Every day, millions of Americans step up to care for loved ones—quietly balancing compassion, responsibility, and resilience. At Caregiver Action Network (CAN), we believe those who use their platform to elevate the voices of caregivers play an essential role in shaping a culture that values and supports care.

Caregiver Champions is CAN’s ongoing recognition of the celebrities, media figures, corporate leaders, and policymakers who use their influence to make caregiving visible, valued, and supported. These Champions embody the spirit of advocacy, compassion, and action that drives our mission forward.

Elevating the Conversation

CAN actively collaborates with national media, cultural influencers, and policymakers to bring caregiver stories to the forefront. Through these partnerships, we raise awareness of the challenges family caregivers face and advocate for policies that ensure they have the resources and recognition they deserve.

From newsroom anchors to professional athletes, from corporate innovators to members of Congress—each Caregiver Champion helps to shape public understanding of caregiving and inspire meaningful change.

Creating the Voice Awards

CAN’s annual Creating the Voice: A Celebration of Family Caregiving event has honored leaders who amplify the voices of caregivers through their platforms, innovation, and advocacy.

Past Creating the Voice honorees include

Past Creating the Voice honorees include

Richard Lui

MSNBC Anchor and caregiver advocate

Ryan Zimmerman

Washington Nationals All-Star and Caregiver Advocate

Montel Williams

Television Personality and advocate for veterans and caregivers

Judy Woodruff

Award-winning journalist and longtime anchor of PBS NewsHour, recognized for her storytelling on caregiving and aging in America

George Will

Political Commentator and Caregiver Advocate

Leeza Gibbons

Television Personality and founder of Leeza’s Care Connection

Ijeoma Duru-Okwuchi,

Mother and caregiver to America’s Got Talent finalist Kechi Okwuchi, honored for her strength, compassion, and advocacy for burn survivors and their families.

Caregiving Leaders in Congress

CAN’s Congressional Leader Awards celebrate members of Congress who have demonstrated unwavering support for family caregivers through landmark legislation and public advocacy.

Past Congressional Leader Honorees Include

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (formerly Congresswoman)

— for introducing the National Care Corps Act

Senator Tammy Baldwin

— for introducing the RAISE Family Caregivers Act

Senator Susan Collins

— for leadership on the RAISE Family Caregivers Act

Leon Seemann

Senator Cory Booker

— for the In-Home CARE Act

Senator Elizabeth Dole and The Elizabeth Dole Foundation

— for championing military and veteran caregivers