CNAs, CHHAs, professional caregivers, and family caregivers were invited to participate in a summer-long contest on the Caregiverlist Facebook page and the photos were heartwarming. The winners of our first-ever Summer Photo Contest for Senior Caregivers were announced yesterday. In that blog, we highlighted our first-place winner (based on the number of votes per photo), Christi M., who won with 877 votes.
Today we highlight the other two of our top 3 winners.
Edward Hatfield, second-place winner for his photo submission, “Our Wedding Day,” with 848 votes.
Mr. Hatfield will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
My name is Edward Hatfield. I am 50 years old and disabled. I have a rare form of arthritis called Ankylosing Spondylitis which causes bone fusion. My neck and spine are fused. As part of this disease I also have Degenerative Joint Disease. Before my disability got bad I was a crisis- alcohol- and drug-respite counselor for about 12 years.
I am married to my wonderful wife Susan who is also disabled with Spina Bifida. She means the world to me and is one of the sweetest loving persons I know. Due to her having Spina Bifida, she developed a severe bed sore on her tailbone. She was hospitalized twice due to a severe infection. I got my First Aid, CPR, and Caregiver Certification so I could take care of her properly. Also who could better take care of her then her husband or a family member to give her the love and care she needs? Being a Caregiver means the world to me. A Caregiver has to be a loving and caring person — not someone who just collects a paycheck. I have always loved the healthcare field and helping take care of others. This take a special person.
Caitlin Villasenor, is the third prize winner. Her untitled photo shows multi-generational caregiving and received 420 votes.
Ms. Villasenor will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.
I’ve been a caregiver for the last few years and I have to say it is very rewarding. You really can learn a lot from being a caregiver. First, you are helping those in need which is simply amazing in itself. Also, I’ve found that it is a great way to learn about the past. I’ve heard so many stories about how life used to be. I’ve learned a lot of history, and that’s very rewarding. Finally, I find that I made a life-long friend. I feel that I can talk to them about anything and they really listen. Its some of the most amazing work I have ever done. Sure, sometimes it is really hard and there are days I want to quit, but then I realize I have someone depending on me and needing me and I cannot and will not let them down.
Caregiverlist congratulates all our Summer Photo Contest participants. It takes a special person to become a caregiver. If you know someone who fits the bill, you can still win! Enter our Refer-A-Friend program and you can win a free t-shirt, lapel pin and 10-hour online caregiver training program, or you may win our monthly grand prize — Scrub of the Month, courtesy of Scrubs Magazine.
