Inspiration from the Road: Meet Rachel Bennett and See How She’s Moving Humanity Forward

The I Am Maria book tour has been a journey of a lifetime so far, as Maria has traveled to cities around the country to celebrate and read. The most impactful moments have been meeting extraordinary people on the road. If you have shown up, it means the world to Maria and us that you were there! This week, we want to spotlight one amazing person whom Maria met: Rachel Bennett.

Rachel founded Caring by Card, a beautiful movement that invites people to create and send handmade cards to people living in nursing homes to remind them they are seen, loved, and remembered.

Rachel founded Caring by Card in honor of her late mother, Shaunna, a widow, former journalist, and college instructor who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at age 56. When Rachel was in her twenties, she began caring for her mother.

"When my friends were getting engaged, getting married, moving up in their careers, and traveling, I was taking care of my mom," she wrote to Maria.

Eventually, Rachel had to make the hard decision to put her mother into a nursing home.

Her mission with Caring by Card is to bring love and joy to residents and workers in nursing homes, which are often overlooked places. Their volunteers have sent over 10,500 cards to nursing home residents around the United States. Rachel has also organized musical concerts in nursing homes and is working hard to continue this effort.

"I appreciated what you said about how there is so much judgment on caretakers when nobody ever knows what goes into each family's challenges," Rachel wrote to Maria after attending an I Am Maria book event. "You inspire me greatly to become the woman I want to be."

Rachel, you inspired US! And we know your mother is looking at you so proud. Keep spreading the love and joy—our world needs it.

You can learn more about Rachel and how to get involved with Caring by Card here. You can also follow them here.