Finding Hope and Healing in Savannah: Kathryn’s Caregiver Journey
- Road Scholar's Caregiver Grants provide a vital lifeline for dedicated caregivers, offering an opportunity for respite from daily stress and a chance to pursue a passion for learning.
- Community is essential for caregiver well-being. The trip was only possible when family and friends created a "tag team" to provide care, proving a support system is crucial for allowing caregivers to rest.
- Educational travel is a powerful tool for renewal. The journey was a transformative "learning adventure" that renewed the caregiver's spirit, restored her faith in humanity, and gave her strength to continue.
For years, Kathryn S. of Illinois traveled the world on mission trips, driven by her passion for learning and adventures. From Russia and Ukraine to Peru and Israel, she taught English, worked in kitchens and pitched in wherever she could. She even celebrated her 50th birthday in Moscow! But over the past 20 years, her greatest journey has been one of love, dedication and full-time care for her husband, Fred.
Kathryn’s life is a testament to her quiet strength. “I felt the need to retire from my teaching career when Fred was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease two decades ago,” she says. Two years ago, Fred also underwent spinal fusion surgery, adding new challenges to their daily life. “For someone with Parkinson’s, falling is one of the greatest risks,” Kathryn explains. “His surgeon and physical therapist have emphasized that even one fall could cause irreversible damage — so I am on high alert whenever Fred is awake.”
With most of their resources dedicated to Fred’s medical needs, traveling for herself felt like an impossible dream to Kathryn.
A Southern Dream Comes True
Though she lives in Illinois, Kathryn’s heart has always belonged to the South. Born in Mobile, Alabama, and having lived in Jackson, Mississippi, she says, “I have Southern blood running through my veins.” So, when she learned about Road Scholar’s Caregiver Grants through a local Healthy Aging program, a dream began to form. “When I first became aware of this grant, I began looking for a trip south,” she recalls. “My traveling companion, Peggy, suggested Savannah, and the dream began.”
Kathryn applied for a Caregiver Grant, selecting Signature City Savannah for her learning adventure. She was overjoyed when she received the news of the award. For Kathryn, it was more than just a destination; it was a chance for a profound and necessary respite. “I worked very hard, day in and day out,” she says. “I saw this as a golden opportunity!” This wasn’t just a trip — it was, as she describes, her “golden ticket.”
The Power of Perseverance
Kathryn’s path to Savannah wasn’t an easy one. Just two weeks before her program was set to begin, she faced her own medical emergency that landed her in the hospital. Her family and friends worried, suggesting she rest. But Kathryn’s resolve was unshakable. “When I was coming out of it, the first thing I said was, ‘What day is it? I have a trip, and I want to go,’” she remembers. “I have earned this trip to Savannah. I must do everything I can to go.”
One week after being discharged, she boarded a plane by herself, fueled by a determination that underscored just how much this journey meant to her. Kathryn’s friend, Peggy, had also enrolled in the program and met her in Savannah to share the adventure.
It Takes a Village
Making the program possible was a testament to the love surrounding Kathryn and Fred. When the friend who had originally planned to care for Fred had to step back, Kathryn’s community rallied. Her son flew in from Raleigh and friends created a “tag team effort” to ensure Fred was cared for while she was away. “Everyone knew how important this program was to me. No one questioned me going.” Between her hospital stay and the Road Scholar program, Kathryn and Fred’s family and friends cared for Fred for two weeks. “They all know my passion for travel and adventure,” she says. “They all did a good thing for me.”
Southern Charm, Shared Joy
From the moment she arrived in Savannah, Kathryn felt embraced by the warmth and charm she had been yearning for. “I was amazed by the lovely hotel Road Scholar chose for us in the heart of the historic district,” she says. For Kathryn, it was also her first chance to pursue learning and adventure purely for herself, without the responsibilities of mission work.
Her group leader, Joyce Harvison, radiated Southern hospitality and was an expert guide through every corner of the city. But it was the camaraderie with her 20 fellow travelers that truly made the experience special. “It seemed as if we were kindred spirits,” Kathryn says, “all yearning to visit the many historic sites, museums, and of course, the fabulous Southern food.” The week was filled with unforgettable moments. “I kept the pace,” says Kathryn. “I did every single opportunity provided for me and loved riding the trolley every day.”
The group explored the Owens-Thomas House and the Davenport Home, learning about the city’s complex history. “We dined at the Gryphon Tea Room, which felt like something out of a Hallmark movie,” says Kathryn. And during a cooking class with the lively Chef Darin, Kathryn found herself at the center of a hilarious lesson on measuring flour — complete with a cup of it held upside down over her head. “We all learned a lesson,” she laughs.
A Renewed Spirit
For Kathryn, the trip was more than a break — it was transformative. She created a scrapbook of her adventure, a tangible reminder of the kindness she received. “When life becomes a bit overwhelming, I can peruse the book and be reminded of my time away,” she explains.
The experience gave her a renewed sense of hope. “Even with all this negativity and uncertainty globally, there are people who are generous,” she reflects. “This gift renewed my vision of humanity. I felt ‘seen’ — that someone understood the daily stress of a caregiver and wanted to give some light and hope.”
Today, Kathryn holds the memories of Savannah close. She even bought a t-shirt at the airport that perfectly captures her spirit: The South is Calling and I Must Go. Thanks to the generosity of a Road Scholar donor, she was able to answer that call, returning home with a renewed spirit and a heart full of gratitude. “I am so thankful and blessed for this opportunity,” says Kathryn. “I would like to share the same light and hope with someone else in need by giving to Road Scholar,” she says.
