Founded by Melinda French Gates, Pivotal Ventures accelerates social progress by removing barriers that hold people back.
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Caring for Each Other: The Vallejos 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.
Ramona Peña is in her mid-nineties and has Alzheimer’s. As her condition continues to worsen, she needs more and more assistance. Her daughter Johana stepped up to become her mother’s primary caregiver, after searching in vain for a qualified and affordable live-in professional. Johana is now responsible for all decisions—big and small—regarding her mother’s care.
Photo by Mikaela Martin for Pivotal Ventures
Johana Vallejos, 64, applies moisturizer to her mother Ramona Peña’s face as they prepare to head out to a doctor’s appointment — one of the many medical visits that fill their schedules. Ramona, who is 97, has Alzheimer’s, and hasn’t walked in many years.
Photo by Mikaela Martin for Pivotal Ventures
Johana massages Ramona’s hands during their weekly trip to a local park. They do a light form of physical therapy together every day, usually while telling each other stories.
Photo by Mikaela Martin for Pivotal Ventures
Johana pushes Ramona’s wheelchair during their weekly trip to a local park. Doctors don’t have a medical explanation for Ramona’s inability to walk; one day, she just stopped, and has been using a wheelchair ever since.
Photo by Mikaela Martin for Pivotal Ventures
Johana sits on Ramona’s bed after finding a headband for her to wear that day. As her mother’s primary caregiver, Johana is usually very upbeat, and tries to stay positive, but today, her fatigue has caught up with her.
Photo by Mikaela Martin for Pivotal Ventures
Johana washes her mother's hair, a task that Ramona often resists. Johana does her best to keep things light and positive.
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