Project Advisor: Nancy Treaster & Sue Ryan
PPF Project Since: November 2024
Website: thecaregiversjourney.org
After decades of success in the software industry, Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan thought they understood impact. Then dementia caregiving changed everything. Sue had cared for her husband through the final stages of Alzheimer’s, as well as her father and grandmother. Nancy supported her husband through Frontotemporal Dementia, her father-in-law with Alzheimer’s, and helped care for her father with Parkinson’s.
Despite their experience solving complex problems, they found themselves overwhelmed by caregiving resources that were either too clinical, too abstract, or too dense to apply to daily life. What they needed (and couldn’t find) was practical, candid guidance in manageable pieces. So they created the resource they wished they’d had: The Caregiver’s Journey, a nonprofit initiative offering real-world tools and honest conversations for dementia family caregivers.
The Caregiver’s Journey empowers dementia family caregivers with knowledge and practical resources to tackle everyday challenges with confidence, patience, and peace of mind.
Through its award-winning advice and how-to podcast, blog, website, and practical guides, the organization helps caregivers navigate their unique journeys with fewer surprises and greater support—enhancing both their lives and the quality of life for their loved ones living with dementia.
At the heart of the initiative is a 25-minute podcast that addresses real, day-to-day caregiving situations—complete with stories, actionable “do’s and don’ts,” and a tone that is direct, compassionate, and even humorous when appropriate.
When Nancy and Sue realized their growing audience wanted to financially support the mission, they explored nonprofit status, but quickly discovered how overwhelming the process could be.
After thoroughly researching and interviewing top fiscal sponsors across the U.S., three factors made PPF their clear choice:
PPF also guided their transition from a for-profit LLC to operating as a nonprofit initiative—connecting them with a qualified attorney and managing the compliance, tax, and administrative responsibilities that once felt insurmountable.
Nancy and Sue began with a strong strategic foundation—carefully planning their podcast, website, and overall approach to serving dementia caregivers.
Key early steps included:
These thoughtful preparations allowed The Caregiver’s Journey to launch with substance, not just intention.
In just 18 months, The Caregiver’s Journey has grown to more than 35,000 global subscribers
The organization received the 2025 Gold Stevie Award from The American Business Awards, with judges recognizing their work addressing “a humanitarian crisis that has no medical solution in sight.”
They have also earned:
Listener testimonials speak to the heart of their impact:
By addressing topics many avoid—like incontinence, taking away car keys, and managing hallucinations—they provide caregivers with real-world confidence in moments that often feel isolating.
What began as conversations between two friends evolved into a comprehensive nonprofit resource hub. Today, The Caregiver’s Journey includes:
PPF manages essential back-office functions including expenses, compliance, tax obligations, and donation processing, which allows Nancy and Sue to focus entirely on caregivers.
One moment solidified their partnership. After Nancy’s husband passed away in December 2024, they hoped to accept donations in his honor but their setup was not yet complete. PPF accelerated bank setup and temporarily managed donation collection so families could give immediately.
“They went above and beyond during our time of need. We knew we had made the right choice.”
“Your authentic experience and genuine desire to help can become a powerful force for positive change."
Join the growing community of mission-driven projects that trust PPF to handle the administrative details while they focus on making an impact.
