March 16th 4pm EST / 1PM PST
We bring you this insightful webinar led by Maria Panzera Rugg and guest speakers Saige Johnston, Melodie LePage and Alexis Holmgren. This episode brings together young carers who have supported parents, siblings, and grandparents through serious illness —often quietly, often invisibly, and always with more strength than most adults ever see.
Across our time together, listeners are invited into a conversation that blends lived experience with practical wisdom for PSWs and care providers. Through honest stories, cultural context, and trauma‑informed reflection, young carers share what they wish professionals understood: the emotional labour, the resilience, the fear, the pride, and the moments when a single supportive adult made all the difference.
Please sign up for this webinar using the form on the side!
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand who young carers are and how caregiving impacts their lives
- Apply a palliative approach to support young carers and their families.
- Strengthen collaboration with families and communities through culturally aware, trauma-informed practice.
Left to Right – Saige Johnston, Melodie LePage and Alexis Holmgren
Saige Johnston
My name is Saige Johnston and I am in my third year at the University of Guelph, studying Family Studies and Human Development. I cared for my mother with ALS from 2018-2022, and I was her primary caregiver.
Melodie LePage
Melodie LePage is a 23 year old student, artist and advocate for young caregivers. When she was 20, she became a primary caregiver for her grandpa who was diagnosed with stomach cancer. She stayed in palliative care with him until he passed away months after his diagnosis. Melodie acted as a caregiver once again after her grandpa on her fathers side suffered a heart condition. Both people she provided care for passed away within the span of a year.
Melodie now draws from her experiences to help raise awareness for other young caregivers, to let people know that they are never alone.
Alexis Holmgren
Alexis Holmgren is a young changemaker, researcher, and published writer. At the age of 12, she became the full-time caregiver for her mom, who experienced multiple sudden cardiac arrests and an accompanying anoxic brain injury. When she was 24, Alexis held her mom in her arms as she died. Being present throughout her mom’s journey was one of the greatest honours of her life. Alexis lives with the same ultra-rate genetic disorder that ended her mom’s life and draws from her unique experiences as a disabled young caregiver to spread awareness and break down systemic barriers. She is also currently the primary caregiver for her grandma living with Alzheimer’s Disease and colon cancer, who is at the end of life.
