Anita's Journey: Facing Health Challenges

my mom has been dealing with health ailments, or “the buffet of maladies” as she calls it, for many, many years. She has Parkinson’s Disease, which is the root of her decline. In 2021, she took a downward turn when she fell out of bed in the early morning following a very vivid dream (a side effect of Parkinson’s). She broke her neck and had surgery a few months later. Since then, she has not been able to move well to keep her body flexible. Those who know her, know she is not one to sit still. She wants to be moving, cleaning, mowing the grass, something. She has taken many falls since then, some minor and a few that caused some fractured ribs and back bones. She has been on a feeding tube due to the inability to chew or swallow well.

My mom entered hospice care the Friday after Christmas 2024. Hospice will provide care for the root of her issues, Parkinson’s. They will not cover her formula, protein drinks to keep her weight up, or end-of-life items like funeral or cremation. They will cover comfort care, which is amazing. She will get her feeding tube removed within the first week of January and take her formula by mouth. That will make her more comfortable and take away the pain of the tube.

Dad has been her primary caregiver for months now. He has not worked the store at all; that has been my brother along with his full-time job. They closed the store for good the week before Christmas due to this.

We are asking for help to cover necessary expenses and cremation when the time comes. If you feel so inclined, they would greatly appreciate any help. Please pray that she is comfortable along this journey. Her spirit is still very strong.

thank you for you time to read this.