[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”VOICES OF CARE” subhead=”A Community Conversation” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”–et_global_heading_font|700|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”64px” content_text_align=”center” content_font_size=”24px” subhead_font=”Poppins||||||||” subhead_text_align=”center” subhead_font_size=”24px” background_image=”https:\/\/sandwichedkc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/VOICES-OF-CARE-COMMUNITY-CONVERSATION-banner-1920-x-650-px.png” background_layout=”light” custom_padding=”21vw||5vw||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Family caregiving is one of the most meaningful\u2014and challenging\u2014roles anyone can take on. Whether you\u2019re supporting a parent, spouse, neighbor, or friend, your experiences and insights matter.<\/p>\n
On Sunday, November 30, 2025, Sandwiched KC and Gilda’s Club Kansas City partnered together to host Voices of Care: A Community Conversation, a special gathering designed to amplify the voices of family caregivers in our community at NKC Health.<\/p>\n
The event featured a panel of local family caregivers from different walks of life sharing real stories, struggles, and strategies. Watch the event recording below.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/WlzaMnBKNAo” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” disabled_on=”on|on|on” disabled=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Be heard. Share your perspective in a welcoming, supportive environment.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Learn from others walking a similar path.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Help shape how our community understands and supports caregivers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/p>\n Anyone who is helping a family member, friend, or neighbor with daily needs, health concerns, or life transitions. Whether you\u2019re just starting to help or have been caregiving for years, your voice matters here.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sandwichedkc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/older-woman-younger-woman.jpg” alt=”youner woman and older woman” title_text=”older woman younger woman” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#EEEADD” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sandwichedkc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kathy-Benich.jpg” alt=”Kathy Benich” title_text=”Kathy Benich” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”55%” module_alignment=”center” border_radii=”on|250px|250px|250px|250px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Kathy Benich is the founder of <\/span>Marigold Path<\/span><\/i>, where she works with patients, caregivers, and communities as an End-of-Life Doula, Grief & Loss Coach, and Death Literacy Educator. Drawing from her lived experience as a caregiver for both her late husband and her mother, she brings compassion and practical guidance to those navigating end-of-life journeys. Through her work, Kathy partners with caregivers to prepare them for what lies ahead, supports patients in creating meaningful legacy projects, and leads workshops that foster reflection, healing, and community connection.<\/span><\/p>\n Her path to this work followed a 30-year career in HR systems, healthcare advisory, and project management, where she honed skills in facilitation and leadership. She received her End-of-Life Doula and Pediatric End-of-Life Doula Specialist Certificates from the University of Vermont, along with training in grief coaching, legacy project facilitation, and death literacy.<\/span><\/p>\n Kathy\u2019s community roles include serving as Vice Chair of PIVOT (Patient and Investigator Voices Organizing Together) at the University of Kansas Cancer Center, co-facilitating grief support groups with Solace House through Kansas City Hospice, and serving as Secretary of the Board of Gilda\u2019s Club Kansas City. She also partners with organizations such as Compassion & Choices to expand access to end-of-life reflection and preparation in underserved communities.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sandwichedkc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/doug-harrison.jpg” alt=”Doug Harrison” title_text=”doug harrison” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”55%” module_alignment=”center” border_radii=”on|250px|250px|250px|250px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Doug Harrison grew up on a farm and was very close to his grandfather, who was later diagnosed with stage 4 dementia. He became his primary caregiver for two and a half years until his passing. Afterward, Doug joined the Army for a time.<\/p>\n Upon returning home, he began working as a security supervisor at Overland Park Regional Hospital. That experience sparked his interest in the medical field \u2014 witnessing how nurses cared for their patients and made such a difference in their lives was inspiring. Since then, Doug has been motivated to pursue a career in nursing and is working toward becoming a registered nurse.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sandwichedkc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/elena-mugrosa.jpg” alt=”Elena Mugrosa” title_text=”elena mugrosa” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”55%” module_alignment=”center” border_radii=”on|250px|250px|250px|250px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Elena Longoria grew up an army kid,\u00a0 living all over the U.S. and a few other countries. She settled in Kansas City over a decade ago. She got her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, and doesn’t use it for anything, as she works as a horticulturalist and landscaper, helping people with their gardens and houseplants.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 2 years ago, her partner was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure, and she has been his care-giver ever since. They do home hemo-dialysis five days a week, in addition to other things, while eagerly awaiting a donor or his turn on the transplant list.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Elena, when not working or caring for her partner, is a nature lover and enjoys tending to her collection of houseplants, aquariums and cats. She also also loves honing her abilities with the Spanish language.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sandwichedkc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/LaTanya-Thomas-Patton.jpg” alt=”LaTanya Thomas Patton” title_text=”LaTanya Thomas Patton” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”55%” module_alignment=”center” border_radii=”on|250px|250px|250px|250px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n LaTanya Thomas Patton is a dedicated leader whose career spans the corporate, government, and public health sectors. With over 20 years of experience, she currently serves as CEO and President of the Missouri Prostate Cancer Alliance, an organization she co-founded to advance awareness, education, and advocacy in prostate cancer prevention and care.<\/p>\n Her professional journey includes roles at Washington University in St. Louis, the Kansas City Health Department, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, and international nonprofit work in Haiti. A lifelong learner, LaTanya holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lincoln University and is pursuing an MBA with a focus on nonprofit leadership at the University of Phoenix and a certification in Christian Education.<\/p>\n Deeply committed to service, she serves on multiple boards, including the Alzheimer\u2019s Association \u2013 Heart of America Chapter, the Birth Equity Network, and the National Association of Prostate Cancer Coalitions. A proud 39-year life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, LaTanya continues to exemplify excellence through leadership and compassion.<\/p>\n A faithful church member for 40 years, she serves in several ministries and embraces her faith as a \u201cChild of the King.\u201d LaTanya was the devoted primary caregiver for her beloved mother, Mrs. Mattie M. Thomas, whom she lovingly calls her \u201cBest Girl.\u201d She is happily married to Fred Patton and the proud mother of two daughters.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sandwichedkc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/jerry-peters.jpg” alt=”Jerry Peters” title_text=”jerry peters” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”55%” module_alignment=”center” border_radii=”on|250px|250px|250px|250px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Jerry Peters is a retired licensed therapist, working 43 years with individuals involved with the criminal justice system, having directed substance abuse treatment programming in corrections institutions throughout the United States. Following that retirement, Mr. Peters worked for six years as a behavior specialist with the Grandview, Missouri school district. He has three children and three grandchildren. His wife of 42 years began showing signs of Parkinson’s in 2019. He ended his employment with the Grandview schools in May of 2025 to provide care for his wife. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#DFE997″ global_colors_info=”{}” disabled_on=”on|on|on” disabled=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This event is free and open to all family caregivers<\/strong>, but space is limited.\u00a0<\/p>\n Registration is required for virtual participants and if you are requesting On-Site Respite.<\/strong><\/p>\n On-Site Respite is available on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/sandwichedkc.com\/voices-of-care-registration\/” button_text=”REGISTER NOW” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”18px” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#FC5A4C” button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_letter_spacing=”2px” button_font=”|700|||||||” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sandwichedkc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sandwichedkc-logo.png” alt=”Sandwiched Family Caregivers logo” title_text=”sandwichedkc-logo” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”25%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sandwichedkc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/GCKC2023jpglogolessborder.jpg” alt=”Sandwiched Family Caregivers logo” title_text=”GCKC+2023+jpg+logo+(less+border)” url=”https:\/\/www.gildasclubkc.org\/” url_new_window=”on” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”25%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/sandwichedkc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/amada-care-logo.jpg” alt=”Amada Senior Care” title_text=”amada care logo” url=”https:\/\/pages.amadaseniorcare.com\/overland-park\/” url_new_window=”on” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”25%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" About the Event Family caregiving is one of the most meaningful\u2014and challenging\u2014roles anyone can take on. Whether you\u2019re supporting a parent, spouse, neighbor, or friend, your experiences and insights matter. On Sunday, November 30, 2025, Sandwiched KC and Gilda’s Club Kansas City partnered together to host Voices of Care: A Community Conversation, a special gathering […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":27508,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-27485","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandwichedkc.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27485","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandwichedkc.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandwichedkc.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandwichedkc.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27485"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sandwichedkc.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/27485\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandwichedkc.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27508"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandwichedkc.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27485"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Why Attend?<\/h3>\n
\n
Who Should Come?<\/h3>\n
The Panelists<\/h2>\n
Kathy Benich<\/span><\/h3>\n
Doug Harrison<\/span><\/h3>\n
Elena Longoria<\/span><\/h3>\n
LaTanya Thomas Patton<\/h3>\n
Jerry Peters<\/h3>\n
Reserve Your Spot<\/h2>\n
Voices of Care was brought to you by<\/h2>\n
In Partnership With<\/h2>\n
Special Thanks to our On-Site Respite Provider<\/h2>\n