Appreciating the Calling to Become a Caregiver

For more than 20 years, Shonta Chambers has been the steady, compassionate caregiver for her parents—tending to her mother’s needs as she lives with multiple sclerosis and supporting her father through recovery after a stroke. But when both of her parents contracted Covid-19 within the same year, Shonta faced an unprecedented test of strength, resilience, and heart.

Navigating this intense period required every ounce of her professional caregiving skills, combined with the deep well of personal experience she’s built over decades. As she balanced the demanding responsibilities of caring for her parents, raising her own children, and prioritizing her own physical and emotional health, Shonta confronted the complex realities of caregiving head-on.

In this deeply moving conversation, Shonta shares the emotional toll, the physical challenges, and the moments of quiet strength that define caregiving — especially during a global pandemic. She reflects on how this journey has been more than a duty or a role; it’s been a profound calling that has reshaped her understanding of love, sacrifice, and what it truly means to care for those who depend on us.

Shonta’s story is a testament to the resilience of caregivers everywhere — a source of hope and encouragement for anyone walking this difficult but rewarding path.

Do you need a case manager to help you navigate challenges while you seek the care you deserve? Contact our Case Management Services: https://www.patientadvocate.org/connect-with-services/case-management-services-and-medcarelines/ 

Visit our National Financial Resource Directory today to find ways to decrease the financial burden of medical treatment. You can filter our directory by your age, state, medical diagnosis and type of assistance needed. https://www.patientadvocate.org/explore-our-resources/national-financial-resource-directory/