Caregiving can be challenging — but “absolutely beautiful”

May 15, 2024
Anakin and mom Elizabeth are seen here at Make-A-Wish Foundation's Rope for Hope event. Anakin rappelled down a building to raise funds for the foundation. Members of the 501st Legion - Badlands Garrison were there to support Anakin.

Elizabeth Eckert has cared for her son Anakin for his entire life. Born premature at 22 weeks, Anakin is legally blind, has hydrocephalus (a build-up of brain fluid) and epilepsy, and is neurodivergent.

Now 22, he’s been through countless surgeries and lives full-time with Elizabeth—but he’s anything but inactive. He has a full social life, plays guitar and composes, writes stories, attends Okanagan College, has two jobs, and volunteers with Make-A-Wish Foundation and the 501st Legion.  

A young man with short dark hair wearing a black t-shirt and pants stands next to a woman with short dark grey hair wearing a pink long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans on a porch with a white door and white lights overhead.
Anakin (left) and mom Elizabeth pose for a photo during the pandemic.

 

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