Caregiver: a person who steps up and steps in to assist a loved one through aging, illness, injury or disability. It’s a role that is deeply rooted in love, intentionality and genuine support. For reality television superstar, model, and wellness advocate Cynthia Bailey—and so many others—it is also a labor of love. In 2022, her mother, Barbara Ford Morris, was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer after it was detected during a routine mammogram. While the news rocked her family’s world, the Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member knew without question that she would be there for her mother’s journey— every step of the way.
“When my mom was diagnosed, it was a no-brainer for me to step in as her caregiver,” Bailey tells EBONY. “For me, it wasn’t about ‘Okay, how much will all of this cost, I’ll pay for it.’ I wanted to be there physically because it’s what she would and has done for me. My mother is my rock and has been there for me in all aspects of my life: from the birth of my daughter to dealing with my own health issues.”
According to a 2025 report from Johns Hopkins University, approximately 63 million people in this country serve as caregivers, of whom only about 5 million do so in a paid capacity. Additionally, an unrelated study found that about 41% of caregivers are part of the “sandwich generation,” meaning they are caring for a family member while also raising their own children. “My sister, brother and I made sure to each be there how and when we could. While I couldn’t completely give up working— and she wouldn’t have wanted me to— I did make the necessary sacrifices to ensure I could be around as much as possible. Whether that meant setting up my computer to work remotely or taking important meetings from her home so that she at least saw me and knew I was there in support,” she added.
Taking on this responsibility also means juggling multiple hats at once. You’re ensuring that your loved one is not only receiving the best care and treatment possible while also serving as their advocate. You’re making sure they get to doctors’ appointments, staying on top of medications, being their eyes and ears when information from physicians becomes overwhelming— all while being that positive reinforcement that they will make it through their battle.
“Words are power,” Bailey stresses. “In addition to all that I did for my mom, I was intentional about arming her with an energetic, strong, positive mindset to make her feel like we’re going to get through this. And, even if we don’t, we’re going to make the best of the situation. That is also part of the healing process. They have to feel like they will be okay, to actually be okay.” Thankfully, and in large part due to early detection, Mrs. Morris was able to catch her cancer and undergo immediate treatment. As of today, she is cancer-free. “Early detection is so critical,” Bailey emphasizes. “As someone who is an advocate for health and wellness, especially for Black women, I can’t stress enought how important it is to go to your doctor when something isn’t right and to do your at-home exams.”
Countless men and women have lived in Bailey’s shoes—myself included—and I can tell you that caregiving is a labor of love that often comes with a heaviness all its own, testing your strength, your patience and sometimes even your sense of self. Not only are you holding your loved one’s hand while they navigate this unfamiliar territory, but you’re also navigating it right along with them. In the midst of caring for those we love, it’s essential that we make space to care for ourselves, too. Prioritizing our well-being along the journey is not selfish— it’s what enables us to continue showing up with strength and compassion.
Bailey believes one of the most important lessons caregivers can learn is how to offer themselves the same patience and understanding they extend to the people they care for: “You have to remember to give yourself grace,” she says. “You also have to lean on your positive affirmations, too. I can’t say that enough, they really do go a long way. And, of course, always make sure you are taking time to pour into yourself and refill your cup. You can’t pour into someone else, when you are depleted.”