This is a huge system failure, high school and middle school students shouldn’t have to worry about whether mom or dad have their medication, and there should be incentives for lower-income families to get at-home care so the kids can focus on being kids, shame on the system…

The govt should provide nurses for families like this so the kids can have a normal life.

Minor children should NOT be saddled with this responsibility.

At age 13 my mom became paralyzed from the neck down. I became her caregiver for many years. Medication, transfers, feeding, bed baths, stretches, waking up at night, etc. Everyone always praised me, but no one ever seen me. Even as an adult, I still suffer emotionally from it. I'm so glad that there's finally advocacy for children caregivers. I hope that they know if they decide that it's too much for them to handle, that they are not selfish or evil and they deserve to live the life they want as well.

Jacob was my student last school year in 8th grade and is one of the most extraordinary individuals that I have ever met. He is smart, witty, and very talented in Chorus!!! Jacob will always be one of my most favorite people!!!! I am so very proud of him!!! It is an honor to know him!!!

May God always bless these child caregivers and keep them safe and healthy. May their sick parents also get well and live longer to see their children achieve their dreams.

This meant a lot. I’m a caregiver for a parent with dementia and I’m under 30. It’s really an act of love.

I took care of my mother: I didn’t have any help or support. No one believed me. It was unbelievable. People are so callous. They are so disrespectful and rude. I took care of everything. Now, I don’t have any help and/ or support. I learned a lot of painful lessons.

Shame on our government that has a huge military budget, but not a budget to help those in need via tax subsidized home health care since health insurance rarely covers expenses (also, many people who need help work or worked and paid taxes)

I'm 38 now. I was an adult caregiver for my dad when I was 22 until he passed away when I was 26. He had a heart attack and while he was recovering, he had a small stroke that affected his left side. He could still speak, but he was unable to walk or use this left side, so he became housebound. I had to help him from his bed when he woke up, help him to the bathroom and help him bathe, make his food, breakfast, lunch, and dinner and also help check his blood sugar and give him insulin, he was also a type 2 diabetic. I also basically kept him company. My sister took him to doctor appoints and hospital visits while I stayed at home. I was suffering from my own mental health issues, I couldn't leave my home and had terrible panic attacks when I did, so I naturally stayed home and took care of my dad. It was exhausting. I couldn't really focus on my own mental health, and I had already missed out on my college experience at that age. I felt like I was sooooo behind on everything. I still do.

I'm 57 years old and take care of my mom with the help of my siblings. It's the most challenging thing I've ever done. NO a child should be in this position. It breaks my heart.

And don’t forget to highlight how common it is for the adults to manipulate those kids, guilt trip them when they turn 18 and want to live normal lives. There is a layer of financial abuse and isolation that those kids deal with.

I applaud the kids who do this without pay. How about you pay CNAS with a livable wage so the kids don't have to care for their family.

When I became my uncle's caregiver, I was 19 years old in college, in an abusive relationship and had just fought off an eviction back in 2015. My uncle was in a nursing home and still is up to this day. We live in New York and there are too many problems with the health care system here. I found myself not being allowed to help him because I was his "niece." My cousin is also his niece and she has had a difficult time with health care professionals because she was a "niece." She is listed as his guardian and point of contact. We are constantly being dismissed almost every time we help our uncle. The system has a family tree problem. They have a problem with patients receiving support from distant relatives. We make sacrifices vouching and taking care of loved ones. Our uncle has rights and we have rights too!

I was a child caregiver and it’s still having an impact on me in my 30’s, however I do wish I still had my mom.

My heart goes out to him. I’m 28 and I take care of my mom who has Alzheimer’s. I couldn’t imagine doing this in middle school

These kids deserve so much. I hope they can get all they help they need too.

Pay for those kids, like this to go to medical school,they have the compassion, patience for helping others.

Oh goodness this made me cry. This is a lot for young kids. May the good Lord watch over and bless Jacob, Rocco and all the other young caregivers.

These babies are all angels , they are the definition of real life angels

My brothers 17 year old girlfriend takes care of her 74 year old dad (disabled veteran) , and she feels obligated too because her mother died on Christmas Eve when she was 4 from cancer … her name is Angel because that’s exactly what she is …

I am an adult and I was assisting my mom with her care. It has been 4 yrs since she's been gone and she was diagnosed with Dementia. I miss her but it was such a relief when she passed on. In order not to get burned out some days I just literally ignored her and watched her from a near to ensure she did not get herself into harm's way. You have to remember to take of yourself too. If one has never been a caregiver you have no idea. And then to put these kids in this type of burden is so unfair. Where are these women spouses?

I've been a caretaker, maid, medic, therapist and shopper for my parents since I was about 9 years old. Mom is a diabetic that didn't take care of herself and dad has bi-polar disorder, so taking care of both while I was growing up was quite a challenge. I never went to a school dance, never went to prom, never dated, never left the house for long periods of time for fear that they would need me to do something for them.

There should be better health insurance in our nation for sick people with chronic illnesses, people shouldn't have to choose between paying out of pocket for cna's or their own young children having to learn medical care before they're teenagers. Not fair.

Poor children, this definitely puts a strain on them. I was one of children, only difference is my mother was sick mentally and had an addiction. Like myself, these children, often times than not, do not themselves have the same support that a child their age would need. They will think back on their missed childhood and adolescence years and be filled with regret. They age up and become burnt out (young) adults who are tired physically and mentally, sometimes too tired to continue on to go on to do secondary education. In longer term, this isn’t good for them mentally and emotionally. They would truly be better off with an able bodied adult whose needs are best suited to support them in a loving less stressful environment, that they deserve and need in order to thrive to their fullest potential possible.

I was actually an adult caregiver for my mom myself. Even though it was mostly my dad and me doing it, this breaks my heart to learn that youth are becoming caregivers for their parents.

A mother never is a burden as he says. God will bless them all the steps on the way and beyond. For what they are doing.

These kids are truly wonderful caregivers however the US needs universal healthcare and affordable PSWS.

These children are literal angels, giving their parents the same love that they received. Very heartwarming!

Where are the extended family members? Genuine friends? The camps and other organizations can help, but day to day living for these young care givers is crucial. It's frustrating and infuriating how so many people simply don't take an interest in others' suffering. Thankfully, these two families are so close and loving and that's their strength in persevering. We all need to reach out compassionately, but I don't have faith the situation will improve.

What incredible young men. They are so selfless, and yet, my heart breaks for them. I want them to be able to have a childhood.

This is nothing new. God bless these children. My heart goes out to them and their parents.

Yes it is hard. I remember when my mother was sick and it was just me and her in the home. I would make sure my mother was all set with food and everything before leaving for work. Bills still had to get paid. Everytime I would come home and see an ambulance near my home I would pray that it wasn't my mom.

I did exactly that for my dad, who died in 1998. I was 15 years old when my dad was diagnosed with cancer. I changed my dads bandages, gave him his shots, and took his blood for diabetes. I am now caring for my mom, plus trying to grow my business. Bless anyone who does it. I love my parents a lot and want to be there for them.

I cared for my mom who was in her 80s and I was in my 50s. It was a HUGE resposibility. I CANNOT IMAGINE how these children cope emotionally. It can breed overthinking, anxiety and the need to control one's enviornment. But I pray that God blesses them with a sober mind and strength!!

I took care of my mom who had metastatic lung cancer. I miss her she was my main priority I was 15 I’m now a young adult

Jacob you're going to be a miraculous doctor.

I was eighteen years old and my mom became sick but I took care of her. I'm a lot stronger for it. Thank you, young people for taking care of your family

Plan your kids and plan your care. Liberate where it’s doable.

Jacooobbb babyyyyyyyyyy...thats a blessing...you will never lack.....

In tears watching this. The same system that allows this to happen is the same system that capitalizes on it under the guise of “journalism.”

It can be rewarding, but also extremely hard physically. I know of two sons that died one after the other while taking care of their mom. The last brother and a sister are left to take on the care of their mom. Very scary.

I grew up with my mother being disabled. She has a left side deficit and is in a wheelchair and I have always been her caregiver

This is an important story to spotlight. I hope this will lead to more advocacy and support.

Thank you! I was a child caregiver too for my dad beginning at around the ages of 7 and 8. This was back in 2002-2003 but for some reason my dad had a nervous breakdown and his diabetes had to be more closely looked at. My mom began working (which is/was good for her she wanted the job experience and i wanted her to see how much things have changed since the '80s and '90s) so with public elementary school and VA helping my dad get a right cocktail of meds it was very stressful and exhausting for me. I did all the housework, made the meals trying to make them like my mom was making them so we didn't often go out to eat or have TV dinners, laundry, keep the mobile home clean and took up sewing (that was a painful experience 😂) with my mom's sewing machine. I did everything and then some that my mom had been doing all so she could come home from work and actually get some rest and not have to bicker over something stupid with her husband. My dad wasn't always mentally there but he was getting better for the most part while i tried to keep as much stress and anxiety off of him as i could. I also tried to slowly encourage him to do some things that he could handle too which were all steps in the right direction. I don't think i was considered his caretaker anymore after I was around 13 though when he was actually getting better at least compared to before and my mom wasn't working anymore as well as his cocktail of meds working with his body.

God bless these children.

I became a caregiver for my little brother in my early 20's in 2011, after he suffered a severe asthma attack that left permanently brain damaged. It's a massive responsibility. I hope these young, selfless kids get all the wonderful things they deserve in life❤

I try not to be a burden to my children and do things for myself even when it's hard.

I cared for my mom and dad since I was 4 years-old until they both passed away when I was 20. My mom had cancer and my dad had congestive heart failure. I never had a childhood and had to grow up incredibly quickly, and I’ve never been able to really do anything for myself. Would I go back and do it differently? Of course not. But now I’m in my early thirties with two young kids, no parents, and I have a heart condition and lupus. I feel absolutely horrible when my 5 and 6 year old try to help me because I want them to have a childhood and to be kids for as long as possible. They aren’t fully aware of my illnesses and I hope to keep it that way for a very long time.

I was an adult caregiver for my Mom until she died 8 years ago(R.I.P.). It was hard at times because it was always something that kept happening to her and she was stubborn at times. I miss her

Hugs and Love to these children and parents. I have PPMS since my girls were 3 & 6. My husband does so much, but they fill in when he’s not around. They’re my fine motor and mini chefs. I’m so grateful for my girls. They’re 11 & 14 now.

Jacob & Rocco, you guys are amazing ❤

Jakob is an angel on earth ❤️😇 He will got an reward on life for being a good human kind. Bless him 🙏🏼❤️☀️

This was heart shattering to hear and learn the immense amount of child caregivers. I am glad that there are efforts made to support this population.

Sobbing.❤ I was a child caregiver from the time I was 7.5 years old to 18 years old when my mom passed. No adult family members helped or saw the problem in that. I'm still recovering from the damage it did to my body brain heart and life.

God bless those kids❤

Sending love to those babies and their families. Speaking healing and acknowledgement over their lives.

I took care of my mom up until her death from cancer 2 weeks before my 19th birthday, so I definitely resonate. For me it was an honor to take care of my mother and I took real pride in it, although I know this is not any easy job for anyone. Thank you for sharing I didn't know about Kesem and hope to be a volunteer in the future for a chapter near me.

I had to take care of my mom she was sick and it almost broke me and I’m an adult I can only imagine how hard for a child it’s not right for a child to have to do this so young the system is broken

I took care of my parents as a caregiver as well. It is HARD and EXHAUSTING. I didn't go to college, I choose to take care of them. But they have since passed away. My mom passed away in 2018, My dad in 2022 and I am grateful for every moment I took care of them because I would never want them to go into a rehab. They were both in rehabs for a few months and the amount of health decline in those months was insane. I remember dropping my dad off at a rehab for them to watch him while I went on vacation for a week. The person who went in, was not the same person who went home and also passed away 3 days later. I had hesitation but I was so burnt out at that time taking care of him. I would do it all over again for both of my parents and I also would NEVER send them to any kind of rehab for any amount of time. I was there when my mom passed away, right in front of me. I am grateful to have been there but I remember every moment of seeing that while yes, it looked peaceful. It is still traumatizing. Unfortunately for my dad, he passed away at the hospital and they did not call me until he was actively passing away so I did not get there in time. It makes me angry. He was my best friend and I wasn't there to hold his hand. Our medical system is a bust all around.

These poor kids 😭😭😭😭

Been there done that; I now understand how as children you hear my mom but as adults she becomes your mom.

Teenagers, children, with a good head on their shoulders and love in their hearts for their parents who need them, not only for care giving but for the love, support and strength to continue their physical fight. Wow! God bless them and may He guide them all so these children may fulfill their wishes and goals.

Taking care a love one is extremely hard and exhausting so I can’t imagine a child having to do this. It will sure take a toll of his mental health.

I was diagnosed with early onset Lewy body dementia at 48. My son stills see a pediatrician but is my legal POA and guardian and caretaker.

I was my mom’s caregiver when she was diagnosed with cancer and she had prior chronic health conditions, she recently passed away and I have no idea what to do now.

I’ve been a caregiver for my mom for over 15 years, IT IS NOT EASY! My heart goes out to these young men 🙏🏾😢

No child should be caring for an adult i don't care the situation. He deserves to be a kid

I took care of my 3 siblings, sick mom and grandfather with cancer

I know how those children and teenagers feel I've been in their shoes. Now, I am 43 and still at this moment caring for my parents. I was 7 years old and my parents are refugees and I am the first generation in America. I didn't speak English. at the time ,I had to translate in Khmer to English. I respect, love and have integrity for the young ones all over the world that have these caregiving responsibilities for their elderly, young and old. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

God bless these little angels

May god bless these children and there parents/families in this life and the next. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to care for my mom, my grandmother's and my brother.

Thank you for sharing about these 2 very mature young men!

I cried the entire time. Bless these kids and these families!

Yes, a voice for them is eminent!

Poor boy. God bless him. That is a humongous responsibility. Great job Desantis,

its not fair, but you will never regret it. you'll always love them and they will always love you.

God will bless these children in so many ways in the future!!! It is tough on them, and I know it is a huge responsibility. Your parents will always be grateful to have wonderful children willing to do above and beyond like the ones in the video. God bless everyone who is willing to take the role of a caretaker and especially if it comes out of your heart. 💙

When I was 13 I took care of my dad till he passed of a stroke. I’m now 19, and doing the same with my mom. I just wish I had more of a childhood, but I’m glad I got to care for them as they did for me when I needed it❤

Theres something special about daughters and sons who take care of their parents.. Their hearts have more love than the average person. Theyll truly get what they deserve in the future for having taken care of their loved ones so selflessly💖

Jacob is going to make an excellent doctor.

so sweet kids taking care of their parents is just so sweet

I'm disabled myself and was my mom's caregiver when I was a kid even with my own we took care of each other.

Bless them All 💜💜💜

Bless his heart. That is a lot for an adult, much less a child 😢

Thank you @TODAYshow for this featured topic ! As a 43 year old mother, I reflect on caring for my father after he retired from the Military, faced dialysis and Stage 4 bone cancer. I thought it was normal that the family just expected it to be me & I served no complaint because that was MY DAD. But, seeing that it became the norm for many people in my family to just know I’d be the caretaker, I see me in the kids that you’ve mentioned. Thank you and please, please continue to fight to make additional programs available for kids to thrive, heal, cope & excel. 🙏🏽

What a good good young man. He is giving back to his parents in a way millions of ungrateful specimens out there never do or will. He is 14 , fully capable young man of doing that and more, its this notion of disabling young men with the mentality “you are just a kid”?!! He is at his prime age of entering manhood I genuinely wish him and his family nothing but the best , his future wife and kids will be so lucky to have him in their lives!

That’s awesome, but that’s definitely too much on a child Lord please send the angels to help with these situations

Bawled my eyes out. I pray there will be more programs like this.

WE THE PEOPLE NEED TO DEMAND REAL CHANGE!!! THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE, PERIOD!!

We have a few caregivers in the family as adults. But I cant fathom the Responsibilities put on a child. I'm so glad they got support and summer camp to be a kid once a while. You keep your chins up small ones because your doing a big job.

Been caring for my parents since a small child , almost 40 years old and still doing it.

Bless their heart

God blessed these children they are angels on earth.

Amazing kids god bless them 4 life

This is unacceptable. Health insurance companies or medicare should step in when there are no other adults in household to assist.

Please stop using the term Latinx to describe latinos. No one in the Latino community uses it.

Beautiful souls on these kids, that's a lot to handle as a child.

Bless Jacob always 🙏🏽🫂

Been there, done that and it’s not easy. Praying for the families!