In the whirlwind of life, sometimes the unexpected becomes our reality. It was a twist for Mike Marchetti that would forever change his path. Like many of us, Mike was thrust into caregiving after receiving a call about his ailing mother.  He would rush to her side, where he remained serving as an advocate, supporter, and devoted son for six weeks.  Later and without hesitation, Mike would support his wife Doreen’s idea to move her mother, Delores, diagnosed with Parkinson’s, into their home.  Mike's resilience shone through as he faced the emotional exhaustion of this new chapter. But little did he know, this was only the beginning of a journey filled with challenges, love, and a determination that would leave you wondering, what other twists await him?

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Grasp the true complexity of caregiving and simpler ways to strike a balance.
• Understand the paramount role of advocacy in health services to encapsulate fair treatment.
• Get a hold on the financial pressure of caregiving and viable ways to afford assistance.

Mike Marchetti is a seasoned entrepreneur with a past career in engineering. Beyond his professional success, however, lies a heartfelt journey through the highs and lows of caregiving. From the frontlines of electrical engineering to those of fast-food franchising, Mike gleaned a wealth of experience that fortified him for the role of a caregiver. His dedication to caregiving for others while managing his medical issues reflects his character and inspires us all.

About Mike:

Michael Marchetti graduated from Cornell University with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He then worked at the Kearfott Aerospace Division of the Singer company, focusing on Quality Assurance Engineering for missiles, US fighter jets, and fire control systems. During this time, he also obtained an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

After leaving Kearfott, Michael ventured into the fast food market sector, creating two franchise concepts that expanded to over 80 stores nationwide. He later sold the businesses and provided consultative services to other restaurateurs while dedicating time to teaching a chess program for K-8 grade students in the Montvale, NJ, school district.

He continued his involvement in education by managing and lecturing a middle school rocketry club, where students designed and launched model rockets accompanied by music at rocketry galas. Michael then joined the New Jersey Institute of Technology, focusing on manufacturing education and workforce development. He later transferred to the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP), where he has helped NJ manufacturers improve profitability and workforce. NJMEP consistently ranks in the top tier among similar companies, contributing to New Jersey's corporate interests valued at over $7 billion.

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Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

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Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com

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