Kris McCabe & Life with Grams

The story of Kris McCabe and her grandmother, Mary Padovani, is not just one of familial love, but also of resilience and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. Mary's journey into the realm of dementia began with a stroke in 2007, robbing her of speech for six months and foreshadowing the challenges that lay ahead. Despite her speech returning, the family's world was soon rocked by the onset of cognitive decline.

In 2012, the signs became undeniable. What began as seemingly innocuous forgetfulness evolved into dangerous episodes, culminating in Mary leaving an infant unattended and wandering out into a snowstorm in November 2016. Faced with escalating concerns for her safety and well-being, Kris and her family embarked on a tumultuous journey to find the care that Mary desperately needed.

For Kris, then 29, the transition into the role of caregiver was both unexpected and transformative. A bartender and photographer by trade, she found herself navigating a new reality, one where the demands of caregiving collided with the ebb and flow of daily life. As Mary's condition deteriorated, Kris confronted a pivotal decision: to entrust her grandmother's care to others or to embark on a deeply personal journey of caregiving herself.

In March 2017, Mary moved into Kris's Chicago apartment, marking the beginning of a profound chapter in both their lives. With little prior knowledge of dementia care, Kris embarked on a journey of self-education, immersing herself in resources and seeking guidance from experts like Teepa Snow. Through trial and error, she discovered her footing as a caregiver, navigating the complexities of dementia with steadfast determination.

But Kris's journey was not just one of caregiving; it was also a deeply personal exploration of her own future. As a descendant of women afflicted by Alzheimer's disease and dementia, she grappled with the haunting specter of her own genetic predisposition. This looming uncertainty fueled her advocacy efforts, propelling her into the spotlight as a vocal advocate for dementia research and awareness.

In addition to her role as caregiver, Kris has leveraged her social media platforms to amplify the voices of those affected by dementia. Her @lifewithgrams accounts have over 600,000 followers on TikTok and a dedicated following on Instagram where she has cultivated a community of support and solidarity, offering solace to caregivers and hope to those grappling with the impact of dementia.

Now, as Kris joins forces with The Heart of the Solution, she adds a new dimension to her advocacy portfolio. While continuing her existing efforts, she embraces the opportunity to advocate for broader research agendas that prioritize vascular health in dementia care. She is also hoping to see a focus on treatments that create the change that caretakers and their loved ones hope for most: better quality of life for those that are suffering. Her enthusiasm for this cause underscores her commitment to driving tangible change within the caregiving community.

As she continues her advocacy journey, Kris's message resonates with clarity and purpose. Through her tireless efforts, she embodies the very essence of hope and resilience in the fight against dementia.