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@essence @thegreatisnate this article brings me to tears. Thank you for giving me a safe space to say things I’ve never said in an interview before.

For the full article, go to the link in my bio.
https://www.essence.com/entertainment/being-brandee-evans/

#Caregiver #MultipleSclerosis #Alzheimers

@essence @thegreatisnate this article brings me to tears. Thank you for giving me a safe space to say things I’ve never said in an interview before.

For the full article, go to the link in my bio.
https://www.essence.com/entertainment/being-brandee-evans/

#Caregiver #MultipleSclerosis #Alzheimers

@essence @thegreatisnate this article brings me to tears. Thank you for giving me a safe space to say things I’ve never said in an interview before.

For the full article, go to the link in my bio.
https://www.essence.com/entertainment/being-brandee-evans/

#Caregiver #MultipleSclerosis #Alzheimers

The hardest part is leaving momma… But, I know it will be worth it. I’mma get us that house ma.

For the caregivers who have to leave their loved ones behind to work… I see you. I understand. We’ve got this.

I’ll be back soon momma.

#CaregiverStrong #CaringAcrossGenerations #Caregiver

#MultipleSclerosis #Alzheimers

Tomorrow, December 21, 2023 makes 7 years since I took my Momma out of that nursing home on a late night in Memphis Tennessee, and moved her to Los Angeles, California.

Thank you God, I know I would not have made it this far without you.

I will NEVER regret that decision. Life is better with you Momma! 🤗

#YouOnlyGetOneMom

Song “Trade it All” by my friend @pjmorton

#MultipleSclerosis #Alzheimers #CaregiverStrong 🫶🏾 @caringacrossgen

A lot of people DM me and ask, “How do you do it? How do you care for your mom and still have a career?”

The answer is God. Because anything else is beyond me.

This is a real life moment from last night. I was shooting an audition. Around 1 AM, my mom started screaming. (No, she was not in pain. She didn’t even know she was screaming.)
This has been happening for the last month, almost 24 hours a day.

I don’t know the last time I’ve had more than three hours of sleep without being awakened by her screams or cries.

I wait until she goes to sleep to do my tapes, then try to move fast before she wakes up and starts screaming again. I sleep with earplugs now, but only one, because I have to be able to tell the difference between an involuntary scream and a pain scream. My brain is never off.

Yes, it’s hard to be creative. But it’s still possible.

This is dementia.

And this is what it looks like trying to be a working actor and a caregiver at the same time.

If you’re in this too, I see you. You are not alone. ❤️

Ps. Get creative with your hair too because I literally had no time to do my hair for this and tape it before momma started screaming… 🫠

Thank you @maneassisthair for coming over after a full day of work and helping me tape multiple auditions and trying to soothe my mom at the same time. #MyTribe🫂
#Caregiving #Dementia #Alzheimers #MultipleSclerosis

Move ft. @iamluckydaye OUT NOW!!! Head to our YouTube for the full video! #tankandthebangas #bangaville #NewMusic

UPDATE
*YES she knows I’m her daughter. She just doesn’t understand my new profession… acting. In her mind, I’m still a choreographer. She once asked me if I was headed to dance practice. Hehe*
_____
People always ask me if my mom knows what I do. For a long time I’d say, “I don’t really think so.” But over these last few months, as both her Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s have progressed, I’ve realized… now I know for a fact she really doesn’t.

It was sad for a minute, and sometimes it still is. But I’ve learned to lean into the joy, the laughter, and the moments we still get to share. Just reminding her, loving on her, and being present every chance I get.

Caregiving looks different every day…

And tonight I’m smiling at the thought that my Momma said, “an actress rather.” That alone reminded me her brain is still working and she’s still present with me in her own way. She doesn’t have to know I’m an actor, I just love hearing her use her words.

#MultipleSclerosis #Alzheimers #Caregiving #Caregiver

Follow me if you’re not for updates.
It’s almost time…
Love, Mercedes 😘
#PValley coming in 2026

I was still trying to process being cast on my favorite show.
Still trying to process them telling me I’d be in 2–3 episodes… and ending up in seven.
Still trying to process that cliffhanger in the season finale (thank you, Raamla Mohamed 😩 @dramaraamla).

And now I don’t even know how to process being nominated in a category filled with people I watched and loved long before I ever thought I’d be an actor.

Thank you @naacpimageawards, @Hulu, @SimpsonStreet, @OnyxCollective, @kerrywashington, @feliciajo__, @keionah_lee, @innovativeartists @raquelgardnerofficial @terrijvaughn (My episode 6 director) for believing in me.

I am grateful.
Lord, I thank You.
Just to be recognized is a blessing.

Congratulations to all of the nominees. 🖤

#NAACPImageAwards #ReasonableDoubt

💜💜#GIWMA 💜💜

Photographer @mr_dadams
Creative Director: @fernlegadoe
Custom look by @bishme_cromartie
Stylist Assistant: @phoennixroyal
Hair @maneassisthair
Makeup @hotlikefirre

Jewels: @alexisbittar
Shoes: @jimmychoo
Glasses: @Swarovski

💜💜#GIWMA 💜💜

Photographer @mr_dadams
Creative Director: @fernlegadoe
Custom look by @bishme_cromartie
Stylist Assistant: @phoennixroyal
Hair @maneassisthair
Makeup @hotlikefirre

Jewels: @alexisbittar
Shoes: @jimmychoo
Glasses: @Swarovski

💜💜#GIWMA 💜💜

Photographer @mr_dadams
Creative Director: @fernlegadoe
Custom look by @bishme_cromartie
Stylist Assistant: @phoennixroyal
Hair @maneassisthair
Makeup @hotlikefirre

Jewels: @alexisbittar
Shoes: @jimmychoo
Glasses: @Swarovski

💜💜#GIWMA 💜💜

Photographer @mr_dadams
Creative Director: @fernlegadoe
Custom look by @bishme_cromartie
Stylist Assistant: @phoennixroyal
Hair @maneassisthair
Makeup @hotlikefirre

Jewels: @alexisbittar
Shoes: @jimmychoo
Glasses: @Swarovski

💜💜#GIWMA 💜💜

Photographer @mr_dadams
Creative Director: @fernlegadoe
Custom look by @bishme_cromartie
Stylist Assistant: @phoennixroyal
Hair @maneassisthair
Makeup @hotlikefirre

Jewels: @alexisbittar
Shoes: @jimmychoo
Glasses: @Swarovski

💜💜#GIWMA 💜💜

Photographer @mr_dadams
Creative Director: @fernlegadoe
Custom look by @bishme_cromartie
Stylist Assistant: @phoennixroyal
Hair @maneassisthair
Makeup @hotlikefirre

Jewels: @alexisbittar
Shoes: @jimmychoo
Glasses: @Swarovski

💜💜#GIWMA 💜💜

Photographer @mr_dadams
Creative Director: @fernlegadoe
Custom look by @bishme_cromartie
Stylist Assistant: @phoennixroyal
Hair @maneassisthair
Makeup @hotlikefirre

Jewels: @alexisbittar
Shoes: @jimmychoo
Glasses: @Swarovski

💜💜#GIWMA 💜💜

Photographer @mr_dadams
Creative Director: @fernlegadoe
Custom look by @bishme_cromartie
Stylist Assistant: @phoennixroyal
Hair @maneassisthair
Makeup @hotlikefirre

Jewels: @alexisbittar
Shoes: @jimmychoo
Glasses: @Swarovski

💜💜#GIWMA 💜💜

Photographer @mr_dadams
Creative Director: @fernlegadoe
Custom look by @bishme_cromartie
Stylist Assistant: @phoennixroyal
Hair @maneassisthair
Makeup @hotlikefirre

Jewels: @alexisbittar
Shoes: @jimmychoo
Glasses: @Swarovski

💜💜#GIWMA 💜💜

Photographer @mr_dadams
Creative Director: @fernlegadoe
Custom look by @bishme_cromartie
Stylist Assistant: @phoennixroyal
Hair @maneassisthair
Makeup @hotlikefirre

Jewels: @alexisbittar
Shoes: @jimmychoo
Glasses: @Swarovski

@donyelledenise8 🕊️
My friend, my heart is shattered tonight. I miss you already in a way I cannot even explain, but I am grateful that you are finally resting and no longer in pain.

You loved so deeply and so honestly. You poured light into every room you entered and into every person blessed enough to know you. The strength, the humor, the honesty, the love… you gave it all, even when you were hurting.

Anyone who had the gift of calling you a friend experienced something rare and unforgettable. Thank you for your light, your truth, your kindness. Thank you for every real talk moment, every laugh, and every memory.

I will be holding you in my arms forever, friend. I love you.

12.2.25 8:34 AM 🕊️🫂

#CancerSucks #GIWMA

@donyelledenise8 🕊️
My friend, my heart is shattered tonight. I miss you already in a way I cannot even explain, but I am grateful that you are finally resting and no longer in pain.

You loved so deeply and so honestly. You poured light into every room you entered and into every person blessed enough to know you. The strength, the humor, the honesty, the love… you gave it all, even when you were hurting.

Anyone who had the gift of calling you a friend experienced something rare and unforgettable. Thank you for your light, your truth, your kindness. Thank you for every real talk moment, every laugh, and every memory.

I will be holding you in my arms forever, friend. I love you.

12.2.25 8:34 AM 🕊️🫂

#CancerSucks #GIWMA

@donyelledenise8 🕊️
My friend, my heart is shattered tonight. I miss you already in a way I cannot even explain, but I am grateful that you are finally resting and no longer in pain.

You loved so deeply and so honestly. You poured light into every room you entered and into every person blessed enough to know you. The strength, the humor, the honesty, the love… you gave it all, even when you were hurting.

Anyone who had the gift of calling you a friend experienced something rare and unforgettable. Thank you for your light, your truth, your kindness. Thank you for every real talk moment, every laugh, and every memory.

I will be holding you in my arms forever, friend. I love you.

12.2.25 8:34 AM 🕊️🫂

#CancerSucks #GIWMA

@donyelledenise8 🕊️
My friend, my heart is shattered tonight. I miss you already in a way I cannot even explain, but I am grateful that you are finally resting and no longer in pain.

You loved so deeply and so honestly. You poured light into every room you entered and into every person blessed enough to know you. The strength, the humor, the honesty, the love… you gave it all, even when you were hurting.

Anyone who had the gift of calling you a friend experienced something rare and unforgettable. Thank you for your light, your truth, your kindness. Thank you for every real talk moment, every laugh, and every memory.

I will be holding you in my arms forever, friend. I love you.

12.2.25 8:34 AM 🕊️🫂

#CancerSucks #GIWMA

@donyelledenise8 🕊️
My friend, my heart is shattered tonight. I miss you already in a way I cannot even explain, but I am grateful that you are finally resting and no longer in pain.

You loved so deeply and so honestly. You poured light into every room you entered and into every person blessed enough to know you. The strength, the humor, the honesty, the love… you gave it all, even when you were hurting.

Anyone who had the gift of calling you a friend experienced something rare and unforgettable. Thank you for your light, your truth, your kindness. Thank you for every real talk moment, every laugh, and every memory.

I will be holding you in my arms forever, friend. I love you.

12.2.25 8:34 AM 🕊️🫂

#CancerSucks #GIWMA

@donyelledenise8 🕊️
My friend, my heart is shattered tonight. I miss you already in a way I cannot even explain, but I am grateful that you are finally resting and no longer in pain.

You loved so deeply and so honestly. You poured light into every room you entered and into every person blessed enough to know you. The strength, the humor, the honesty, the love… you gave it all, even when you were hurting.

Anyone who had the gift of calling you a friend experienced something rare and unforgettable. Thank you for your light, your truth, your kindness. Thank you for every real talk moment, every laugh, and every memory.

I will be holding you in my arms forever, friend. I love you.

12.2.25 8:34 AM 🕊️🫂

#CancerSucks #GIWMA

@donyelledenise8 🕊️
My friend, my heart is shattered tonight. I miss you already in a way I cannot even explain, but I am grateful that you are finally resting and no longer in pain.

You loved so deeply and so honestly. You poured light into every room you entered and into every person blessed enough to know you. The strength, the humor, the honesty, the love… you gave it all, even when you were hurting.

Anyone who had the gift of calling you a friend experienced something rare and unforgettable. Thank you for your light, your truth, your kindness. Thank you for every real talk moment, every laugh, and every memory.

I will be holding you in my arms forever, friend. I love you.

12.2.25 8:34 AM 🕊️🫂

#CancerSucks #GIWMA

@donyelledenise8 🕊️
My friend, my heart is shattered tonight. I miss you already in a way I cannot even explain, but I am grateful that you are finally resting and no longer in pain.

You loved so deeply and so honestly. You poured light into every room you entered and into every person blessed enough to know you. The strength, the humor, the honesty, the love… you gave it all, even when you were hurting.

Anyone who had the gift of calling you a friend experienced something rare and unforgettable. Thank you for your light, your truth, your kindness. Thank you for every real talk moment, every laugh, and every memory.

I will be holding you in my arms forever, friend. I love you.

12.2.25 8:34 AM 🕊️🫂

#CancerSucks #GIWMA

Tonight Momma made me smile so big with the cutest comment. ☺️

She was watching #Wicked part 1 with her caregiver, but when I walked by she looked sad, so I asked if she wanted to come sit with me. I was in my room trying to unpack and clean up. When I brought her in, she told me she didn’t understand why she was green. I thought she hated the movie at first.🤣 I would have gagged because I had plans of taking her to the movies to see part 2.

I am so glad I captured this memory on the last day of #CaregiverAppreciationMonth.

Now I definitely have to plan a movie day for part two so she can finally see why Elphaba is actually green. 😉

#Caregiver #MultipleSclerosis #Alzheimers

It is National Caregiving Month, and @therealbrandee opens up about being a caregiver to her mother and how she balances her career with her duties as a daughter. "Check on us too, because we ain't alright all the time!"