At Cocktails & Caregivers Foundation, we know that being a caregiver is one of the most demanding roles a person can take on. The physical, emotional, and mental toll can be overwhelming, especially when the demands of caregiving collide with the everyday responsibilities of family life. That’s why we created the Our Tribe Grant—to help families with one critical aspect of caregiving that is often overlooked: childcare.

One such family that has benefited from the Our Tribe grant is the Johnson family. In February 2024, Chuck Johnson was diagnosed with sporadic, limb-onset ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) while his wife, Nicole, was six months pregnant with their third child. Initially, Chuck planned to take a break from his job to focus on caring for their three young children. But as ALS rapidly progressed, Chuck became wheelchair-dependent and non-ambulatory by the time baby Jenna was born in May.

Now, Nicole is not only caring for her disabled husband but also raising three small children, all while trying to manage the household, appointments, and daily logistics. “I’ve always prided myself on being independent,” Nicole says, “but caregiving is all-consuming. I’ve had to rely on my tribe—our au pair, grandparents, aunts, and uncles—to keep things running. There’s little time left for me.”

Through the Our Tribe Grant, Nicole has offset some childcare costs, allowing her to focus on what matters most: providing her husband’s care and support during this challenging time. Our grant helps cover the expenses that enable families like the Johnsons to get the extra help they need so caregivers can focus on their loved ones without the added stress of juggling childcare. It’s a small but vital way we can help families stay connected, supported, and able to navigate the journey of caregiving together. You can read more about their journey on their website: https://makewayforchucklings.com/our-story/. 

Our Tribe

Nicole learned of our childcare grant through fellow ALS wife, caregiver, and warrior Chelsea Ezell. “Our Tribe” is growing, and this is how your generous donations are impacting families in communities. Connections across the United States and supporting people from the Ezells in Texas to the Johnsons in Massachusetts.

To Nicole, we know this grant is small compared to your journey. Thank you for sharing your story with our community. We see you and are grateful for your reminder that we must all continue to love, trust, and hope. 

To help Cocktails & Caregivers support families like this, donate here.