NOT TO FORGET the CAREGIVERS

February 18, 2022, is National Caregivers Day, an annual celebration to honor the millions of caregivers who selflessly provide physical and emotional support to those who need it most.

Linda Smith is a fundraising expert who raised over $1 billion in donations and the founder of the Christopher Smith Foundation (www.christophersmithfoundation.org), whose mission is to distribute hugs and gifts to caregivers and medical staff so that they know they are valued and appreciated for their vital care.“There are several ways to express our gratitude and let caregivers know what a fantastic job they’re doing, but, on this special day, I would like to shine light to the deeply touching film NOT TO FORGET (www.nottoforget.online) and the honorable initiative that brought it close to my heart.

At a Lions Club meeting in Las Vegas, I had the pleasure of meeting NOT TO FORGET director and producer Valerio Zanoli, who told me he wanted to create “more than just a movie”: He wanted to create a tool to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Alzheimer’s and to honor the caregivers, the unsung heroes who often sacrifice themselves to help their loved ones.

It is stunning that Valerio was able to cast Karen Grassle and 5 Oscar winners, but it is even more impressive that his production company committed to donating all its profits from the distribution of NOT TO FORGET. I am very happy and proud that the Christopher Smith Foundation was selected as one of the recipients of these donations.

Trailer of the film NOT TO FORGET

At the Christopher Smith Foundation, we value and recognize the contribution of caregivers in every walk of life, community and organization. Caregivers solve the social ills of the world. Without the unselfish work of caring people, it is hard to imagine how society would survive. In this perspective, the foundation that I created honors my son Chris and the generous caregiving community that embraces and cares for society’s most vulnerable citizens. By recognizing their efforts, delivering a kind word, a gift and a smile to the people who care for the sick and the elderly, the Christopher Smith Foundation through the “Christopher Cares” initiative brings lasting comfort and healing powers.

My son Chris was born with Down syndrome, but always had a special ability to love unconditionally and to overcome incredible challenges. His sweet innocence and calming smile have shown us all what it means to be truly human. As our family spent incalculable hours over many years by his side in care facilities, we began having conversations and asking questions such as: “How can we help ensure these nurses feel appreciated? How can we inspire the younger generation to seek a career in this most noble field? How do we help the hospital staff support people like Chris? And how can we help exhausted families in similar situations?”

According to a national survey, more than 65 million people in the United States provide care for chronically ill, disabled or aging family members or friends. In our lifetime, we will all become elderly and needy… and over 20% of us will become caregivers. Yet, few of these incredible people identify themselves as caregivers. Often, they feel that the things they do are simply the ones that everybody should do when someone needs help.

My son Chris passed away a few years ago, but he was so grateful for life and generally the happiest guy on the planet. We all should have an unwavering gratitude and immense respect for the caregivers, both at home and in the hospital. Let’s take the next steps together in the spirit of caring for our most vulnerable loved ones. Today we can take actions that will affect tomorrow’s outcome and the lives of those who are dependent on the care and attention of special healers.
The task before us is huge, and so is the need.

Both my son and the NOT TO FORGET protagonist are named Chris. You should be inspired by these two stories and do your part to make a difference. It is as easy, pleasurable and immediate as watching a movie that was called “heartfelt and moving” by the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, or by reading a book about the journey of my son Chris and how I learned to turn shame, grief, and fear into purpose, passion, and empowerment”.

The film NOT TO FORGET is available at www.nottoforget.online

The book UNWANTED is available at https://www.christophersmithfoundation.org/shop-products/  

There are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers. Caregiving is universal.

– Rosalynn Carter, Former First Lady of the United States