By: Isaiah Shiau
COLLEGE PARK—Manuel Chevez, a caregiver from Nicaragua, was awarded the Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship on Feb. 21 for National Caregivers Day.
Born in León, Nicaragua in 1985, Chevez was raised by two traditionally religious parents. At an early age, Chevez lost his grandfather to a heart attack. The loss impacted him deeply. During an interview, Chevez explained how losing his grandfather inspired him to pursue a medical career.
“Working with seniors brought back memories of my grandparents and deepened my understanding of the importance of providing comfort and care to others, especially as they enter their later years," Chevez said in a press release later. “I was taught the importance of sharing with others and helping those in need."
Throughout his life, Chevez has carried the role of a caretaker outside of his job. Another motivation for Chevez is his 8-year-old son, who has autism. During an interview, Mirza Donegan, director of Griswold Home Care, said that Chevez’s son has become his top priority.
“He loves being his father,” Donegan said when translating for Chevez. “Sometimes his autistic son has good days, bad days, but he wants to be there for him and learn to be the best father he can be.”
The Griswold Foundation Scholarship will allow Chevez to take the next step in his medical career. Both of Chevez’s parents lacked a complete education, making this scholarship a major achievement for the Chevez family.
“They were so proud of him that he is continuing with his career choices,” Donegan said, translating for Chevez. “His dad is an example to him. He's a person who fought very hard for his kids and always was there to provide for them, and making his father proud is such an honor for him.”
Chevez has always held a close interest in becoming a doctor. At a young age, he was hospitalized for a colon problem, and an older person cared for him.
“He met an older person who was there to help him and take care of him, and that act inspired him to do the same thing,” Donegan said, translating for Chevez.
Katja Ostojic, media relations coordinator, praised Chevez in a press release.
“Chevez’s journey is a testament to the empathy, resilience and commitment that define exceptional caregivers,” Ostojic said. “His unwavering passion for helping others serves as an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to the many lives he will continue to touch.”
Comments