Carewell Caregiver Awards 2024 –– Meet The Winners

Since day one, we’ve strived to build a community that supports and recognizes the millions of family caregivers who selflessly provide care for their friends, family, and community members. We launched the Carewell Caregiver Awards in 2023 to bolster these efforts, and to share some of the inspiring stories of love and commitment we so often hear about. 

For this year’s awards, we received thousands of nominations from all over the country. Each one highlighted stories of dedication, service, and selflessness If you nominated a caregiver or yourself, thank you! We extend heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s winners and briefly share their stories below.

Meet The Winners

This year’s Carewell Caregiver Awards had six categories, including:

Parent Caregiver Hero Award - Stephanie Stanley

Stephanie’s caregiving journey began when her son, Peyton, had a stroke in utero. She now provides round-the-clock care to ensure the nine-year-old has everything he needs. Stanly says the journey has been rife with challenges, but similarly rewarding. She and her husband make daily sacrifices to ensure Peyton thrives.

Read Stephanie’s Story

Companion Caregiver Hero Award - Jason Castro

Jason serves as a full-time caregiver for his girlfriend who suffers from cerebellar hypoplasia. Although most 20-year-olds would be out partying, Jason has embraced his new role and does everything he can to make his partner feel loved and cared for. 

Read Jason’s Story

Veteran Caregiver Hero Award - Andre Morrow

Andre cares for his dad, Samuel, who has dementia. The responsibilities are challenging, but Andre says his father’s diagnosis has helped bring the two of them closer together.

Samuel served in Vietnam and returned from the war with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a result, the father-son relationship was tense throughout most of Andre’s life. Thankfully, that’s changed. Andre says the reversal of roles has provided space for healing and growth.

Read Andre’s Story

Carewell Community Builder Award - Jess Ronne

Jess Ronne, the influencer behind Jess + the Mess, and the founder of The Lucas Project, is the winner of the Carewell Community Builder Award.

Ronne’s dedication to the caregiving community is unmatched. She and her husband’s non-profit (mentioned above) provides respite and recognition for family caregivers. Specifically, it provides care packages, educational resources, and a private online community where caregivers can connect with and learn from their peers. The Ronne’s are also renovating a property –– Hope Farm –– that aims to provide round-the-clock care for disabled adults. 

Read Jess’s Story

Family Caregiver Hero Award - Sara Mason

Sara Mason provides full-time care for her grandma, Delphine who has dementia. Although this diagnosis changed the family’s lives, it also inspired a successful business.

In 2022, as Delphine’s symptoms worsened, Mason decided to quit her job and launched a flower delivery business. This allowed her to serve Delphine’s needs at home while continuing to make an income. The gamble was a success! Each summer, she and Delphine make hundreds of deliveries and even grow some of their flowers at home. 

Read Sara’s Story

Caregiver of the Year Award - Karen Yingling

Karen Yingling's caregiving journey began more than 20 years ago when her mother was diagnosed with dementia. Since then, her responsibilities have extended to her father, five young children, and dozens of clients at the home nursing facility where she works.

Karen exemplifies the dedication and spirit of service that so many family caregivers possess. Her willingness to always put others first is a testament to her compassionate nature and the reason she’s the winner of the 2024 Caregiver of the Year Award.

Read Karen’s Story

Share Your Caregiving Story

All caregivers have a story. Your commitment and dedication are inspiring and your wisdom is invaluable. If you’d like to share your story, please contact our Care Team. Call (800) 696-CARE or send an email to support@carewell.com. You matter and we’d love to hear what you have to say!