We extend our heartfelt thanks to Yesenia and Miki for welcoming us into their home and being willing to share their experiences. We hope that by sharing their journey, others who find themselves in similar situations can find inspiration, support, and encouragement to build their own networks of care and connection.  

When you meet 9-year-old Miki, the first thing you notice is her joy. She’s playful, expressive, and as her great aunt and caregiver, Yesenia, puts it: “She’s a miracle.” Behind every laugh and smile is a story of resilience and the unwavering love of a caregiver determined to help her thrive.

Miki’s life began with unimaginable obstacles. She was born at 25 weeks, weighing less than two pounds, and was given a life expectancy of just three years. Doctors told the family that Miki wouldn’t be able to do anything on her own. But Yesenia set a simple and powerful goal. “She deserves to live out her life full of love.”

The Challenges of Childhood Caregiving

For Yesenia, stepping into the role of full-time caregiver has been both a privilege and a challenge. Miki has 14 active diagnoses including complex medical conditions like periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), cerebral palsy, quadriplegia, and epilepsy. This requires around-the-clock care from Yesenia for activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, bathing, and getting around. Miki also relies on Yesenia to pick her up and carry her from place to place when she’s not in her wheelchair—something Yesenia notes can be difficult at her age.

“I personally have gone through some of the biggest challenges as a caregiver. It’s rough. It’s tough. Sometimes you don’t know what to do,” Yesenia said. “There are days when you feel like you’re just going to give up.”

Yesenia’s days are filled with caring for Miki’s medical needs, supporting her mobility, and making sure she experiences life like any other child—even if those experiences look different than they do for other kids.

“[She’ll say] ‘I want to walk.’ How do I get a magic wand to make her walk?” Yesenia said.

Every milestone Miki achieves, no matter how small, feels monumental. Each smile and moment of connection is a reminder that the effort is worth it. 

“If I had to do it over knowing what I’m going to go through, I would do it again,” Yesenia said. “Because [she’s] worth every milestone.”

Finding Caregiver Support and Self-Care

Like many caregivers, Yesenia often feels overwhelmed managing the details of Miki’s care while balancing her own responsibilities. Before Careforth, she was unsure of where to turn for support.

“You come home from work and you sit there looking for everything and it just stresses you out,” Yesenia said. 

The stress of caregiving without support can weigh heavily on families. But with guidance and encouragement, Yesenia found a new sense of balance and relief. “Careforth is the magic wand to giving you direction on where to go and they know where to look.”

“Before Careforth, it was tight. I couldn’t pamper myself,” she said. But for Yesenia, “pampering” means buying Miki her favorite juice or snack. The financial support provided their family with some extra breathing room; Yesenia describes it as a pick-me-up.

When Yesenia joined Careforth’s Coordinated Caregiving service, she no longer had to carry the stressors of caregiving alone. And the relationship Yesenia has been able to build with her virtual Careforth care coach, Vivian, has made an immediate impact.

“Vivian really is good. She doesn’t feel like a stranger,” Yesenia said. “Even though I haven’t met her in person, there [is] no judgement. She doesn’t make me feel like I’m talking to a business—it’s just another person that I’m talking to that knows what I’m going through.”

Through her frequent check-ins with Vivian, Yesenia has learned how to set goals for her own well-being, find resources in her community, and build a sustainable routine while caring for Miki. She has been able to take better care of herself, losing over 30 pounds by prioritizing health goals that she and Vivian set together.

“When the family started with Careforth, Yesenia was feeling depressed and lonely, needed financial assistance, and had health problems. She cared for Miki with love and attention, but she was not giving the same attention to herself,” Vivian said. “Currently, not only is Miki living a happy, healthy life, but so is Yesenia.”

The balance Yesenia found has helped her feel less alone and more confident in her role, allowing her to focus on what matters most: Miki’s happiness and well-being.

“You look at her, and you see just how far she’s come. And her fight makes you stronger.”

A Caregiving Journey Built on Love 

At the heart of this story is the bond between Yesenia and Miki. They truly see each day together as a gift, choosing to find joy through laughter, time outside, or celebrating the little milestones that others might take for granted. And every day, Miki reminds Yesenia just how much strength can come from love.

“It’s like every child—they can go outside and smile and laugh,” Yesenia said. “And I want her to be able to do what everybody else can do, even if I have to help her do it.”

At Careforth, we strive to provide the resources and connections that ensure caregivers feel supported throughout their caregiving journey. Visit the How We Help page on our site to learn more about how Careforth supports caregivers, or contact us for more information.