WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Elizabeth Dole Foundation announces Vanessa Chism of Emmitsburg, Maryland, to its 2024 Class of Dole Caregiver Fellows—fifteen military and veteran caregivers who have been carefully selected from across the country to represent their peers in local and national advocacy initiatives. The Fellows will bring attention to the tremendous challenges facing America’s more than 5.5 million spouses, parents, family members, and other loved ones who voluntarily provide more than $14 billion annually in care for wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans.
Chism will receive training from the Foundation to serve as a community builder and voice of support in her home state. Fellows will also have opportunities to share their experiences with elected officials, including national leaders in the White House, Congress, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and other government agencies. Additionally, they will engage with stakeholders and allies in the business, entertainment, faith, and nonprofit communities.
“Every year, we are privileged to welcome a new class of Fellows who bring a wealth of insights, perspectives, and experiences,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “The diversity of this year’s class enriches our mission as we continue to support the hidden heroes caring for those who serve. These Fellows will strengthen our national network of caregivers from all backgrounds and contribute to solving the systemic issues that continue to affect the lives of caregivers, veterans, and their families.”
Chism serves as a caregiver for her husband, who suffers from a traumatic brain injury, memory loss, and seizures from his time in Iraq. Her story is linked here.
During their two-year term, the 2024 Class will support the Foundation’s current priorities, including encouraging other Americans to self-identify as caregivers, expanding resources for caregiver families, reducing veteran and caregiver suicide, and announcing the findings for a landmark study on caregivers commissioned by the Foundation, to come out later this year.
If you are interested in conducting an interview with a Fellow or spokesperson from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, please contact Tessa Miller at [email protected].
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About the Elizabeth Dole Foundation & Hidden Heroes
Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers – the spouses, parents, family members, and friends — who care for America’s wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans at home. Founded by Senator Elizabeth Dole in 2012, the Foundation adopts a comprehensive approach in its support and advocacy, working with leaders in the public, private, nonprofit, and faith communities to recognize military caregivers’ service and promote their well-being. The Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign brings vital attention to the untold stories of military caregivers and provides a network for military caregivers to connect with their peers and access carefully vetted resources. Visit hiddenheroes.org for more information.
