Oliver LaVar
Yonkers, NY

Being an effective Care Partner isn't exclusively an adult issue. Oliver was only 11 years old when he was confronted with the reality that his mother was suddenly changed forever. We admire his strength of character and resolve to do everything he knows how to help his mother with her continuing recovery.

Oliver says:

"I was only in the fifth grade when my mother had her stroke. It was one of the most devastating experiences of my life. It was only twelve days after the birth of my sister, Valerie.

I was on my way home for fall break when my father got a page from EMS. We got to the hospital just in time for me to see my mother rolled into the room on a gurney. I cannot explain to you the horror and torture that went through my soul for those next few hours. It can only be described as seeing a person you love come an inch away from death but being able to do nothing about it.

That night when I went to bed, I cried. I cried and cried until my eyes couldn't cry anymore. It was hard coming to terms with the responsibility that I had to my mother. I had to be able to support her, both mentally and emotionally. But I also had to deal with my own internal issues. It was a struggle to be an effective Care Partner at such a young age, but fighting through it has changed me drastically - for the better.

Learning how to show love, care and support are some of the most important factors of being a good Care Partner. I believe that they are also qualities needed to be a good person.