Walter Reed
Incidentally, it was when Senator Dole found herself caring for her recovering loved one, “In 2011, my beloved husband, Bob, was hospitalized for almost 11 months at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. As I became a regular around the hospital, my eyes were opened to the incredible challenges facing the caregivers of our wounded warriors.” Soon, Senator Dole would meet one caregiver that truly moved her. “One of them was Mrs. Stewart, sitting at the bedside of her only son, CJ, who had been injured in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Mrs. Stewart explained that a rocket-propelled grenade had struck the area where her son was standing. It crushed bones, tendons and nerves in the young man’s right arm. Forty operations later, titanium rods had replaced bones and functioning nerves from both legs had replaced damaged ones. I was struck by how Mrs. Stewart, and the countless caregivers like her, were quietly, selflessly, supporting their loved ones in their recoveries.”
Senator Dole knew she had to do something. First, however, she simply listened to those quiet caregivers. “As I began to take them to dinner for a break from hospital duties, I learned how hard it is to negotiate and coordinate diverse health care systems with differing structures because of their loved one’s multiple physical wounds, illnesses and injuries. I heard about the difficulties they encounter determining services and benefits due to bureaucratic obstacles. I found that many very young spouses are struggling to handle the family’s legal and financial matters. These hidden heroes are administering medications and once home, many are providing daily activities of living such as bathing, dressing, and feeding—often while raising children. They clearly deserved our nation’s support, so once Bob left the hospital, I committed myself to raising awareness of the caregivers contributions and challenges and finding solutions to more effectively support military and veteran caregivers.”
And so with her characteristic drive and energy, she sprang into action. Caring for Military Families: The Elizabeth Dole Foundation was formed.
