Caregivers: Unsung heroes who give up everything to take care of it all

At the age of 37, Vernon Hills resident Lisa Robertson put her life on pause after a series of tragic events. Her days became more difficult and exhausting; her responsibilities more consequential and meaningful.

Robertson's sister suffered a massive debilitating stroke at the age of 33. Not long after, Robertson's mother also suffered a stroke - twice. The severity of the strokes left both Robertson's mother and sister unable to care for themselves and ultimately put Robertson in charge of their care. Because of the life-changing circumstances, Robertson also became the guardian of her sister's now 13-year-old daughter.

"I think she's adjusted well. It's a totally different life for her," said Robertson. "She calls me mom. She knows I'm not her mother, but she calls me mom."

It's a different life for Robertson too. While caregiving is not always without happiness, it is also never without sacrifice.

Robertson is not unlike more than 60 million other caregivers in the U.S. who quietly provide invaluable assistance to their family members.

November is National Family Caregivers Month and a chance to recognize the millions of individuals who care for loved ones as part of their daily routine. It's estimated that about one in three U.S. adults are caregivers. Two out of every three are female.

Robertson moved her mother and sister to Illinois from Louisiana to better manage their care, she changed careers so she would be able to tend to their needs, and she gave up a large part of her personal independence to be their caregiver.

"I don't have as much freedom and flexibility as I used to have. I can't just make plans and get up and go," said Robertson. "Being a caregiver - it's difficult."

Both Robertson's mother and sister now live in care facilities. Robertson is in charge of every small and significant decision of their care. It was a big adjustment.

"There was a time I refused to answer my cell phone. I would get a phone call every day to the point of developing ulcers because of the level of stress," said Robertson.

Since becoming a caregiver, Robertson now volunteers for Stroke Survivors Empowering Each Other. Through SSEEO, Robertson uses her experiences to provide support to other caregivers.

The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association's Together to End Stroke initiative, nationally sponsored by Covidien, aims to educate all Americans that stroke is largely preventable, treatable and beatable. Through Together to End Stroke, efforts are focused on increasing awareness and driving action among Americans across the entire stroke continuum of care; prevention, acute treatment, and post-stroke rehabilitation. For more information and resources to help caregivers, visit StrokeAssociation.org/caregiver.