Watching someone you love slowly lose their independence is one of the hardest things a family can face.
My father has been courageously enduring the physical limitations of late stage Parkinson’s disease, along with the daily challenges of living with a colostomy bag. These medical conditions require constant monitoring, assistance with daily activities, medication management, mobility support, and specialized personal care. Despite these challenges, he continues to show incredible strength, resilience, and determination to remain present with the people he loves.
As a retired Physical Education teacher and coach, much of his identity has always centered around sports and education, committed to keeping bodies healthy and strong. It breaks our hearts to see him unable to stand without assistance, no longer walk or drive, yet still correct his grandson’s running gait, provide pointers on how to catch and throw or dutifully watch from his chair as our son zooms ahead on his bike.
For the past two years, he has required 24-hour nursing care. Because of this care, he has been able to remain in the comfort, dignity, and familiarity of his own home...something that means everything to him.
He has also been able to retain a strong connection to his loving and supportive wife who handles more day to day than you can imagine.
He receives a monthly pension that helps cover part of the cost of his care, but there has been a significant monthly shortfall. Our family can contribute a portion of the deficit, but are humbly asking for additional support as we will not be able to sustain the full amount every month. Until now, he has been using his personal savings to make up the difference. After two full years of around-the-clock care, those savings are nearly gone.
My dad’s greatest wish is simple but deeply meaningful - he wants to stay in his home. It is where he feels safe, where he is surrounded by memories, and where he continues to find comfort and purpose each day. The reality is that moving to a nursing home would be devastating for his emotional well-being and quality of life. I fear he would lose his will to live.
We want to honor his wishes and give him the ability to remain where he feels most at peace.
We are raising funds to help cover the cost of his ongoing 24-hour home care so he can safely remain where he feels happiest. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will go directly toward paying the nursing staff for his 24-hour care.