Blog
Like a lot of children who grew up during his time, Mr. Joe was raised on a farm. He was one of 14 children and without a doubt, his friendly approach, easy smile, and quick wit are a result of knowing what it’s like to work a room, even if they were his brothers and...
In the midst of one of the most divisive political landscapes in America’s history, members of Congress, as well as President Donald Trump, have shown there is one thing we can all agree on–caregiving. It’s a topic that we all face or will face in one way or another in our lifetime, and with the...
You look into Mr. Daoud’s eyes and you see a kind soul. But if you could just look a little deeper and see his past, you might be surprised. Mr. Daoud was a member of the Black Panthers and admittedly, had a difficult time seeing perspectives other than his own. Without going into detail, you...
It is a familiar story. Those who are eager to experience the joys of learning and travel but don’t have the chance. Perhaps their aging parent has moved in or their spouse is now in a nursing home. Whatever the situation, the reality is that for many caregivers it’s difficult to get away. That’s why...
To hear them tell the story of how they first met is captivating. Mr. Dick knew it was going to be a good night. It was summer. He was eighteen and driving his blue ’57 Chevy. Let’s face it. When you are eighteen years old and driving a turquoise Chevy on a warm summer’s night,...
Amanda Singer had her plate full running a dance studio in Massachusetts. But after her mother underwent emergency surgery and radiation for breast cancer late last year, Singer, 28, unexpectedly found herself taking on an even bigger responsibility — the role of unpaid family caregiver. Singer is one of millions of millennial caregivers in the United...
I turned the radio off in my car and watched the students walk into the white building.   They followed the sidewalk parallel to the south wall and disappeared around the corner to enter the front door. “She looks all of 18 years old,” I thought.  Her flawless skin, her cherry red miniskirt, and her brunette...
Editor’s Note: In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’d like to share Courtney S.’s story with you. Courtney joined the Joy’s House family as a volunteer in 2017, and now finds herself a member of our Guest Relations team at Joy’s House at UIndy. Read more about her experience below.   When I first signed...
  Hi Everyone! My name is Brittany, and this semester I had the pleasure of facilitating a six-week art therapy group at Joy’s House. I am a Master of Arts in Art Therapy candidate at Herron School of Art and Design, Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI). After submitting a proposal for my graduate thesis, I...
April 11, 2018
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra area of our brains.  When a person develops Parkinson’s disease, they may begin to experience symptoms such as: Tremors Slowness of movements Rigidity in limbs Balance and gait (walking) problems Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, treatment options can include medication,...