Holly Alejo’s older sister, Gigi, 54, has a severe form of epilepsy that requires constant care, including diaper changes, feeding via a tube, frequest medications, and emergency care during grand mal and atonic seizures.
Their mother is the primary caregiver of Gigi, who is non-verbal and will soon undergo her fifth brain surgery. Starting at four years old, Holly also joined the effort. She has been a necessary part of her sister’s care ever since, which initially meant assisting with some of the seizures Gigi had once or twice every hour. Now, Alejo not only takes over at times so her mother can take breaks during the daytime, but also takes the night shift to ensure that her sister has loving care through each seizure while her mother gets some rest.
In addition, Alejo is a single mother with two sons who works as a full-time caregiver during the day. When the Kathi Koll Foundation learned of her situation, she was provided a $1,500 Amazon gift card to make things a little easier and allow her to have a cushion that might help with both necessities and desires.
“I have no time or resources to care for myself,” Alejo said, but the gift card has allowed her to buy scrubs for work, gas for her car, essential oils and gentle music to help her relax, and shoes with arch support, since she’s on her feet all day. “My heart is so truly grateful.”
She still has funds on the card and has enjoyed having this special treat in her life to provide a little help when she needs it. For her, a second vital aspect of the foundation’s assistance was learning that there was a community out there who understood her struggles.
“Through these other strong women and patients and clients that you’ve helped, I truly feel a sisterhood that I’ve never felt in my life,” Alejo said. “Through your foundation, you’ve made me feel seen and heard and loved.”
We are grateful to be celebrating our 10th year of helping caregivers in need and to be supported by the many generous and caring friends who have helped make a difference in so many lives.
Please consider donating to the Kathi Koll Foundation so you can help make a difference in struggling family caregivers’ lives. Thank you!
Caregiver photos used with permission