Annie Remsburg

Plan for the worst, pray for the best, but never give up.

What have you found to be important about caregiver relationships and communities?

Caregivers need to remind each other about burnout. Venting is really important and we need to provide a safe space to talk to each other. It is helpful to know others share similar feelings. Just because we are feeling a certain way, we need to assure ourselves that we are not horrible partners or bad parents.

What do you think is the biggest misconception that civilians have about your situation as a caregiver?

No one can ever guess how much time and sacrifice goes into caregiving. It requires an incredible amount of patience and love. I think it is also difficult for the general public to understand invisible wounds, like post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What advice would you give to a new caregiver?

I would give any new caregiver two pieces of advice: do not lose yourself in caregiving, and do not feel guilty. It is so crucial to relax and to keep your own personal bucket list.

My Story

Annie cares for her son, Cory, who was injured while serving as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan during his 10th combat deployment. He sustained a severe, penetrating traumatic brain injury (TBI). He is blind in one eye, paralyzed on the left side of his body, and has a speech impediment due to vocal cord damage.

As a Dole Fellow, Annie emphasizes the importance of socialization opportunities for veterans returning to their homes and communities. She's all about being engaged and working toward a life of greater independence, both for her son and for herself.