 3-1/2 miles daily and incorporated dumbbells in the garage.
I found it was easy to get down in the dumps, but that was then.
I’m determined not to become my mother’s situation.” ~ Marc
Get involved
Here’s where all of you come in. Let me hear from you with:
Personal experiences you believe could be stories for journalists to cover.
Questions about current systems of health care, insurance, or hurdles you have encountered along the care journey.
Products you wish would be designed differently or better suited for our aging population.
Anything you believe might be of interest.
These are exciting times, folks! For those of you who want to contribute but don’t want to share here, that’s okay. I invite you to submit your thoughts, comments, and feedback using the form in the link below:
Remember, you can also follow along with our evolving tribe of caregivers, by following me at my Facebook Page: Julia Yarbough Media Group.
You can have a more private experience, by requesting to join the Keeping It REAL Caregiving group on Facebook. Send a request to join and answer the questions.
Whichever suits you best, reach out. Connect. Share. And let’s continue to support each other.
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