Alzheimer’s disease is a very lonely one, both for the patient and caregiver. As a young carer, Hailey wanted to create a community that supported those in similar situations.
Alzheimer’s disease is a very lonely one, both for the patient and caregiver. As a young carer, Hailey wanted to create a community that supported those in similar situations.
At age four, Hailey started caring for her grandma, who she considered her best friend. Sometimes, her grandma would be happy to see her, other times she would not recognise her. She wanted to find other kids going through the same trauma.
There are two million youth members who are acting as carers with no support groups to address their needs. Adult carers have organisations to help them emotionally, but youth members do not have those support services.
Hailey founded KidCaregivers, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting young carers dealing with loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s. So far, she has 25,000 followers in 16 countries
Hailey created an online support group and global online sessions for kids to connect, share experiences, and feel they’re not alone. They also launched the 'Puzzle Time Programmer', pairing young volunteers and people with Alzheimer's for puzzle-solving sessions.
Through this Hailey has mobilised more than 2,000 students and Girl Scouts. Together, they have distributed more than 136,000 jigsaw puzzles to over 5,000 memory care homes, reaching upwards of 500,000 people with Alzheimer’s, and raised over $60,000 dollars for Alzheimer’s research.
Hailey has grown in confidence. She now addresses audiences of hundreds and leads support groups globally despite her introverted personality.
