b'MS Focus ActivitiesCaregivers Night Out Contest 2023 WinnersFor most people, November is best known for changing weather, Thanksgiving dinner, and the start of the holiday shopping season. It is also recognized as National Family Caregivers Month. For many in the MS community, their lives would be vastly different, and more difficult, without a caregiver. In 2002, MS Focus wanted to do something special to celebrate caregivers across the country. We asked our readers to tell us about everything their caregivers do, and how much they mean to them.For more than two decades, we have received thousands of submissions about the unconditional life-changing care and support that has been given by wives, husbands, parents, children, siblings, friends, and neighbors across the country. This year is no exception. Caregivers deserve praise year-round, but this November, make sure you let them know just how much you care about them and appreciate the things they do. Here are some excerpts from the letters submitted by our 2023 winners: Danielle RivieraNominated by Laura YoungLansdale, Pa.I rst met Danielle as the caregiver for an acquaintance who has MS. She came highly recommended for her services. Today, I have been able to bring Danielle on as a caregiver through the agency that was approved by the county for my care. My MS has progressed to the level where it is very difficult for me to perform daily tasks. Even though her original role was that of a paid caregiver, she has become a dear friend. Even when I have to do difficult tasks with some help, Danielle has been able to inspire a song or two. She is downright fun. In addition, I feel so lucky to have found Danielle as a matching caregiver. I trust her, I depend on her, I count on her, and I really enjoy her. Danielle is my Matching Queen. David W. PerezNominated by Lottie BarbaLas Vegas, Nev.Well, my caretaker cares about me. He is patient with me. I am slower these days. He xes dinner every night. It must be a lot due to his own issues. He is an amputee, but you would never know it by his outpouring of love and caring for others. I have no family members to help me, except my son, who is in the Navy. He has been at Norfolk, Va., ve-and-a-half years now. While thats about it, I am a blessed woman to have Dave in my life. msfocusmagazine.org 22'