11-Year-Old Becomes Mother's Caregiver After Botched Surgery

Botched spinal surgery left 11-year-old Feylyn Lewis caring for her disabled mother, sparking a lifelong mission to support young caregivers.

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Sep 26, 2026

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11-Year-Old Becomes Mother's Caregiver After Botched Surgery

Botched spinal surgery left 11-year-old Feylyn Lewis caring for her disabled mother, sparking a lifelong mission to support young caregivers.

In brief

Botched spinal surgery left 11-year-old Feylyn Lewis caring for her disabled mother, sparking a lifelong mission to support young caregivers. Feylyn Lewis, now a PhD social worker, transformed her childhood role as caregiver into a national initiative helping young caregivers. Originally reported by Woman's World.

Botched Surgery

Feylyn, her brother Ferrell and their mother, a year before the surgery changed all of their lives

At 11, Feylyn Lewis became full-time caregiver after her mother's spinal surgery failed.

“God, please give my moms pain to me so she doesn't have to go through this anymore”

Mother's Disability

Dr. Feylyn Lewis helps guide and support hundreds of young caregivers online and in-person at events like ALTER Dementia's annual Youth Caregiving Track

Her mother lost mobility and couldn't return to her nursing career.

Brother's Response

Feylyn's 18-year-old brother dropped out of college to help pay the mortgage.

Caregiving Role

Caregiving Role

Feylyn managed her mother's bathing, dressing, and medications daily.

Lifelong Mission

Feylyn with her husband, Thomas, and mother, Darline, with her award for Outstanding Active Member of the Junior League of Nashville

Feylyn earned a PhD to help young caregivers find strength and hope.

Current Impact

She leads Tennessee's first support group for young caregivers and impacts hundreds globally.

“We need to ensure young caregivers have the support they need”

What to remember

Feylyn Lewis, now a PhD social worker, transformed her childhood role as caregiver into a national initiative helping young caregivers.

Read the original on Woman's World

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