November 2026
For Cherie’ Wyatt, PACE Southeast Michigan has provided more than healthcare for her sister, Cindy. It has brought peace of mind, trusted support and the opportunity to simply enjoy being sisters again.
Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but as needs change, managing appointments, medications and transportation can become overwhelming. For Cherie’, helping her sister Cindy gradually became more difficult to manage alone. With Cherie’ and her husband, Michael, living in Seattle while Cindy remained in Michigan, coordinating Cindy’s healthcare from three time zones away added another challenge.
“We had it under control until we didn’t,” Cherie’ recalled.
After learning about PACE Southeast Michigan through a social worker, Cherie’ initially hesitated at the thought of changing doctors. But after visiting the Clinton Township center and learning about the program’s comprehensive support, she felt reassured.
“It was an answer to a prayer,” she said. Cindy enrolled in PACE in April 2025, giving her access to coordinated healthcare and support while giving her family quality time back.
Support from miles away
Before moving back to Michigan from Seattle, Cherie’ relied on Cindy’s primary nurse, Celestina, to help navigate appointments, coordinate care and answer questions. Even with the time difference, Cherie’ knew she had someone she could count on. Cherie’ described the PACE team as her “professional eyes and ears on the ground,” providing reassurance when she couldn’t be there in person.
Before PACE, Cindy frequently experienced panic attacks and called emergency services. With additional support, including help managing her medications, those calls became far less frequent. Cindy hasn’t called emergency support services in at least a year!
“I can sleep at night finally,” Cherie’ said.
More time to be sisters
With PACE helping coordinate Cindy’s care, Cherie’ no longer had to spend their time together focused on appointments and logistics. Now, with PACE Southeast Michigan supporting their family, the sisters can enjoy quality time together. They can now get their nails done, visit the park, watch movies and share laughs together without worrying about Cindy’s care.
For Cherie’, that change has been life changing. “Caregiving has its challenges,” she said. “As time goes on, your loved one’s needs change or your needs change. PACE was the perfect safety net for us.”
Her advice to other caregivers? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Finding support can make a difference not only in your loved one’s care, but also in your ability to be present for the moments that matter.
“I will give PACE this,” Cherie’ said. “They’ve given me my life back.”
For Cherie’ and Cindy, that means less time worrying about what comes next and more time enjoying the simple joys of being sisters.