Caregivers are often called the hidden patients of our healthcare system.

Nearly 53 million Americans — 1 in 5 adults — provide unpaid care for a loved one with a chronic illness, disability, or age-related condition. While caregivers give so much, their own health often suffers in silence. Studies show they are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, obesity, and weakened immune systems compared to non-caregivers.

I know this struggle firsthand. During my caregiving journey, I intentionally chose the same physician as my mother so he could see and understand both of our health needs. Most caregivers don’t have this opportunity and as a result, their struggles go unseen. In my case, I gained over 40 pounds, required higher doses of blood pressure medication, experienced anxiety attacks, and neglected my own meals and routine health care. My bloodwork spiraled out of balance, and I eventually ended up in the hospital forced to hire another caregiver to stay with my mom while I was treated.

This campaign is personal.

It was born from my lived experience and the reality that too many caregivers face daily. Ask About Care calls for one simple but powerful change: adding the question “Are you a caregiver?” to all physician intake forms.

This single step can make caregivers visible, open conversations between patients and doctors, and connect families to the support they need. A year into my grief journey, I started to reclaim my health, but many caregivers are still carrying this invisible burden.

By asking one question, we can begin to shift the system. Because caregiver health is patient health.