Charles O’Beirne was just 56 years old when he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Now, at only 58, he is in the end stage of this devastating disease. He barely speaks and can no longer care for himself. Most heart-breakingly of all, he no longer recognizes his loved ones. His wife, Joann, is his full-time caregiver- but the family urgently needs help covering medical expenses, home health care, and basic househould costs.

Charles and Joann O’Beirne began their life together as teenage sweethearts. Married in 1991, they longed to grow a family and, after years of struggle, welcomed their son Chance in 2003. A decade later, they opened their hearts again, adopting siblings Shannon, Johnny, and Dale in 2013. Their family was complete, and their days were filled with the beautiful chaos of a home full of kids and dogs, and the warmth of a love that connected them all together.

In 2019, Charles began noticing in himself some of the same symptoms he had seen in his mother, who battled Alzheimer’s. He and Joann brought her into their home to care for her, creating a peaceful living space in their basement so she could be comfortable as she declined. She passed away that year. Tragically, in 2023, just 2 years ago, the O’Beirnes received the life-changing and devastating news that Charles also had Alzheimer’s.

Every day, Charles has slipped further and further away from us.

At first, he could still enjoy dinners with Joann, strolls on the boardwalk, talks with his kids, and laughs with his siblings. He cheered on his children’s milestones as they became young adults, and loved meeting his first grandchild, Gabe. But today, Alzheimer’s has taken nearly everything from him. The peaceful space he once created for his mother in their home has now become his own, as he spends his days there, unable to get out of his hospital bed.

The burden on Joann and the family is overwhelming. Joann cannot work because caregiving is a full-time job. Hospice provides only an hour a day of in-home care, leaving the rest of the time to Joann and the children. Medical supplies are expensive, and the home Charles once lovingly renovated for his family has fallen into disrepair under the weight of medical and household bills.

The O’Beirne family urgently needs help to cover:

Charles and Joann are lifelong Bruce Springsteen fans, and Charles always found comfort in his music. These words now hold special meaning for his family:

“The road is long and seeming without end

The days go on, I remember you my friend

And though you’re gone and my heart’s been empty it seems

I’ll see you in my dreams”

Any amount you can give will directly ease the family’s burden and allow them to focus on what matters most- surrounding Charles with love in his final chapter.

With love and gratitude,

The O’Beirne Family