Across the Globe, children are caring for those living with neurological conditions.
Yet their needs are overlooked.
At GNYC, we’re changing that.
Our Origins
Grounded in Clinical Experience
GNYC was established to address a critical and often overlooked need: the lack of resources and support for young caregivers of individuals with neurological conditions.
Grounded in years of clinical practice and research, the organization was born out of our body of evidence and direct experiences that revealed just how many children and youth are stepping into caregiving roles.
From its inception, GNYC has been committed to developing culturally relevant programs and tools to meet the needs of young caregivers around the world. This mission was shaped by the foundational research conducted Dr. Melinda S. Kavanaugh, which continues to inform GNYC’s global approach today.
A turning point in GNYC's growth came with the creation of LUKi & The Lights, a groundbreaking resource developed in collaboration with a family living with ALS and launched in partnership with the ALS Association. This project propelled GNYC’s mission onto the global stage, proving that with the right tools, young caregivers could be empowered no matter where they lived.
Through the use of visual storytelling without language, the film resonates with audiences worldwide and has been screened in over 20 countries and seen by more than 7,000 people.Â
Our Programs
A skills and support program for children and youth who provide care for persons living with an illness or injury.
We create engaging, accessible, and culturally sensitive books and materials to support young caregivers on their journey. From graphic novels and guides to resource toolkits, our materials are designed to help children, youth, and families better understand neurological conditions and navigate the challenges of caregiving.
We recognize that supporting young caregivers takes a community. That’s why we provide professional resources tailored for healthcare providers and organizations working with families affected by neurological conditions.
Research is our foundation. We are committed to building the understanding of the unique experiences young caregivers are faced with. The organization was born out of research and we continue to collaborate with global experts, healthcare professionals, and academic institutions to ensure our work reflects real-world challenges and delivers meaningful impact.
Support our Global ReachÂ
Neurological conditions impact families worldwide, yet young caregivers often lack the support they need. Your contributions enable us to:​
- Translate and adapt educational materials for diverse cultures.​
- Train healthcare professionals to better support young caregivers.​
- Expand programs like YCare to reach more communities.​
Meet the People Behind the Mission
GNYC was founded on the belief that young caregivers deserve to be seen, supported, and empowered. Our strength lies in uniting researchers, healthcare professionals, educators, and advocates who share that vision. Learn more about the dedicated team driving our work forward—one strategy, one solution, and one young caregiver at a time.