Author Name: Allyson Eyermann
Publish Date: September 24, 2024

Unseen is a documentary that invites viewers into the often-overlooked world of caregivers of children, offering an unflinching look at the emotional and physical toll caregiving takes on individuals and families. The film is a raw, deeply moving portrayal of the isolation, exhaustion, and uncertainty that comes with caring for loved ones living with medical complexities. By featuring video diaries from a diverse range of caregivers, Unseen invites the viewer to feel the weight of the responsibilities, while also igniting a sense of urgency for change.  

Beyond personal accounts, Unseen delves into the broader societal challenges caregivers face. The film includes insights from mental health experts and policy advocates, offering a deeper understanding of the structural failures that make caregiving so difficult. It highlights the underfunded programs, inaccessible resources, and bureaucratic roadblocks that caregivers must navigate daily. The film is not just about telling stories; it’s about urging viewers to recognize the critical need for better support systems.

Yet, for all its gravity, Unseen leaves room for hope. The film advocates for tangible change—encouraging viewers to not only have compassion but to take action. Whether through partnerships between businesses, healthcare providers, or organizations, Unseen makes it clear that change is possible if we work together to create sustainable solutions. 

We at Child Neurology Foundation (CNF) whole-heartedly agree and understand any child can only reach their full potential through the care and support of those that surround them. CNF is uniquely positioned to address caregiver needs by offering a comprehensive, collaborative approach to support families with children affected by neurological disorders. As a national non-profit, CNF stands out in the child neurology advocacy space because it was founded by physicians and continues to have strong physician leadership. This foundation understands that caring for a child with neurological conditions extends beyond medical care—it encompasses emotional, social, and systemic challenges that caregivers face daily.

Click here to get FREE tickets to Unseen!

How CNF Supports Caregivers: 

1. Comprehensive Education and Resources: CNF acts as a central hub of knowledge, providing resources for both caregivers and healthcare providers. By listening to the community and gathering stories and grounded data, CNF tailors its programs to address real needs. The Foundation also provides disease-agnostic resources to ensure that families across the spectrum of child neurology conditions can benefit from its offerings.
2. Collaboration and Advocacy: CNF is built on a foundation of collaboration, bringing together voices from across the child neurology community—including caregivers, physicians, industry partners, and other advocacy organizations. CNF fosters partnerships aimed at tackling broad challenges in caregiving.
3. Support Networks: CNF places a high priority on building peer advocacy and support networks, ensuring caregivers have the emotional backing they need. Whether through education or connection to vital services, CNF supports families as they navigate the complexities of raising a child with neurologic conditions. 

How You Can Support CNF’s Work: 

1. Attend a Screening: One way to help is by raising awareness through screenings of documentaries like Unseen, which highlights the unseen challenges caregivers face. By attending a screening, you contribute to increasing understanding and compassion for caregivers. By engaging with CNF and this film, you help amplify the voices of those who too often feel invisible. Click here to get your FREE tickets!
2. Donate, Help Fundraise or Volunteer: Supporting CNF financially or through volunteer work ensures that we can continue to provide life-changing resources to families in need. Donations directly fund the creation and endurance of programs, educational materials, and support services.
3. Spread the Word: Sharing CNF’s mission on social media or within your network amplifies the impact. By simply spreading the word about CNF’s work, you help connect caregivers with vital resources and support.
   
   Official CNF social media accounts include:
   • Facebook
     CNFoundation 
   • Instagram
     @childneurologyfoundation 
   • Twitter
     @Child_Neurology 
   • LinkedIn
     Child Neurology Foundation 
   • YouTube
     @Child Neurology Foundation 
4. Reach out for Support: Every situation is unique, but it doesn’t need to be isolating. CNF offers confidential 1-on-1 services designed to offer emotional and practical support at every step of the caregiving journey, whether that is learning more about a child neurology disorder, connecting to disease-specific organizations, talking to another parent, learning about clinical trials, navigating transitioning from child to adult healthcare, getting digital resources such as computers, finding food assistance programs, navigating insurance questions, preparing for your first visit with a child neurologist, and more.Visit our family support page to submit a request for connection or give us a call at 859-551-4977 and  leave a message for a Child Neurology Foundation representative who will call you back and help get you connected!
5. Advocate for Policy Change: Caregivers need better access to healthcare and support services. You can advocate for change by contacting legislators and supporting policies that benefit families navigating neurological conditions. It’s time we amplify the conversation, foster understanding, and push for the changes that caregivers so desperately need. 

By engaging with the Child Neurology Foundation, you help to ensure that caregivers are seen, heard, and supported at every step of their journey. 

Author Bio

Allyson supports daily operations to ensure the achievement of the organization’s strategic goals and objectives in alignment with the mission of CNF. She has a diverse background in administration in the corporate, education/research and non-profit sectors, joining CNF from the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy Research Office. Allyson resides in Lexington, Kentucky with her husband, Jason, their son, Leo, and dog, Noble. Allyson resolutely believes that the best things in life are not things. Her love for her own family drives her professionally and passionately to serve the patients and families in the child neurology community.

About Child Neurology Foundation

The Child Neurology Foundation (CNF) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and their families living with neurologic conditions. Our vision is to create a world in which all children affected by neurologic disorders reach their full potential. We work closely with families, healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocacy groups to provide essential resources, foster connections, and drive research and innovation in the field of child neurology.

For more information, please visit our homepage at www.childneurologyfoundation.org or contact us at [email protected].

Together, we can make a difference!