Caregiver Dave Podcast

My Journey Into Blindness and the Surgery That Restored it. Elizabeth Pizzarello

Elizabeth Pizzarello was born a sighted child in the Bronx, New York. She grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Cedar Crest College, in Pennsylvania. Just weeks before graduating, she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disorder that contributed to her eventual blindness. After ten years of living blind, in 2012 Elizabeth was the beneficiary of a newly developed lens implant procedure with miraculous results. The surgery took her from a state of complete blindness to the limited use of one eye. 

​The inspiration for writing this memoir came from that moment of profound gratitude when Elizabeth experienced her newly regained sight post surgery. Elizabeth’s poem “WOW” was composed during the first month of her sight being restored. The ability to see the incredible world around her again had such a profound impact that she was compelled to write the poem in an attempt to distill the emotional magnitude of her journey. That is why the poem occupies such a prominent position at the beginning of her book.

​This book recounts moments from her story about going from life as a sighted child, through early adulthood, when she first received the devastating diagnosis of the disease that led to the gradual reduction of her sight that ended in blindness. But going blind and being blind are not the same thing, nor is going blind just about learning to live in darkness. It is Elizabeth’s desire to explain the psychological complexity of that transition as well as share the incredible twist of fate that enabled her to have a portion of her vision restored a decade later. 

​Elizabeth is working on a collection of children’s stories that embody themes of compassion, determination, resilience, and pushing past limiting beliefs based on the lessons she learned from her experience as a disabled individual. 

Carefolio -An Organized Solution for Stress-Free Care, Phyllis Anderson

A healthcare journal for caregivers

Caregivers solution for stress free care, enabling caregivers to stay organized and focus on excellence. It's user-friendly design fosters continuity of care among family, friends, and professional caregivers, promoting collaborations and support. 

No need to search through piles of papers or people for pertinent information. This 11.5” x 10.5” 3-ring binder spans 12 months.  

Each section is divided for easy access of personal information such as: 

• About Me/Emergency Medical Care
• Medication records - both routine and as needed
• Phone Book - financial agencies, caregivers, emergency contacts, and more
• 12 month Calendar - for appointments or tracking symptoms
• Tracking forms - vital signs and/or blood sugars
• Doctor appointments - questions to ask and to document recommendations
• Medical History - personal and family
• Recent blood work/test results

National Family Caregiver Conference Speaker Preview, Nov 10-12, 2023 -PART 2

A sneak peak at 4 MORE of the 20 speakers at this years National Family Caregiver Conference, sponsored by Sherrill Mims, founder & CEO of the Global Caregiver Network. Dave Nassaney, Caregiver fore 27 years and counting to his wife who suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed and speech impaired. Monica Stewart is the Director of Operations for AMPED. She oversees the administration of Music Academy, Technology Training and Russell Tech Business Incubator (RTBI). She has a BS in Economics and her Masters in Business Administration. She has an extensive background in banking, human resources, insurance, healthcare and the non-profit sector. She seeks to provide career development and encourage the educational journeys of adult learners and their families. Keith Demps, of Orlando, FL, is co-founder of KLD Consulting, which specializes in self-care caregiver wellness. He is co-creator of the D.E.M.P.S. caregiver wellness roadmap. Keith is a nationally certified caregiver by the American Caregiver Association (ACA). His wife, Dr. Katandria (Kat) L. Demps and co-founder of KLD Consulting is a multilingual, nationally certified speech-language pathologist, linguist, certified autism specialist, certified public health researcher and certified in the practice of cognitive rehabilitation, ACA advanced national caregiving and assisted living. Kat is founder and director of Dr. Love’s Healthcare®,501(c)3, K&K Services and Dr. Love’s Integrative Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine, PLLC.

Abuse & Trauma Impact Mental Health & How to Survive Heal, Arielle Spring

Arielle Spring, author of When Birds Sing: My Journey from Trauma to Triumph, is a living example of a phoenix rising. Her idyllic life spiraled out of control for over 20 years due to experiencing many traumas. In her darkest moment, she saw a light to freedom and began her ascent to wholeness. Spring’s openness, insight, and warm empathetic heart has inspired her to share her story. A health and life coach, Arielle also has served as a group facilitator for abuse and trauma victims. Visit: ArielleSpring.net

National Family Caregiver Conference Speaker Preview, Nov 10-12, 2023

A sneak peak at 3 of the 20 speakers at this years National Family Caregiver Conference, sponsored by Sherrill Mims, founder & CEO of the Global Caregiver Network. Mary Beal is a Family Administrator and Home Care Consultant, and is trusted for her expertise in administrative, legal services, caregiving and natural wellness. She has created a multifaceted company that, at its core, is about caring for people and leading with love. From reviewing legal documents to researching family history to recommending a vitamin regimen for a bed-bound senior, she is a single-stop-shop for the supportive services that help families to stress less and focus more on what matters—each other. Her beginnings were humble, but her family was wealthy in wisdom.  Toni Gitles is widely recognized for her dedication to personal development and her ability to inspire and guide individuals through life’s challenges. Her books and speaking engagements have touched the lives of countless people worldwide. She is a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, support group mentor and advocate for caregivers. Speaking directly to the hearts of caregivers, Toni Gitles designed her insightful and compassionate guidebook, 21 Mistakes Caregivers Make & How to Avoid Them, Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed., DM can be described by many epithets. She’s the founding president of the ICA (International Caregivers Association), a GSHS (Good Shepherd Healing System) practitioner, author, educator, management coach, presenter, mother and grandmother. Her emphatic personality is easily detected. She is an amazing human being. Despite growing up in different circumstances and social norms than those that we are living in now, she has never let anything stop her from learning, forging her place in the world, and especially helping others.

How to Get Along with Anyone, Anytime, Anyplace in 30 Min. Dr Vicki Matthews

Dr. Vicki Matthews is a naturopathic physician and relationship coach. She’s been a guest on Oprah’s show twice, a relationship expert for Fox Business, and has been featured in radio, podcasts, and print. She’s also the author of the award-winning book, The Five Elements of Relationships: How to Get Along with Anyone, Anytime, Anyplace. The material in her book has helped thousands of people improve their relationships by helping them better understand themself and the people in their life.

Ageing Shamelessly, Living Fully & Dying with No Regrets, Mariann Aalda

Mariann Aalda was one of the first African-American daytime soap opera heroines, starring as criminal attorney DiDi Bannister on ABC's EDGE OF NIGHT. Today, she’s “prosecuting ageism” with her TEDx Talk, AGEISM IS A BULLY...STAND UP TO IT!; solo show, GETTIN’ OLD IS A BITCH...BUT I’M GONNA WRESTLE THAT BITCH TO THE GROUND! and as an AARP Age Disruptor. Thanks to syndicated reruns, she is still often recognized as Lita Ford, Anthony’s yuppie-from-hell girlfriend on CBS’ DESIGNING WOMEN.

Brooke Ellison - From Quadriplegic to Harvard Magna, & Author, Jean Ellison

On September 4, 1990, at the age of 11, Brooke was hit by a car while walking home on her first day of junior high school, resulting in her being paralyzed from the neck down. Although her injuries left her completely dependent on other people, she graduated from Ward Melville High School in 1996 with high honors, and was accepted by Harvard. She graduated summa cum laude from Harvard with a bachelor of science in cognitive neuroscience in 2000, and a master's degree in public policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.[3] In 2014 Rutgers University awarded Brooke Ellison with an honorary doctorate in humane letters

Prepare to Forgive Yourself Because You Won’t Get it Right, John Suzuki

John is not a professional caregiver. Rather, he’s a regular guy who found himself as a caregiver when his mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. John is the author of a new incredible book on the true story about the concentration camps in America during World War II, and the JAPANESE men who volunteered to fight […]

Food and Mood with Certified Nutritionist, Amy Fox

Certified Nutritionist Amy Fox is on a mission to educate everyone about how our food choices affect our health and happiness. Amy holds a Master of Science in Food and Nutrition Sciences and is a Certified Functional Food Professional. She is the founder of Food and Mood Lab.