When Ethan was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, Kamry didn’t get time to panic.

She got in the car.

Kamry is a single mom to four boys: Clayton (19), Ethan (16), Miklo (12), and Marcus (11). They live in Elwood, IN. Every week, she drives nearly an hour each way to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis for Ethan’s treatments. Every third week, he’s admitted overnight. Soon, radiation will mean five days a week on the road, plus chemo.

And somewhere in between, she keeps the rest of life moving.

Rent is $1,550 a month. There’s a car payment. Utilities. Groceries. Gas. Four growing boys.

She was denied intermittent FMLA.
She’s almost out of paid time off.
And at the end of December, she made the decision no working parent wants to make.

She resigned from her job to care for her son.

“It’s a tough decision, but I know it’s what’s best for my family right now.”

Caregiving didn’t just change her schedule; it changed her life.

“I’ve realized how fragile life is and how important it is to cherish every moment with my boys.”

But what she wishes people understood most.

“Being a caregiver is a 24/7 job. It’s not just appointments and meds. It’s the sleepless nights, the worry, the constant advocating.”

Caregivers don’t clock out.
They don’t always get HR protections.
They don’t always get asked how they’re doing.

Through our Keeping Caregivers Close grant, Cocktails & Caregivers helped ease the burden of travel and daily expenses so Kamry could focus on what matters most, her boys.

Because when you’re holding four boys together, one less financial worry matters.

She didn’t hesitate when her son needed her. Our Keeping Caregivers Close Grant Program gives caregivers one less worry while they support and care for their loved ones during difficult times. A big thanks to our partners, Round Room Gives, for supporting this program. Learn more about how you can support our mission at cocktailsandcaregivers.org.