Pictured are: Marian Hamilton (second from right) of Armonk, winner of the Quality of Life Award for service to the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center (presented by United Way of Westchester and Putnam); Alisa H. Kesten (left) of New Rochelle, Volunteer New York! executive director; Susan Kushner (second from left) of Armonk, Volunteer New York! vice chair and benefit chair; and Scott Morrison of Chappaqua, chairman elect of United Way of Westchester and Putnam, at Volunteer New York!'s 34th annual Volunteer Spirit Awards at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Tarrytown, NY, on April 24.
At Northern Westchester Hospital, there is no better place for families and friends overwhelmed by their loved ones’ medical needs than the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center. Named after her husband who succumbed to lung cancer in 2004, Hamilton founded the center to provide an oasis where those in support roles could be empowered to take care of their own needs and find counseling and relief from the stressful journey of caregiving.
In her quest to provide this sanctuary, Hamilton raised close to $1,000,000 in support of her vision. Since it opened in 2007, the Caregivers Center has supported over 7,000 caregivers. Hamilton volunteers weekly and continues to be a driving force for the organization, raising funds and offering enthusiasm and new ideas to support family caregivers at the center. She believes that all hospitals should have a dedicated support program and a place of respite, and advocates for similar centers in other facilities. In addition, she initiated a Caregivers Center Consortium, a bi-annual conference dedicated to sharing best practices and education on current caregiving issues as well as support.
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Hamilton has been a role model, inspired by her own experience. All those at the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center go above and beyond simple care for the people who seek comfort. Their actions are truly appreciated by those focused on helping a loved one. As one caregiver said, “During this time in my life where it was a roller coaster of emotions, I could always count on the Caregivers Center.”
