Gracious Gifts for Greg

The Backstory:
19 years ago Kim and Greg met and fell in love. Trusting in God's plan for them, they married and began their life together.  Their interests melded and their love of Christ was obvious to those who knew them.

Kim was the person who always gave freely of her time and talents and gifts to others. She and Greg were the fun couple, game for just about anything including bike rides, board games and babysitting many friends' kids over the years. 

The Toll:
Some years ago, Greg began showing signs that something was happening with his amazing engineering brain. He still had his sense of humor, but became unable to work as an engineer and was humble enough to work at a fast food restaurant. You see, he loved working with people. Kim continued to serve people as an OT, working with home bound elderly and people with mental health issues. She has relentlessly sought care and a diagnosis for Greg for the past five years. After an incredibly painful and heart wrenching journey, at age 61, Greg was diagnosed with FTD and Alzheimer's in 2017.

Their Reality:
There is no treatment available for Greg and he has also developed a seizure disorder and is unable to be left home alone now. The Mayo Clinic doctors have stated that Greg's disease is progressing and it seems, rapidly. There have been so many losses for them as a couple and increased responsibility for Kim, in the midst of deep grief. Greg's sense of humor does continue to surprise many, and Kim continues to be an amazing wife and advocate for Greg, to get the best care possible.

How You Can Help:
Greg attends the Wilder Foundation Adult Day Program so that Kim can work. The cost is $500.00 per week and is not subsidized. Kim cannot even go to a store or a Weight Watchers meeting without hiring someone to be with Greg. Kim pays a caregiver $20.00/hour to help Greg in the mornings so that she can get to work on time. On average it costs $150.00/week for Greg's caregiver.  Just the costs of safe care for Greg are well over $2700/month.

It is with great humility and deep appreciation that I ask you to pray for Kim and Greg Rice on this most difficult journey of the heart wrenching pain of FTD and Alzheimer's disease. If you are so moved I welcome your donation to their Go Fund Me site, of which 100% will go to the care of Greg in order to maintain his safety and quality of life. God's blessing to you for any prayer and monetary amount you can give. I also welcome you to share their site on your Facebook page and Twitter accounts.