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Caring for Each Other: The Casto Family
Produced in partnership with Women Photograph, our "Caring for Each Other" photo series aims to shine a light on the experiences of unpaid caregivers who often go unseen as they navigate one of the most complex jobs of all.
Lorrie Casto took in her four grandchildren, Sonya, Paige, Seth, and Noah. Lorrie and her husband are doing their best to raise their grandchildren as their own but have spent their life savings to give their grandchildren a stable and loving home.
Photo by Maddie McGarvey for Pivotal Ventures
Lorrie Casto, 59, hugs her grandchildren, who just returned from exploring a park in their small coal-mining town. Paige, 14, holds a turtle they found in a creek; Seth, 12, wraps his arms around the group; and Noah, 8, stands in front. While the Casto’s lament missing out on the relaxing golden years they had been looking forward to, and struggle with their finances and health, they wouldn’t change a thing: They’re crazy about their grandkids—and the feeling is mutual.
Photo by Maddie McGarvey for Pivotal Ventures
Paige relaxes with the turtle she found on a recent walk in the woods while Lorrie splashes her playfully. It had just rained, and the kids had taken turns playing in the puddle at Paige’s feet. There’s not much to do in their small town, so they’ve gotten good at entertaining themselves however they can.
Photo by Maddie McGarvey for Pivotal Ventures
Seth carries his little brother Noah, after Noah has a meltdown during a nature walk to a nearby creek. As Lorrie and Lee age, Seth and Paige have taken on more of the work of caring for Noah, while also beginning to care more for their grandparents.
Photo by Maddie McGarvey for Pivotal Ventures
While Lorrie is more mobile than her husband, Lee, it’s increasingly difficult for her to get around, so she often hangs out on the porch and watches the kids play in the yard. Here, Noah was craving a little extra attention, and climbed onto his grandmother’s lap, along with one of the family’s dogs.
Photo by Maddie McGarvey for Pivotal Ventures
Seth, a neighbor, Paige, and Noah goof around in the street in front of the Casto’s home. As they feel increasing responsibility for Noah, Seth and Paige always include him in whatever they do.
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