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mad mitch

@maddiemitch.bsky.social

654 followers 118 following 125 posts

National Reporter for USA TODAY, covering Women & the Caregiver Economy • passionate about Taylor Swift, running, yoga, books & Chicago pizza • also a playwright & theatre artist • she/her

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Today’s moms are getting creative in order to earn an income and pursue their careers while parenting. Just ask these moms, one of whom is breastfeeding from 700 miles away so she can pursue dentistry. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

Long-distance breastfeeding? How today’s moms are making it work.

Some mothers today are getting creative to continue pursuing their career dreams while still focusing on parenting. Here's how.

Reposted by mad mitch

A Better Balance @abetterbalance.org · 08/09/2026

Breaking: Our new class action lawsuit against Amazon highlights abusive treatment of pregnant warehouse workers nationwide. Our clients are seeking justice and policy changes at the corporate giant. Read more from @usatoday.com @maddiemitch.bsky.social: www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...

Exclusive: Amazon punished pregnant workers for taking breaks, lawsuit alleges

A class action lawsuit filed against Amazon alleges the company failed to make basic workplace accommodations for thousands pregnant employees.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Stacy Gooden-Crandle would have never guessed when her son was born at 2 lbs, 9 oz that he'd grow up to be Super Bowl champion Derick Hall. "We never talk about what a NICU parent goes through," she said. She's trying to change that. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

Her son was born at 2.5 pounds. Now he’s a Super Bowl champion.

Stacy Gooden-Crandle was terrified when her son was born at 23 weeks weighing 2 pounds, 9 ounces. Now, he's a star in the NFL.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Modern parenting is hell. The birthday parties are outrageous. The screentime debate is almost as hot as the co-sleeping debate. Oh, and there’s the mental load. "We’ve made it impossible on purpose," said Reshma Saujani, CEO of Moms First. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... @usatoday.com

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Last year, while in the throes of homelessness, Johnika Jamison said she "didn't even feel like a mom." This Mother's Day, thanks to generous readers who raised $65K in a GoFundMe, she and her family have a place to call home. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

What's it like when hundreds of mom influencers get together for a weekend? I found out. Read about the world of momfluencing in my latest for @usatoday.com www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...

Dr. Becky, an influencer summit and how some moms are making big bucks

What happens when hundreds of mom influencers get together for a weekend? USA TODAY got an inside look.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Bernice is dying of cancer. Her daughter Teresa helped her get the paperwork she needed for medical aid in dying. “For me, there's always hope, right?" Teresa said. Now, her priority is to give her mom “the best life while she's here." www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

She insisted on medical aid in dying. Her daughter had to tell the rest of the family.

Teresa Rodriguez's mother is dying of cancer. Like other caregivers to those who insist on medical aid in dying, Rodriguez is facing grief and guilt.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Between taking in her mother-in-law and having her first child, Deanna Adkins accumulated thousands of dollars in debt. "It's hard to have any hope that I will get out of this trap," she said. Other sandwich generation caregivers understand. www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Camilla Luddington, who plays Dr. Jo on "Grey's Anatomy," says her own life has mirrored her character's in some ways. "There were episodes where I was up all night with my son and breastfeeding, and (Jo) was up all night," she said. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

How 'Grey's Anatomy' star juggles work and motherhood, just like Dr. Jo

Camilla Luddington, best known for her role as Dr. Jo Wilson on "Grey's Anatomy," shares how she juggles work and parenthood in real life.

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

I interviewed actress and comedian Alyssa Limperis this week about grief, humor and what she's learned since her dad died 10 years ago. Grief and heartache can live in you, she said. "So if you're not getting it out, you're carrying it." www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via

Her dad died, and she can't stop laughing about it. Other caregivers know why.

Like so many caregivers, comedian Alyssa Limperis finds humor in her grief. She's using that humor to raise funds for a grief and hospice nonprofit.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

In 2018, pregnant with her third child, Kate Ames was exhausted. Already the mom of a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old, her friends and family told her fatigue was just part of motherhood. She actually had mold illness. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

Doctors blamed her symptoms on motherhood. She actually had mold illness.

Kate Ames spent years battling chronic symptoms like fatigue and joint pain. She later learned there was mold in her home that was making her sick.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Their kids hated school. So these moms became homeschool teachers. "The world is just not set up for working parents, especially mothers," said Andrea Granieri, mother of a 10-year-old with autism. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

Their kids hated school. So these moms became homeschool teachers.

Lindsay Poveromo-Joly said her daughter would cry under her desk avoiding schoolwork. Her pediatrician was the first person who took it seriously.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Anita LeBrun, a senior living resident, is going viral for her "Grandparents' Happy Hour" bill testimony. "My friends and I love happy hour, just like many of you do," she said. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

Testimony for Minnesota's 'Grandparents' Happy Hour' bill is going viral

Minnesota's proposed “Grandparents’ Happy Hour” bill would allow group homes to serve alcohol to residents and their guests.

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

I interviewed Katie Couric last week! We talked about her late husband, Jay, who died when her girls were still little, and the joys of aging and being a grandparent that she wishes he was around to experience, too. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

Katie Couric on aging, being a grandmother and the importance of early cancer screenings

Katie Couric tells USA TODAY about the joys of aging, being a grandmother and why early cancer screening is important – so others can age well, too.

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

week 3 of living in nyc (!!!) & yesterday a tourist asked me for subway directions and I knew the answer 😎 loving it here so far. if you’re in the caregiving space in nyc, drop me a line! also hoping to connect with more creatives/playwrights/theatre artists here. dms open!

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

The U.S. birth rate is declining - but fertility among women 40+ is on the rise. "I feel like I'm more stable financially, mentally, physically in my 40s than I was in my younger years," said Sherita Coardes, a 44-year-old mom of 2. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

IVF, 'God's timing' and why more women over 40 are becoming first-time moms

While birth rates are down in the United States and across the globe, fertility rates have risen among American women 40 and older.

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

"It was really hard and scary to find the help we need," said Stephanie Bohn, founder of TrulyCare and mom to a teen with a rare disorder. "My daughter cannot do anything for herself. She relies on us for everything. It is always on my mind." www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

She’s doing everything she can to seem OK. But this mom’s 13-year-old is slowly dying.

Tasha Faruqui, 44, is a working mom in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her daughter, 13-year-old Soraya, is dying of a rare disease.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

The Brewers are a "one and done family, not by choice." Kailah Brewer, 32, wants a second baby. But even with $100k/year, her family can't afford it. When she sees pronatalism news, she said it "feels like a slap in the face." www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

They want a second baby. But even with $100K, they can't afford it.

Some women who want to grow their families are choosing not to because of affordability, lack of access to maternal health care and other fears.

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

President Donald Trump has made it no secret he wants a baby boom. Is it here? Certainly within his administration, it seems to be. More widely, however, that question is complicated, experts say. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

President Donald Trump wanted a baby boom. Is it here?

Trump has said he wants a baby boom. Is it here? Within his administration, it seems to be. More widely, however, the answer is complicated.

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Actress Yvette Nicole Brown on caring for her father, who has Alzheimer's disease: "I was one of those people that had vowed that my dad would never be outside of my home. But to keep him in my home right now would have been a detriment to him." www.usatoday.com/story/entert... via @usatoday.com

The emotional choice Yvette Nicole Brown made while caring for her dad

Yvette Nicole Brown is sharing her caregiving story so other family caregivers feel less alone. Her dad has Alzheimer's disease.

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Most states don't guarantee paid parental leave for teachers, leaving many needing to choose between their students and their own kids. "I put my heart and soul into teaching... But, I mean, I'm a mom first, and so I had to choose them." www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

When they became moms, these teachers were left with few options. Some quit.

Teachers aren't guaranteed paid parental leave in most states. For some, it's enough to leave the profession altogether.

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Tiffany Barrera, 31, is a recently widowed mother of five. Her partner, who was the primary breadwinner for their family, died while trying to cross the Rio Grande after he was deported in November. "He did everything for us," Barrera said. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

He was deported, then he died. Now his family of 6 is reeling.

Jose Sanchez died trying to cross the Rio Grande after he was deported in November. Now his partner is adjusting to life as a single mom of five.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

People talk about finding "the one" romantically. But what happens when "the one" becomes your caregiver? Is love enough to get you through? "Love is not a plan. That's not a plan for long-term care," said author and sociologist Laura Mauldin. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... @usatoday.com

She loved her partner. But was that enough to stay through cancer care?

Laura Mauldin cared for her sick partner in the early 2000s. In her new book, she talks about the intersection of love, care and the need for support.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

When Jennifer Taylor found out she had cancer, she didn't want her husband to come with her to chemo. She wanted her best friend. "It's girl time," her BFF, Adrien Finkel, said. "There's something about the gathering of women that is so healing." www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

She brought her bestie with her to chemo, not her husband. Why female friendships matter.

Jennifer Taylor was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2025. Her best friend, Adrien Finkel, has been with her through everything.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

In many ways, Savannah Guthrie's story reads like a Hollywood script -- it's unfathomable to the average American. But anyone who's experienced the struggles of caring for an aging parent from afar can relate, on some level. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

Savannah Guthrie, her missing mom and why so many feel her pain

Savannah Guthrie lives in New York. Her mom lives in Arizona. Other long-distance caregivers feel her pain, guilt and worry.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Hi, friends. I'm writing about aging adults and screen time -- particularly sandwich generation folks worried their parents are getting sucked into online conspiracies. If you have a personal story to tell about this, I'm listening. Message me here or email me at memitchell@usatoday.com.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

"He was in the NICU longer than he was at our house, by the time I started work. He probably knew the nurses better than he knew me, you know?" Colorado and Illinois recently passed protections for working NICU parents. Read more about it here: www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

Having grandchildren is good for you, experts say. New research has even found being an active grandparent may slow cognitive decline. Read more about how grandparenting is good for you, here: www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

Helping to raise your grandchildren? It's good for your brain.

Helping to care for grandchildren can slow cognitive decline in older adults, per new research.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

You've heard of helicopter parents. But what about helicopter grandparents? Some grandparents "forget that there's a whole parent world that they need to respect," said psychologist Dale Atkins. "They're not your children." www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

What to do when helicopter grandparents upend your parenting

You've heard of helicopter parents. But what about helicopter grandparents? Experts say grandparents' anxiety can lead to crossed boundaries.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

Her kids were in Seattle. Her parents were in India. She cared for them all. "I feel now that maybe I didn't give my full attention to my two girls, because I feel like I was worried for my parents," said Tej Pillai, 55. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

She was raising kids while traveling non-stop to care for her parents. It's not uncommon.

Tej Pillai, 55, flew from Seattle to India every four months for about seven years to care for her aging parents.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

The summer camp signup frenzy is in full swing. Registration for Anne Moore's daughter starts at 8 a.m. "By 8:10, they're full." "If I happen to be in a meeting for work, then I miss that opportunity," she said. Read more in my latest for @usatoday.com: www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...

Summer camp is supposed to be fun. Why has it become parents' biggest stressor?

For some moms, the emails arrive in early December. "SUMMER CAMP 2026!" reads the subject line. When did summer camp signup get so stressful?

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

Ashley Tisdale left her "toxic" mom group. Should you? "There is just an enormous amount of pressure on mothers to get everything right," said parent group researcher Maia Cucchiara. "And I think it makes parenting really hard for people." www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

Ashley Tisdale, Hilary Duff’s husband and why modern parenting is so messy

Parenting is hard enough, without all of the drama. While some mom groups start out to be fun and inclusive, they don't always stay that way.

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

After a story we published in @usatoday.com last month about Johnika Jamison and her family battling homelessness, her GoFundMe raised $60K. Other readers told me they're struggling, too. Here are some of their stories: www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...

She survived a hurricane, cancer and a heart attack. Now she's facing eviction.

Sonya Ross, 42, survived Hurricane Ida in August of 2021. More than four years and a heart attack later, she and her two kids are facing eviction.

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

I'm 28. Recently an AI tool told me I'll need long term care help when I turn 86, and it'll cost $10 million. Is it too early to start saving? If there's one thing I've learned covering caregiving for @usatoday.com, it's that planning is essential. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...

A new AI tool predicts when you'll be in a nursing home. Here's what it told me.

I used an AI tool to predict my long term care needs, including if and when I'll need help bathing and eating, and how much that care will cost.

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

She was a school counselor for a decade. Now, her family of 5 is homeless. "Things are really the worst that they've ever been," Johnika Jamison, 38, says. "And it's really linked to me having to care for everybody else." www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

She was a school counselor for a decade. Now, her family of 5 is homeless.

Most Americans are one crisis away from homelessness. Nika Jamison and her family in Charlotte, North Carolina are living that reality.

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

More than 1 in 5 child care workers are immigrants. New data from @NewAmerica shows increased ICE activity has led to 39,000 fewer foreign-born child care workers and, in turn, 77,000 fewer working moms. "It's absolutely chilling." www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Ed Bambas is 88 and still working. A viral TikTok is helping him retire. www.usatoday.com/story/money/... via @usatoday.com

He's 88, working full-time and struggling to retire. A viral video changed everything.

Ed Bambas, 88, works 40-hour weeks at his local Meijer in Detroit. After a video about him went viral, generous strangers stepped in to help.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

We asked readers what would make caregiving easier. Hundreds of you responded, dreaming of free mental health counseling, universal respite care and more. Are those things possible? I spoke with care and policy experts to find out. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

Caregivers need a break, therapy and pay. Is America on track to help?

In response to a USA TODAY survey on caregiving, readers told us what solutions they'd like to see in the care space. Are those solutions feasible?

Reposted by mad mitch

Harry Wallop @harrywallop.co.uk · 02/12/2025

Great culture can save lives. Literally. Amazing letter in today’s @thetimes.com about Tom Stoppard

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

She cared for her dad while going through her own chemo. He's 34, afraid no employers will want him once he's done caring for his mom. She's a sandwich generation mom, and the weight of care sent her to the hospital. This is caregiving in America: www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... @usatoday.com

Her baby was born at 26 weeks. She was expected to work from the hospital.

Nearly 450 readers responded to a USA TODAY survey about caregiving. Here's what they said about The Cost of Care.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Hi there! I'm looking to talk with parents of adult children who still pay for their adult kids' big-ticket extra expenses (birthday parties, vacations, etc.). If you're interested in talking with me for this story, message me at memitchell@usatoday.com.

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Not everyone can recreate their childhood home like Chris Hemsworth did in his new film. But families can easily use reminiscence therapy with their loved ones who have dementia. Here's how: www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

Chris Hemsworth uses 'reminiscence therapy' to help his dad's Alzheimer's

What is reminiscence therapy? It's the approach Chris Hemsworth is using to fight his father's Alzheimer's disease in his new documentary.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

Zohran Mamdani promised New Yorkers free child care. Is that even possible? It won't be easy, and it won't happen overnight. But "it seems, for the first time, that the political stars are almost in alignment," said Alyson Silkowski of @newamerica.org. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... @usatoday.com

Mamdani says he'll bring free child care to NYC. It's not easy, but is it possible?

Zohran Mamdani, mayor-elect for New York City, campaigned for free child care. Experts say this dream is attainable within the next five years.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

It's World Kindness Day. I spoke with kindness experts (yes, those exist!) about how being kind and caring is good for you -- reducing stress, increasing happiness and collaboration and even leading to physical health benefits like better immunity. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

If you’re not nice, you shouldn't live here. This is the kindest neighborhood in America.

Residents of this California community have a kindness pledge. Here's why, and why being kind is good for you.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

A documentary following Chris Hemsworth on a road trip with his dad comes out Nov. 23. His dad has Alzheimer's disease. "I just find myself wanting to spend more time with him," Hemsworth said. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

Chris Hemsworth, Alzheimer's and why Hollywood is suddenly obsessed with caregiving

A new documentary featuring Chris Hemsworth and his father will be available for streaming on Disney Plus and Hulu on Nov. 23.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

"My father waited until 10 days before he died to tell me how he wanted to handle his end of life." The sandwich generation is feeling financial & emotional strain as families have difficult conversations about care for aging parents. www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

Older Americans want to age at home. Their kids are suffering to help them.

New data shows 70% of caregivers don't want their aging parents to move in. But the financial tolls of caregiving often lead to just that.

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

Caregivers are in crisis. How bad it is depends on where you live. "When financial strain hits 59% of family caregivers in Georgia compared to just 34% in Minnesota... it's clear that patchwork state solutions aren't enough." -Jason Resendez www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

Caregivers are in crisis. How bad it is depends on where you live, new data shows.

Newly released data from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving shows state-by-state caregiving dilemmas.

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mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

Kevin Tang is a 13-year-old scientist from California. When his grandmother fell 5 years ago, he got an idea. His fall detection invention landed him $25,000 and the title of "America's Top Young Scientist." Read about Kevin and his invention: www.usatoday.com/story/life/h... via @usatoday.com

A 13-year-old invented a new technology to help his family. It actually works.

Kevin Tang is an eighth-grader in California who won $25,000 and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” for his science fair project.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

Frankie Acevedo's 5-year-old wants to be near him all the time, whether he's in the kitchen, backyard or even in the bathroom. Does that make his son a Velcro kid? Or is Frankie a Velcro parent? And what if Frankie wants a moment to himself? Read about it here: www.usatoday.com/story/life/h...

Millennials might be raising 'Velcro kids.' What does that mean and is it a bad thing?

While the term "Velcro parents" isn't as established as other parenting styles, it is gaining traction on social media.

mad mitch @maddiemitch.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

SAHMs and empty nesters are at a disadvantage in the job market. "One of the biggest barriers is creating a resume. If you haven't been in the workforce for 20 years... it's like, 'Oh my God, how do I even get started on that?'" -Business strategist Scott Siff www.usatoday.com/story/money/...

She left the workforce for 11 years to raise her sons. Now, she’s a CEO.

Susan De Marco is CEO of Brand K Partners, an accounting solutions firm for nonprofits in New Jersey. Here's how she landed the gig.