The Urgent Need...
Our beloved Reverend Ernie, who spent his life giving his wisdom, compassion, money, and home to anyone in need, now faces an urgent crisis! Diagnosed with progressive Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, he requires 24/7 care and specialized supervision. Sadly, we have completely exhausted our personal financial resources, and urgently need your help to keep Ernie safe and cared for at home.
About Reverend Ernie...
If you ever turned to Reverend Ernie for guidance, you already know the profound depth of his compassion.
You might know him from his beloved days at Amherst College, his competitive spirit on the tennis courts, or his decades of dedicated ministerial work with The Centers for Spiritual Living. To us, he is a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather.
Ernie has spent his life unselfishly giving his time, money, and prayers to others. He even opened his home to several people experiencing homelessness. Now, it is our turn to be his safety net.
The Current Reality...
Ernie completed 18 months of medical infusions to try to slow the disease. Because this is a progressive, degenerative condition with no cure, our primary focus now is keeping his mind and body as active as possible.
We go to the library regularly, occasionally walk on the beach in the early mornings, or just take a short drive along the ocean for fresh air. Also, Ernie is working on writing another book to keep his mind sharp.
To provide this constant supervision and care, I have stepped away from my career. While the emotional toll is heavy, the financial reality is completely overwhelming.
Why We Urgently Need $250,000*...
Medicare and Medicaid do not cover long-term personal care or supervision. To give you context on the extraordinary out-of-pocket costs we are facing:
- Specialized In-Home Care: approximately $80,000 per year.
- Memory Care Units: run approximately $8,500 per month.
- Assisted Living Care: run approximately $75,000 per year.
- Nursing Home Care: run approximately $119,700 per year.
Our immediate goal is to raise $250,000* to provide Ernie with the necessary in-home care, active day care, as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapies, specialized medications, home safety modifications, and companion transport to his appointments. This will keep him comfortable at home until he is ready for transition into a specialized facility.
(*Kindly Note: Your donations are tax deductible. Should you require a confirmation letter for the IRS please email me noting "IRS Donation Letter Request" in the subject line.)
How Your Donation Makes a Tangible Difference...
Every single dollar goes directly to Ernie’s daily care and safety:
- $175 sponsors 1 full day of Adult Day Care, giving Ernie vital engagement and providing crucial caregiver respite.
- $1,500 covers 1 full week (40 hours) of necessary non-medical home care to keep him safe.
- Any amount helps cover immediate out-of-pocket costs like Medicare co-pays, gas for medical appointments, safety modifications, and medications and supplements.
How You Can Help Right Now...
- Donate: If you are able to give, any amount will ease a tremendous financial burden.
- Share: If you cannot give at this time, please share this link with your networks, your church community, and your friends. Also, please post to Facebook, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, or via email.
- Pray: Keep Ernie and our family in your daily prayers.
We sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your enduring love, prayers, and generosity, Ernie & Mary Chu
Organizer
