Omarion Calloway, who began caring for his grandmother and uncle at age ten, has released "More Than Survival: A Guideline for Young Caregivers," a free online resource drawing from his lived experience. The guide, available at MoreThanSurvivalGuide.com, addresses the invisible burden carried by over 5.4 million young caregivers in the United States, many of whom are Black and Brown youth.
Calloway's own story includes memorizing seizure protocols, bathing his grandmother, and learning his uncle's nonverbal cues. He recalls the silence surrounding his role: "Nobody asks what it does to a child to spend their days lifting adults, managing medications, then show up to school like nothing happened." The guide blends his narrative with lessons on self-care, mental health, and coping strategies, including therapy and grounding techniques.
The initiative stems from Calloway's recognition that the healthcare system often leaves families with no affordable alternatives, forcing children into caregiving roles. "These aren't chores," he says. "They're life-or-death responsibilities." Despite facing homelessness and bullying, Calloway earned over $1.3 million in scholarships and now attends New York University, set to graduate in 2026. His mother, who worked two jobs during his childhood, will also graduate that year.
Calloway's advocacy extends beyond the guide. He is launching WeRiseLoud, a project to amplify young caregiver voices and push for systemic change through workshops, school partnerships, and public speaking. The guide concludes with a letter to readers, affirming, "You don't have to be perfect. You just have to keep going."
