Kid Caregivers: A Manual for Kids About Alzheimer's Disease

Since the age of 5, I have been a caregiver to my grandmother, who battled Alzheimer's disease. In the United States, 1.8 million young people are also taking on caregiving roles. Through this experience, I gained valuable insights into managing the challenges of this disease from a young age. Exciting news! My upcoming book, Kid Caregivers: A Manual for Kids About Alzheimer's Disease, will be released in July. This photo essay captures our journey and how we coped together. I aim for it to serve as a source of support for other young individuals facing similar circumstances.

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Special Awards and Achievements!

I have worked very hard on my research project using a nonpharmacological approach to improving mood and behavior for people living with Alzhiemer's disease. I would like to share these accomplisments: The American Psychological Association Award for achievement in research in psychological science at the New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF) Finalist - Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) Issued by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Society for Science - March 2025 ISEF Finalist after winning first place at the New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF) First Place in Behavioral Science - New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF) ISEF Issued by New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF) ISEF - March 2025 Top scorer in Behavioral and Social Sciences Catergory; competed against other projects in New York State I will be competing in Columbus, Ohio with international students! Very excited!

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The Power of Children Award - Children's Museum of Indianapolis

In 2021, I received an amazing honor. I received the Power of Children Award from the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. I shared the national honor with 6 other youth members who have acted as social impact leaders. There is a permanent exhibit at the museum featuring the young people who have received the award. We hope it inspires children and encourages them to make a difference in the world!

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Stay For A Little While

David White and Bakhus Saba featured me and grandma in this video in 2016. It shows the beneficial effects of young people staying connected with their loved ones. Love always remains.

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Good Morning America

This picture popped up on my Google photo memories today. I was only 9 year old, but it was the start of my journey serving the Alzheimer's community. It was amazing meeting the other two social impact leaders, Brandon and Katie! Will Smith was very kind and mentioned how Alzheimer's disease impacted his life as well!

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How Puzzle Time Began

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How Puzzle Time Began...

Puzzle Time is our national and global intergenerational program. It pairs students and Girl Scouts with people living with Alzheimer's disease for an hour of shared jigsaw puzzle solving. The youth volunteers receive community service hours and awards, and a rare sense of accomplishment occurs for the senior! Scientific research shows that solvling jigsaw puzzles may improve mood and memory!

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Our Brazilian Volunteers! Thank you so much!

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YSA Global Youth Service Day - Puzzle Distribution Day

I received a grant from generous sponsors: Hershey, Charles Steward Mott Foundation, Allstate and the Sodexo Foundation. We had a great day Puzzle Distribution Day at Plainview high school. It included over 100 student volunteers who collected and distributed jigsaw puzzles for memory care facilities to benefit people living with Alzheimer's disease. The youth volunteers are also planning to participate in Puzzle Time our global program pairing young peopole and residents living with Alzheimer's disease for an hour of shared jigsaw puzzle solving!

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Diana Legacy Award

It was such an honor to receive the Diana Legacy Award! I had to fortune to meet His Royal Highness, Prince William, and Prince Harry via Zoom. It warms my heart that the plight of Alzheimer's disease and the toll it takes on young people is receiving worldwide recognition. We are thrilled that the beneficial effects of jigsaw-puzzle solving is becoming more widely known. Our goal of having therapeutic Alzheimer's puzzles spanning the globe has become a reality. To read a current article about the Diana Legacy Award click here:

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