Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelena Taylor.
Hi Angelena, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I became a caregiver for my father Benjamin, a United States Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran, shortly after he suffered a debilitating stroke in 2015. I was only 28 years old at the time and starting my master’s degree program at Wayne State University. There was no formal training involved in caring for my dad, the social worker all but left me to figure it all out on my own once he discharged from the hospital and nursing rehabilitation facilities. As a young caregiver, it was hard to navigate taking care of someone, especially having limited resources and support. I lost my job while I was on FMLA (family leave) and struggled to find stable work and complete school. There were several programs that should have been accessible in regards to caregiving for my dad, but because of various limitations and prerequisites we did not qualify. I began to search for support groups and programs that would be beneficial for caregivers and their loved ones. I gained community support with fellow caregivers at the Henry Ford C.A.R.E Program before the pandemic hit and really gained momentum as a community advocate virtually with Caring Across Generations and The Elizabeth Dole Foundation as a Care Fellow. I briefly decided to return to school to pursue my doctoral studies and, while seeking funding and scholarships began competing in beauty pageants. I wasn’t quite ready to go back to school, but I fell in love with pageantry and being able to use my public platform as a state titleholder to bring awareness to the needs of the caregiving community.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My caregiving journey has been anything but smooth, especially in the beginning. I utilized all 12 weeks of FMLA with the job I was with in order to transition care from the nursing facility to our home and take my dad to and from the doctor and physical therapy. While my job should have been protected, I was let go upon the end of my 12 weeks. It was a struggle to start over and find new employment that fit the needs of my academic program and my new status as a family caregiver. Luckily my graduate advisor was able to work out a plan for me to work in a very flexible behavior specialist position while obtaining my practicum hours for graduation. Outside of stable employment and less than understanding employers, I’ve also faced challenges with receiving adequate outpatient care for my father. Long wait lists and rollercoaster insurance cycles kept him from getting consistent physical therapy. There have been many sleepless nights worrying about school and my dad’s recovery, and even dealing with cycles of depression. There is a grieving process with caregiving that many don’t talk about or realize, and that’s mourning the life that you thought you would have as a young adult and the uncertainty of your future with your new normal. There have been many challenges over the last 7 years, but there have also been just as many if not more beautiful moments.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Professionally, I work as a mental health care coach providing telehealth services to young adults and adolescents. But I am known for making waves in my community as a caregiving advocate and changemaker as well as being a national titleholder. My current title is Ms. Michigan World Universal where my platform is advocating for family and military caregivers. I am a Dole Caregiver Fellow from the class of 2021, and I have enjoyed meeting with caregivers across Michigan at various veteran and military events, working closely with my state representatives, and sharing my caregiving story across several media channels. Most people may recognize me from The Tamron Hall Show where my dad and I are featured on the episode Love’s Resilience. I am very proud to have come as far as I have when so many other caregivers have ultimately put their lives on hold to care for their loved one. My mission is to change the way others look at care, improve the way caregivers are supported, and give my fellow caregivers hope in knowing that they are not invisible and that they will blossom through their journeys.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I credit my dad for raising me to be the woman I am today. I watched him care for my mom and grandmother as they succumbed to cancer, I always say I have a warrior’s heart because of him and with that passion I will continue fiercely advocate for caregivers across the nation. If I had to do it all over again to care for him, I would in a heartbeat. My best friends deserve a huge shout as they have shown me what true friendship is and didn’t abandon ship when my life changed; they’re my biggest cheerleaders and support system. My community of caregivers: I’ve met so many virtually through the shift of the pandemic, and I have learned so much from them all and am so grateful to navigate this journey with them and call them my family. My pageant sisters have been my biggest cheerleaders as well, especially through the recent unexpected loss of my older sister; they show me the value and spirit of true sisterhood and community and drive me to break barriers within pageantry. The Elizabeth Dole Foundation has been pivotal in my caregiving journey and elevating the voices of military caregivers in Michigan, and helping me become a better change agent for my fellow caregivers all over.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Angelena_Taylor
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/queenangel925
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/angelenataylor313
- Other: https://hiddenheroes.org/story/angelena-taylor/
