In April 2023, Joan Pena-Ferrick was formally diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s dementia. Since then, her condition has progressed rapidly, and she is now in Stage 7 of the disease. As a result, Joan has become nearly nonverbal.

Prior to her diagnosis, Joan dedicated over 30 years of service to De Anza College’s Admissions and Records Department in Cupertino, California, where she supported countless students, including military veterans. She was known for her tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment. While raising her children and working full-time, Joan also earned her Associate of Arts degree. In addition, she volunteered as a softball coach for Santa Clara PAL, where her daughter was a player.

After retiring in November 2018, Joan enjoyed her well-earned retirement by taking short trips to Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, and Oregon to visit her daughter’s growing family. She cherished spending time with friends and loved ones.

In June 2024, Joan’s daughter, Kathrine, and son, Zackary, made the difficult decision to relocate Joan from her lifelong home in Santa Clara, California, to Corvallis, Oregon, so she could be closer to her daughter and five grandchildren. Zackary also moved to Oregon to continue supporting their mother.

Joan entered a memory care facility in July 2024 and initially participated in summer outings with family and fellow residents. However, in October 2024, her health began to decline rapidly due to a critical oversight: the facility failed to order her prescribed thyroid medication. This error nearly cost Joan her life. Over the following five months, her family witnessed her physical deterioration while the facility simultaneously increased the cost of her care. During this time, Kathrine persistently advocated for her mother, working with medical professionals to identify the cause of her decline. Monthly care expenses rose to $10,000, compounded by mounting medical bills.

Throughout her stay at the facility, Joan did not receive the level of care she deserved. Her hygiene needs were neglected, and she was heavily medicated to manage the pain resulting from the facility’s error. Numerous concerns raised during care meetings went unaddressed, and her physician was not present during these discussions. Kathrine devoted countless hours to managing finances and seeking alternative care options that would ensure Joan’s safety, dignity, and well-being.

As of mid-July 2025, Joan is finally receiving appropriate care thanks to a dedicated caregiver who has also advocated for further medical evaluation. Joan has been diagnosed with both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, in addition to degenerative disc disease. Her care journey remains ongoing, requiring frequent medical appointments and specialized support.

Joan’s family is humbly requesting assistance to help offset the substantial costs associated with her medical care and living expenses. Any contribution, regardless of size, would be deeply appreciated and will directly support Joan’s continued care and comfort.