John,

Hi, I’m Dr. Connie Kitchens and I’m a Care Fellow here at Caring Across Generations. I’m also a caregiver and raising my two beautiful grandchildren, since my daughter passed away last year. And I’m a #CareVoter.

Today is Grandparents Day, the national holiday that celebrates grandparents and all of the “grand” relationships that keep our families together.

Today also means we’re just 51 days until Election Day. I know when I cast my ballot (early voting in person, well before actual Election Day), I’ll be thinking of the world I want to build for my grandkids that I’m raising. What kind of country do I want them to grow up in? My five-year-old grandson has sickle cell Hb-SS, and I want him to be able to access all the care he needs. That’s what’s at stake in this election, and that’s why I’m a #CareVoter.

Being a #CareVoter is important to me, so in addition to sending you this email, I shared one of Caring Across Generations’ #CareVoter graphics on my Facebook page. If being a #CareVoter is important to you, too, would you share one of the images on your own social media?

Click here to see all the images in one place — and to easily share your favorite.

There are so many family caregivers in our country — something like 2 out of 3 Americans is a current or former family caregiver — including many grandparents like me. And because of caregiving responsibilities, many find it hard to make time to vote on election day.

Think about what would happen if millions of grandparents and family caregivers and care recipients were able to vote. Think about what that would mean for our communities, our families, and the ones we love.

We need to start getting the word out now — first by sharing why it’s important to be a #CareVoter, and then by making sure every caregiver can make their voice heard on Election Day. And there’s no better time to start than Grandparents Day.

Share why you’re a #CareVoter today.

Happy Grandparents Day,

Dr. Connie Kitchens

PS — Have you signed the #CareVoter Pledge yet? Commit to vote and to help other caregivers cast their ballots. Click here and scroll past the share images to add your name today.