Rebekah Zerby, a caregiver with Visiting Angels and an East Stroudsburg native, has been named one of 10 semifinalists nationwide for the organization’s seventh annual National Caregiver of the Year Award.
Zerby, who joined the organization in 2024, is also one of the top fundraisers for her local Walk to End Alzheimer’s team.
According to the press release announcing the 10 semifinalists, Zerby “is the kind of person who knows everyone has the opportunity to make a difference in the world around them, and she works hard to do just that.”
Zerby said she was overwhelmed when she first learned she had been selected as a semifinalist.
“I am so blessed and so happy to get this award, but still every single day I am in shock,” she said. “Just for doing my job, I got an award I’m still overwhelmed.”
For Zerby, caregiving is something that comes naturally.
“In my everyday life, I’ve always tried to care and to help others,” she said. “And that really was a big inspiration to become a caregiver for visiting Angels, ’cause I care every day. I might as well put it to work in someone who needs it.”
Throughout her time as a caregiver, she said she has experienced many meaningful moments with families. She recalled a time when a family became emotional, expressing how grateful they were for her support.
“They were just thankful that someone was there that they could trust,” Zerby said. “So they could leave the home and do what they needed to do without having to stress or worry, because I was there.”
In addition to her caregiving work, Zerby is also dedicated to raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease, a cause that is personal to her. She said she has had loved ones, neighbors and clients affected by the disease.
“It is not only heart-wrenching for people to go through it because they’re confused, but to watch someone go through it is horrible,” she said. “It’s not easy to watch, it’s not easy to have, and there’s no cure, but we can make it better.”
Through her involvement in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Zerby said she sees the impact of those efforts firsthand.
“When you go to the walk, you’re not just walking and raising money, you’re seeing what you’re doing,” she said. “Every penny that we raise matters. You never know if it’s going to be you or someone you love.”
As more seniors choose to age at home, Zerby said it’s important for families to understand the role caregivers play and the importance of finding the right fit.
“People think they can just pick anyone, but that’s not true,” she said. “It takes the right match. It may not be the first caregiver you get. It may take a few tries to find the perfect fit.”
Zerby said her approach to caregiving is rooted in simple, everyday acts of kindness.
“It starts with opening the door for someone whose hands are full at the grocery store,” she said. “You take that act of kindness and just continue with it every day.”
“I really do love caring and helping others,” she added. “It’s an everyday thing for me. I just try to do my best.”
At the end of the day, Zerby said what makes her work meaningful is the difference she can make in people’s lives.
“Just to see families happy and to make a difference in their lives,” she said, “that’s everything.”
