Caregiver for veteran speaks at Elizabeth Dole foundation event
When Colleen Johnson became Delaware Caregiver Fellow for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes campaign, she had no idea that within a year’s time, she would be speaking in front of over a thousand people. But that’s where her story and passion for others has taken her.
On Oct. 21, Johnson, a Milford resident, participated in the fourth annual National Hidden Heroes Among Us: Inspiring Community Action in the Caregiver Journey in Washington, D.C., co-hosted by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Philips.
Johnson represented Delaware veterans and caregivers in a discussion about generating greater caregiver support and potential policy changes.
On Oct. 23, Johnson spoke at the foundation’s Heroes and History Makers Event in D.C. Johnson shared her story, as well as a few others, in front of an audience of a thousand, Tom Hanks and Michelle Obama among others.
“It was surreal,” Johnson said of the event. “But while it gave me a voice to speak my story, I was able to share the story of the other caregivers, and that is the power of the foundation… Sharing those other stories is amazing. People can realize we’re out there and say, maybe that’s my neighbor, maybe that’s someone I know, and can reach out and share that connection.”
Johnson became a caregiver for her husband,Thomas, after he suffered injuries during his military service in 2014. Johnson realized the importance and power behind those that care for veterans, and wanted to reach out and help expand the communication between them.
“We are still learning that there are hundreds of caregivers throughout Sussex County,” Johnson said. “Some people don’t realize that they are caregivers because they’re just doing it for the husband, sibling or neighbor. They’re just doing what is necessary for their loved ones… My message is to show others that they can reach out and see what possibilities are out there and connect with others. They’re not alone.”
Along with this achievement, Johnson also had a byline published in Woman’s Day Magazine last summer regarding her story.
Though Johnson’s active duty as Delaware’s Dole Caregiver Fellow will be up in 2020, she will continue to help raise awareness, build community, and shed light on those that work so hard behind the scenes.
Johnson said. “When I spoke on stage, I felt the power of the 5.5 million other caregivers behind me in spirit. It gave me the opportunity to highlight that we are real individuals taking on some of the most extraordinary tasks. We are tender, but we are fierce.”
For more information about Hidden Heroes, visit hiddenheroes.org.
