PRESS ALERT | January 19, 2026 | KVUE Midday News, an Austin, Texas-based television station, featured Madeleine Grace Asbell, a junior at Rouse High School in Leander ISD, who shared her experience as a Caregiving Youth while raising awareness of the estimated 5.4 million children in the United States providing care for ill, injured, disabled, or aging family members. During the segment, Madeleine shared information about the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), where she serves as a Caregiving Youth Ambassador for Texas, as a national resource for this hidden population.
The segment also highlighted Madeleine’s student-led initiative, Giving Grace: Advocating for Caregiving Youth, which has resulted in:
- A resolution passed by the Austin City Council directing the city manager to study the number of Caregiving Youth in Austin
- A partnership with the University of Texas at Austin Public Health to help identify Caregiving Youth locally
- An innovative pilot effort within Leander ISD, in partnership with AACY, to recognize caregiving responsibilities as eligible community service hours that can support academic credit, certifications, and scholarships
Watch the full segment:
KVUE Midday News, Local Teen Amplifies Hidden Challenges for Youth Caregivers
Published January 19, 2026
The American Association of Caregiving Youth recognizes and thanks Madeleine Grace Asbell for sharing her story as a Caregiving Youth and for her leadership in Texas, including her role in introducing this pilot program in Leander ISD.
Media Inquiries
For interviews or more information about Madeleine Grace Asbell’s advocacy work, please contact:
Jennifer Prescott, RN, MSN, CDP
Member, AACY National Advisory Council
Founder, Blue Water Homecare and Hospice
jen@bluewaterhomecare.com
AACY Media Contact
Sara Poole
National Advisory Council Chair, U.S. Development
American Association of Caregiving Youth
poole.sara@gmail.com
More information on the pilot program announcement and eligibility is available here.