WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — In sickness and in health is one Warner Robins couple's daily motto.
Michele Hopkins has been a caregiver to her husband Benjamin for the past 6 years, since he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
Now she's being recognized for it by a national organization.
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation has chosen Michele as a Dole Caregiver Fellow, and she plans to be a national advocate for many caring for their loved ones. The Elizabeth Dole Foundation was created with the aim of honoring US veterans and their caretakers.
"It takes a village to give him the care that he so deserves as a veteran," Hopkins said.
Michele served in the Air Force Reserves for 25 years, and her husband Benjamin served in the Army for 13 years, helping fight the war in Iraq.
Michele and Benjamin got married 6 years ago, but they say the love they have for each other is timeless.
When Benjamin was diagnosed with ALS in 2019, Michele said she knew she had to spring into action and stick beside him.
"I'm here and to share our journey," Hopkins said. "It hasn't been easy, but he and I make it easy, we make it fun every day, we laugh about something every single day, we have a lot of love for each other and others."
Michele heard about the Elizabeth Dole Foundation through a social worker at the Dublin Veterans Administration.
Initially, she said she did not consider herself a caregiver, but when she applied, she realized the need for resources.
"It gives me an opportunity to be the voice for so many in the community who don't have a voice or who don't have anyone to actually be an advocate for them," Hopkins said. "I am definitely a strong advocate for making sure my husband and anyone else I know can get the best care possible."
Shay Brown is Benjamin's occupational therapist and works at Three Rivers Home Health Services.
"Being a caregiver is really sacrificing your own needs first and foremost," Brown said. "You really have to be willing to give yourself not only physically, but psychologically, mentally, and spiritually to help the care of the patient."
Brown does everything from massage and bathe him. While some days it can be hard, she said the effort is worth it to make sure Benjamin gets the care he deserves.
"It is a team effort," Brown said. "He has an amazing caregiver, she really does meet his every need and with him, you really have to keep a close eye so I know that she's sacrificing sleep and a little bit of her health to really tend to his needs."
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation says the Caregiver Fellowship represents more than 5.5 million spouses, parents, and other loved ones who care for service members, and veterans.
The foundation selects caregivers for their fellowship that is centered towards caring for wounded, ill, and injured veterans at home.