My daughter, Dream Ioni Shepherd, lived with severe medical challenges, yet she carried a spirit that deeply touched everyone who knew her. Caring for her was a journey rooted in profound love and unwavering commitment. Like so many caregivers, I spent years in hospitals, navigating complex medical decisions and life-altering responsibilities to ensure she had every chance to heal and thrive. Throughout that time, I often experienced how few systems exist to support the caregivers who are holding everything together.

Dream’s legacy now guides my work to advocate for caregivers across this country so they are recognized, supported, and sustained in the roles they carry with such love. In her honor, we created the Ossining Community Garden of Dreams Legacy Center (OCGDLC), a space dedicated to land-based healing, wellness, and restoration for caregivers, families, and communities navigating trauma and loss.

Across the United States, caregivers make extraordinary sacrifices. Many step away from careers, strain their finances, and neglect their own physical and emotional health while caring for someone they love. Despite their essential role in our healthcare system, they often receive little meaningful support.

The introduction of Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act offers an important step forward. This legislation proposes a federal grant program that would support nonprofit organizations providing caregivers with essential resources such as mental health services, meals, transportation assistance, and wellness programs. These supports can help caregivers continue their responsibilities without feeling isolated or overwhelmed.

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, more than 53 million Americans provide unpaid care for a loved one. Many experience high levels of stress, emotional exhaustion, and financial strain as they try to sustain the people who depend on them.

Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act recognizes a simple truth: caregivers deserve care too. By investing in programs that support their well-being, we strengthen families, communities, and our healthcare system as a whole.

We call on Congress to pass Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act. By signing this petition, you are helping ensure caregivers across the country are supported, valued, and no longer asked to carry these responsibilities alone. Your voice can help bring meaningful change to millions of families.

What you can do now:

• Sign this petition to show Congress that caregivers need support.

• Share this petition with your network to help raise national awareness.

• Contact your members of Congress and urge them to support and pass Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act.

• Support the work of the Ossining Community Garden of Dreams Legacy Center (OCGDLC), which is developing programs that restore and sustain caregivers through community-rooted healing and wellness initiatives.