Elder Care for Mom

Dear folks,

I've been moved and astonished by the generosity of so many of you. I'm now at about 1/3 mark toward my goal of $3,945! I'm hoping some of you who get this second mailing will be able to contribute whatever you can to get me that much closer.

Thank you!

The photo is of Mom and me when I was 11 months old. Mom is now 94. Although the apartment she shares with my disabled brother is modest, Mom takes pride in being a sixty-year resident of Hyde Park.

However, Mom will have to say goodbye to Hyde Park to get the level of care she needs. Cataracts and glaucoma impair her sight. She has a large hearing loss, and a half-dozen other major medical issues. Due to arthritis, she uses a walker to get around the apartment.

The arthritis affects her whole body: formerly a record-setting typist, she can no longer type at all. Most concerning, arthritis plus the side effects of medications have led to several bad falls.  

My brother is a functioning adult with a form of autism. He will be deeply affected by this change in Mom's living situation.

I'll need to be in Chicago for several weeks. I'll meet with her doctors, her attorney, social workers, and other professionals who will assess her needs.  I need to raise money for meals and incidentals, lodging, and social service and legal advice --$3945 altogether.  This total far exceeds my fixed income and personal resources.

I'm asking you, and others in Pilar's and my community of friends and family, to contribute $20.00 or more each.

What can I offer in return? I can offer our immense gratitude.  Please feel free to call if you have any questions, advice, or words of encouragement. I hope to hear from everyone before October 21.

With deep appreciation and friendship, 

Eric