Caring for Change: Reflecting on Independence Day Through the Lens of Caregiver Advocacy
- Mark Fukae
- Jul 4
- 4 min read
By Mark Fukae, Director of Advocacy for Professionals Who Care and Founder, Caregiver Advocacy and Support Initiative (CASI)
Welcome to the latest article in our Caring for Change Series.
As fireworks light up the sky and flags wave proudly, we’re reminded that Independence Day celebrates more than our nation’s birth—it honors the selfless spirit that binds us. As Director of Advocacy for Professionals Who Care, I see caregivers embody that spirit every day: rising to crises with compassion, ingenuity, and unwavering hope. Today, as we reflect on our nation's freedom, let us consider how that spirit of independence is truly sustained by interdependence, particularly by the millions who provide care.
The “Miracle on the Hudson”: An American Testament to Collective Courage
On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 lost both engines after striking geese shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport. Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger executed an emergency water landing on the Hudson River—and all 155 souls aboard survived. Within minutes, New Yorkers aboard ferries and patrol boats raced in to pull strangers from icy waters, wrap them in coats, and guide them to safety. That spontaneous, city-wide rescue wasn’t planned—it was the instinctive reaction of everyday heroes uniting under pressure. It was a powerful demonstration of collective courage, reminding us what Americans are capable of when we act as one.
Caregivers: America’s Daily First Responders
Just as New Yorkers rallied around Flight 1549 survivors, 53 million family caregivers across the U.S. step into the breach each year—providing medical care, household management, and emotional support to loved ones with chronic illness, disability, or aging-related needs [1, 2].
A 2020 survey by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP found that more than one in five Americans serves as a family caregiver [1]. This invaluable group, often America's daily first responders in personal crises, performs an astonishing range of duties. The emotional and financial toll is significant: 36 percent of caregivers for adults over 50 report moderate to high levels of financial strain [2]. Furthermore, the prevalence of lifetime depression among caregivers (25.6%) remains markedly higher than among noncaregivers (18.6%) [8, 9], and elderly spousal caregivers experiencing stress face a 63% higher mortality rate than their noncaregiving peers [10]. Yet, like the Hudson rescuers, caregivers persist: leaning on peer networks, adaptive strategies, and policy reforms to keep communities afloat.
Peer-Support Network Spotlight: P.S. I Understand (Wilder Foundation)
While caregiving can often feel isolating, the power of shared experience offers profound relief and practical guidance. A testament to this is the "P.S. I Understand" program by the Wilder Foundation, which matches current caregivers with those who have "been there," fostering vital connections [14]:
Long-distance caregivers connect with former caregivers for real-time empathy and practical advice.
Matches focus on daily challenges: doctor visits, respite options, self-care strategies.
This initiative, born from discussions with current caregivers and professionals in the Twin Cities, is a powerful reminder that while caregiving is a deeply personal journey, no one has to walk it alone.
From Celebration to Advocacy: Carrying the Spirit Forward
Today, as we celebrate Independence Day, let’s channel that “Miracle on the Hudson” energy into concrete action for caregivers nationwide. Just as citizens spontaneously united to rescue, we must proactively unite to support:
Sign the Federal CARE Act petition to secure paid leave, respite services, and caregiver training programs. Your signature is a powerful act of solidarity.
Share your caregiver story with your member of Congress—personal narratives are the most potent drivers of policy change. They bridge the gap between policy and lived experience.
Volunteer with Professionals Who Care or partner organizations (like the Rosalynn Carter Institute) to build and strengthen peer-support networks. These networks are vital lifelines.
Host a “Caregivers at the Table” salon—invite local leaders and neighbors to learn how caregiving contributes critical infrastructure to our communities. Education is the first step towards recognition and support.
A Promise Beyond the Fireworks
Independence Day reminds us that freedom is woven from collective sacrifice and solidarity. By amplifying caregiver voices, promoting life-changing legislation, and celebrating everyday heroes like those who answered the Hudson call, we honor that legacy. Let’s make every day an opportunity to lift one another—because true independence blossoms when we care for each other.
Your Voice Matters. Take Action!
Your engagement is the key to creating a truly supportive care economy.
Share Your Story: Have you experienced the impact of caregiving, or seen the power of community? Share your story with us at [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe42H86wspG9WZcHEFOiJz8UwkwMt8vR2skvmeOEuu86Eny2A/viewform]. We’re amplifying voices that can drive change.
Learn more about Professionals Who Care (PWC) and our mission: [https://www.professionalswhocare.org/]
Discover the Caregiver Advocacy and Support Initiative (CASI): [https://casiadvocacy.org/]
Explore the details of the Colorado CARE Act: [https://casiadvocacy.org/our-legislative-solutions/]
Understand the impact of the Federal CARE Act: [https://casiadvocacy.org/our-legislative-solutions/]
Join our growing movement and sign our petition: [https://chng.it/zHbMzKnBwJ
Let’s keep the conversation going: Share your thoughts in the comments on how collective action can strengthen our caregiving communities.
Data Sources / References
AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving. "Caregiving in the U.S. 2020." May 2020.
AARP Public Policy Institute. "Valuing the Invaluable 2023 Update: Strengthening Supports for Family Caregivers." March 2023.
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. "SNAP Participation and Benefits Data." 2024.
USDA Food and Nutrition Service. "Monthly SNAP Participation Data." 2024.
Kaiser Family Foundation. "Medicaid State Fact Sheets." May 2025.
American Hospital Association. "Fact Sheet: Medicaid." February 2025.
Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC). "MACStats: Medicaid and CHIP Data Book." December 2024.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Changes in Health Indicators Among Caregivers — Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United States, 2015–2019." MMWR Weekly Report, August 29, 2024.
National Alliance for Caregiving. "Caregiver Health." Updated July 14, 2021.
Schulz, R., Beach, S.R. "Caregiving as a risk factor for mortality: the Caregiver Health Effects Study." JAMA. 1999;282(23):2215-2219.
Congressional Research Service. "Errors and Fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)." Updated September 28, 2018.
U.S. Government Accountability Office. "Improper Payments: USDA's Oversight of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program." GAO-24-107461, June 2024.
USDA Food and Nutrition Service. "SNAP Quality Control." Updated 2024.
Wilder Foundation. "P.S. I Understand Caregiver Peer Support."
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