A long-time caregiving advocate from Plains, Georgia, Rosalynn passed away on Sunday, November 26, at age 96.

It seems fitting, then, that our story this week would highlight the life of another caregiver from Georgia named Ora. She might not be married to the former President of the United States, but she has lived a remarkable life of service over self.

Originally from Macon, Mississippi, Ora attended the University of Mississippi before realizing the job market wasn’t favorable for recent college graduates. About 30 minutes away sat the Columbus Air Force Base, home to the 14th Flying Training Wing, Air Education and Training Command. An idea sparked in Ora’s mind.

She joined the Air Force, working in administration, and served for a few years before meeting her now husband. (He was stationed at the same base and served for eight years). “It was the best thing I could have done,” Ora told us. 

But this story isn’t only about Ora – it’s about her mom, Carrie, too.

Carrie used to be a homeworker, spending long hours selflessly taking care of others and their needs. That included her own mother, whom she loved and cared for into her final years. 

It should come as no surprise that when the time came, Ora would fill that same role for Carrie.

The family moved from Macon, MS, to a small town on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, called Temple. They’ve built an incredible community there, including Carrie’s beloved church family at the Faith and Deliverance Outreach Mission Ministries nearby. Carrie is now just shy of her 90th birthday and, like most blessed to see the later years of life, has faced some health challenges.

In 2017, she had a complete hip replacement, which severely impacted her mobility. Then came excruciating bilateral knee pain. Unfortunately, doctors told Carrie that due to her age, her treatment options were limited. She was too old for surgery, and physical therapy would only provide a little relief. “She began receiving injections,” Ora explained, “But they aren’t helping much.”

Today, the pair reside in Carrie’s split-level home, which is not conducive to easy mobility or transfers. 

“I was taking her downstairs once, and my mom fell,” said Ora. “I knew then that I couldn’t keep doing this on my own. I needed some help.”

She began searching online for resources or organizations that might be able to help. Unfortunately, it was hard to find someone who could provide support – until she found Chive Charities.

Ora and Carrie represent so much about who we are and who we serve. They’re people who’ve given so much of themselves to help others, yet when the time came for them to need some assistance of their own, they were met with more closed doors than open. As a Veteran, Ora met our eligibility criteria. But as a Veteran and a caregiver? Well, that was just the icing on the cake. 

Through the support of an incredible community of donors, Chive Charities funded the installation of a stair lift to help transport Carrie within her home comfortably. We also added a three-way seat lift and Ergo light wheelchair for a total impact of $7,270.

“Caregiving can be challenging,” Ora admitted. “But it’s also rewarding because you know the ins and outs of what’s going on with your loved one. It gives me a lot of peace of mind about my mom.

“We can’t thank you enough for choosing to support our family with these items.”

For two women who have given so much of themselves and asked for so little in return, making the caregiving journey a bit easier seemed like an easy decision. After all, like Rosalynn Carter said, “There are only four types of people in this world…” and we’re only one step away from providing the care or being the one to receive it.

Today, you were part of a group of supporters who cared for others in a different way. When you reach out a hand to those who need it most – when you selflessly provide for someone in need – you’re a caregiver all the same. To each one of you who made this possible, thank you. And to those who want to be there for others like Ora and Carrie, join our movement to make the world 10% happier, one recipient at a time. Become a monthly or one-time donor and DONATE HERE.