At just 16 years old, Hailey Richman, from New York City, is already making an indelible mark on the world. As the founder of KidCaregivers and CEO of Puzzles to Remember, Hailey is transforming the way society approaches Alzheimer’s care, with a particular focus on supporting young caregivers and children affected by this devastating disease.
Hailey’s journey into the nonprofit world began when she was just eight years old, driven by a deep desire to support children who care for family members with Alzheimer’s. Recognizing the profound impact this disease has on families, especially young people who step into caregiving roles, Hailey founded KidCaregivers—a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young carers who are looking after grandparents with Alzheimer’s. The organization provides an invaluable resource in the form of an online support group where children and teenagers can connect with others going through similar experiences, sharing stories, advice, and comfort.
Under Hailey’s leadership, KidCaregivers has grown exponentially. What started as a small initiative has blossomed into an organization with a global reach, including more than 2,000 young volunteers across 63 countries. Hailey also spearheaded a remarkable program pairing young volunteers with people living with Alzheimer’s for puzzle-solving sessions. This initiative led to the distribution of over 136,000 jigsaw puzzles to more than 5,000 care homes worldwide, reaching upwards of 500,000 Alzheimer’s patients. The impact of this program has been nothing short of transformative for those living with Alzheimer’s, providing both cognitive stimulation and social interaction.
Hailey’s leadership extends beyond her own organizations. She has become a tireless advocate for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers, including speaking at Capitol Hill as the youngest advocate at the Alzheimer’s Summit. Through Puzzles to Remember, Hailey has appointed youth Puzzle Ambassadors in all 50 states and 16 countries, mobilizing young people to take action in their communities and support Alzheimer’s patients.
Hailey’s influence is also seen in her advocacy for youth volunteerism. She is passionate about providing marginalized youth with the opportunity to volunteer, creating initiatives that allow young people to give back to underserved communities. As a member of the National Youth Advisory Board of Multiplying Good, Hailey has led campaigns encouraging youth to volunteer and participate in community service projects.
In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Hailey is also dedicated to academic excellence. She currently conducts original research at the Tesar Research Lab, focusing on non-pharmacological interventions for Alzheimer’s patients. Her research has the potential to add significant value to the growing body of knowledge around Alzheimer’s treatment and care.
Hailey’s achievements have been widely recognized, with features in prominent outlets such as People, CBS News, ABC News, and Fox News. She has also spoken at Boston University’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, presenting on the therapeutic benefits of intergenerational puzzle-solving for Alzheimer’s patients.
Despite her busy schedule, Hailey’s dedication to making a difference remains unwavering. When asked about the impact of her work, she shares, “This award will help spread awareness but also inspire other young people around the world to do something to make a change.” It’s clear that Hailey is not only creating change in her own community but is also inspiring a generation of young leaders to get involved and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Hailey Richman’s story is a testament to the power of youth leadership and the potential for young people to drive social change. Through her nonprofits, research, and advocacy, Hailey is helping to redefine how we think about Alzheimer’s care, all while empowering other young people to follow in her footsteps and create lasting change.
