In Greek mythology, Zeus named one of the gods Atlas Telamon, meaning “enduring Atlas.” Over time Atlas came to represent the celestial axis around which the heavens revolve.

We chose this image of Atlas to commemorate November National Caregiving Month and honor the nation’s 65 million caregivers who essentially carry the care of the world on their shoulders – they are the celestial axis around which heaven-sent care in America happens.

Many caregivers say they feel “all alone” but they are one in an army of caregivers – the nation’s largest volunteer health care unpaid workforce. And without our caregivers, our health care system collapses.

When you become a caregiver, you join a cast of caregivers. Our message to you is you are not alone.

Whether you are caring for an older parent, an ill spouse or sibling, a special needs child who is becoming an adult or a friend caring for a chronically ill friend, there are many ways we become caregivers. However, most of us are not well prepared for the caregiver journey. And, with lack of planning comes chaos, confusion, unforeseen costs and a common caregiving side effect that caregiving pioneer former First Lady Rosalynn Carter calls “burn-out.”

Caregiving Club was formed to help guide you to a place of balance while caregiving – mentally and emotionally, physically and financially. Having good information on available resources is one part of our mission. We also help consult with companies that are recognizing the special role of caregivers and developing the services and products that help caregivers. And we provide content that makes a difference – valuable  information to let you know we hear you and we’re trying to help with as much research and information we can find.

Our CEO Sherri Snelling writes on a variety of caregiving topics for PBS Next Avenue, Forbes.com, Huff Post, USA Today, Thrive Global and other outlets. You can check out most of her articles in our archives or click here for a complete list.

She also interviews many celebrities who have cared for loved ones. A lot of people think celebrities have it easier – they have the money to hire a caregiving entourage. While that may be true for some of these high profile people, most, if not all, still ride into the caregiving roller coaster – the ups and downs of navigating a fragmented health care system, getting an older parent to communicate or comply with helpful services, digging into their own pockets (no matter how deep) to pay for the costs of care.

Caregiving is the great leveler in our society – it cuts across all socioeconomic boundaries – all gender, age, race, religion, geography and economic status boxes that may otherwise separate us.

We celebrate the 65 million this month and every month and we thank you for all that you do to keep your loved ones in the best care possible.  And we remind you that there are two people who need care in the caregiving equation – your loved one and you. Take care!