Sandwiched KC Caregiving Conference
On November 1st, 2025, I was a guest at the Heartland Caregiving Conference in Kansas City, MO. My friend Audrey Crabtree from KCFringe introduced me to Rachel Hiles of Sandwiched KC who invited me to help write a Caregiving Anthem using the suggestions, stories, and experiences of caregivers at the event. I heard moving stories, shared tears, took in the weight, worry, and absolute joy and love that family caregivers have to give and are surrounded by. We played and sang the anthem together at the end of the conference, and I received so many kind words of feedback. You can check out a live video of the song here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FShgE9Gqe/
Sandwiched KC is a non profit organization that creates opportunities for family caregivers to find local support and shared wisdom. If you're a family caregiver, taking care of a child or adult, if you're planning for a loved one or your own future, check out this group.
The day was very fulfilling and opened up a lot for me!
First and foremost, I am so grateful for songwriting! The opportunity to share space with people who love and sacrifice deeply, confirms the power of songwriting and how we can use it to say big things and connect experiences that feel isolated and lonely to bring people together.
I am in awe of the power of music! I performed my song "Fumbling" at the conference, a song for me about evolving as an artist and woman, constantly trying to find my place. At the caregiving conference, Fumbling took on new life! Talking about purpose, goals, the strength it takes to learn your name, and find your place, and as a caregiver - through the wins and mistakes and humor and sadness - the heartbroken lonely kind of wandering to be so elegant in all of your fumbling. I was shocked by the poignancy of my own song! My work starts pretty small and centered around my own universe, but when I sang Fumbling in this space, I felt a magic buzz and realized "ohhhh, this is much bigger than me!" I SEEK MORE OF THIS!
I also performed "Patient, Kind," a song I wrote for the It's Not A Burden- Documentary Film, a powerful collection of families caring for their aging parents. It was a beautiful project to be a part of and I recommend it for all people, especially those caring for someone they love. I'm thankful Michelle and Barbara trust my voice as someone to work with to share their work.
Writing a community song at the Heartland Caregiving Conference felt like a full circle moment - for what I’ve been through as a person and what I hope to do more of as a songwriting and performer! I’m thankful I got the opportunity.