2022 Abby Lessack Caregiver Award Virtual Program

Jack Coleman

Fort Mill, SC

Jack Coleman served as a caregiver for his wife, Rifka. Jack found ways to continually show up and support his wife despite added challenges due to the pandemic. During a time when limitations were placed on visitors’ presence, Jack found creative ways to remain present and ensure his wife never felt alone. He remained close with Facetime check-ins and window dance routines to keep Rifka’s spirits high. Jack stepped up in a major way to ensure that not only his wife was taken care of, but their six children as well.

John Gentile

Garnet Valley, PA

John Gentile was nominated by several friends and neighbors for his role as caregiver for his wife Krysten who passed away from Metastatic Breast Cancer in February of 2022. “For better or worse, in sickness and health,” John stood by Krysten’s side as they navigated chemotherapy, surgeries, and radiation, all while balancing raising their three boys. John was a constant source of support and found ways to care for his wife, whether it be encouraging her to start her podcast, “Making the breast of it” or driving her back and forth from the shore to treatment to maintain a sense of normalcy for their family during their fourth of July trip. John’s suggestion that his wife start a podcast not only enlightened and inspired others but garnered a community that continues to support John and his family.

Emily Lohrenz

Ladson, SC

Emily Lohrenz served as a caregiver for her mother, Susan. In addition to caring for her mother she also made sure that her younger brother and sister had a sense of normalcy. After 4 years in ROTC, and a plan to join the Air Force upon graduation, Emily found herself in the role of a caregiver following her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis. Emily quickly became a chauffeur, motivational speaker, nurse, pharmacist, patient advocate, cook, housekeeper and temporary mom to her younger siblings. It’s said that ROTC teaches leadership and life skills, but her experience as a caregiver taught her many lessons about compassion, resilience, and responsibility. Emily went from timid kid to a strong confident adult all while supporting her mother through diagnosis and treatment.

Marcella Palmer

Roswell, GA

Marcella Palmer served as a caregiver to her friend Debra during her diagnosis. Debra and Marcella became friends through church and have known one another for 20 years. Together they would often visit the sick and provide support to those in need. Marcella has been giving and serving quietly her entire life. Debra describes Marcella as an “angel,” who stepped in to not only help her, but care for her adult son who is living with autism. She made sure that when Debra was diagnosed, she supported her during treatment and beyond. She took on cooking, shopping, cleaning, and other household chores so Debra could fully focus on her health and recovery.

Daniel Weldon Thomas

Washington, DC

Daniel Weldon Thomas is known for “serving culinary creations to the world's most powerful appetites,” but to his mother he is a selfless, loving son and caregiver. Daniel has compassionately taken on the role of caregiver and advocate for several people in his life. He stopped his business and life in D.C. to move to New York to take care of his father who had terminal cancer and passed in 2019. Two years later, when his mother Marilyn was diagnosed, he coordinated with his brother to ensure she never had to drive to an appointment or feel alone. His mother was diagnosed during the pandemic and on the last day of her treatment he coordinated an outdoor surprise celebration.