Kids that “Care”!

Hi my name is Ariyaunna Montgomery and I’m a 14 year old caregiver for my mom. I help her do a lot of things that she can’t do like helping her put on her shoes and helping her put on her clothes sometimes. My mom has lost most of her hair and I help her put on her wigs so she still feels pretty.

I travel with my mom to advocate for people that have all different kinds of diseases. When me and my mom go on trips she needs my help a lot. So I help her untuck the bed, open up pops, open up doors and a lot more. I sit next to her in meetings at conferences to learn more things about diseases. I also home school so I can do my school work while I’m sitting there. I also get to see museums, parks and eat at many different restaurants and food trucks! That’s my favorite part of the trips!

The main reason why I’m helping my mom is because she has a disease that’s called scleroderma. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that cuts off your blood flow and it turns you into stone. My mom has been getting surgeries on her fingers for years now. She has lost seven fingers and it’s hard for her to pick up things. So that’s why I help her with completing chores so she won’t have to use her hands.

I am very thankful that I have my mom in my life and being my mom’s caregiver makes me feel like I have a special job! One day I would like to be a doctor and help other people that get sick. I also would like to be an advocate that makes a difference and helps other kids that “Care”!