b'Caregivers CornerCaregivers Night Out Contest 2024 WinnersFor most people, November is best known for changing weather, shopping sprees, and Thanksgiving dinner. It is also recognized as National Family Caregivers Month. For many members of 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 nationwide. We asked our readers to tell us about the things their caregivers do, and how much they mean to them.For 22 years, we have received thousands of submissions about the unconditional, life-changing care and support provided by wives, husbands, parents, children, siblings, friends, and neighbors across the country. This year is no exception. Caregivers deserve praise year-round. This November, make sure you let them know how much you care about them and appreciate the things they do. Here are some excerpts from the letters submitted by our 2024 winners: Catherine DixonNominated by Katina WrightClearwater, Fla.My mother is my caregiver and she has been my backbone ever since I was diagnosed in 2014. She has cared for me faithfully. She prepares my breakfasts, lunches, and dinners when I am not feeling well. She makes sure I eat a well-balanced meal every day and that is the best part of her being my mother. She has a nurturing and caring heart for people, especially her loved ones. If she goes out to dinner with her husband, she will take me along with her, and if I cannot go due to me not feeling well, she will bring me back a doggy bag, and I appreciate her for that. My mother is my everything when no one else is available. I do not take her love for granted. Considering her husband has a slight case of dementia, she still provides for me and I am forever grateful for that. Her strength, endurance, and faith are the works of God along with her act of kindness. Clarence D. IngeNominated by Rosalind W. IngeStafford, Va.My nominee is my husband of 52 years, Clarence. He recently retired from a federal job to be my full-time caregiver and advocate. Clarence takes care of all the household tasks, budgets, cooks healthy meals, keeps the house clean, and washes and dries our clothes. He ensures our insurance gets me the best healthcare providers, cognitive assessment, and care plan services as we tackle both my MS and Alzheimers disease. Clarence also makes sure that we do fun things like going to the movies once a week, socializing at the Monthly MS Support Meetings, and taking our granddaughters to local recreation community center and parks. msfocusmagazine.org 28'