We are the Baldwin family—Bob, his wife Yari, and daughter Christian—and we are united in one purpose: to protect Bob’s sister, Deborah, and restore her dignity after devastating elder abuse and neglect.

Deborah is a cherished sister, aunt, friend, and precious child of the Most High who once lived an active, independent artistic and corporate life filled with music, laughter, and love. Today, she is 100% disabled and dependent on others for almost every aspect of daily living, from eating to cleaning to walking. This did not happen overnight, and it did not happen by accident.

From 2000 to just before COVID in 2019, Deborah spent months providing care for her mother, who is 23 years her senior and now 96. In 2019, her caregiving became more demanding when her mother required a major operation that left her partially disabled. Deborah made long visits and multiple train and rideshare trips across the county in her mother’s best interest. She was a devoted daughter during these difficult years. Unfortunately, like many caregivers, she may have overextended herself to the point of neglecting her own health. Self-care is essential when caring for others, and it became increasingly difficult for her to prioritize her own well-being.

Between 2016 and 2019, while married, Deborah began experiencing serious blood-related health issues. Her condition was at times suspected to be severe anemia, leukemia, or other illnesses. Before COVID, it was determined that she was suffering from a combination of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease and Raynaud’s Syndrome. This potentially life-threatening combination caused her to lose over 40 pounds within a few months during COVID. By August 2020, her weight had dropped below 85 pounds. Her husband, who assumed full-time responsibility for her care, was believed to be prepared for the role. However, between 2021 and 2024, her condition worsened, especially after the sudden removal of a trusted caregiver in 2021. By then, she had become a fully dependent patient living at home.

By early 2021, Deborah was placed in the care of individuals and systems that were expected to protect her. Instead, she experienced neglect and abuse that severely impacted her health and violated her basic rights. Her condition continued to decline from 2021 through 2024. Our family has watched with shock and heartbreak as warning signs were ignored, complaints went unanswered, and administrative processes moved faster than meaningful protection.

As three generations of her family, we are now doing everything in our power to secure:

Safe, consistent medical care tailored to her disabilities, with the goal of rehabilitation and improved quality of life.

Legal protection through ongoing guardianship and court proceedings.

A living environment where she is respected, monitored, and never again subjected to neglect.

In 2024, we filed court petitions, obtained temporary protections, and began the long legal process of challenging decisions made without truly hearing Deborah’s voice or ours. Each step requires time, emotional strength, and significant financial resources that our family cannot sustain alone.

That is why we are asking for your help.

Your support will go directly toward:

Medical care and essential supplies not fully covered by insurance.

Legal representation and court costs to protect Deborah’s rights.

Transportation, accessibility needs, and safe housing arrangements.

Basic living support and caregiver relief so we can continue advocating for her.

Elder abuse is more common than many people realize, and disabled elders like Deborah are especially vulnerable. Her story is deeply personal to us, but it also reflects a broader crisis affecting families across the country. When you stand with Deborah, you stand with every elder whose voice has been overlooked.

If you are able, please contribute whatever you can. If you cannot donate, you can still help by sharing this campaign with your community and raising awareness among those who care about elder justice, disability rights, and the protection of vulnerable adults.

From our family to yours—Bob, Yari, and Christian—thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing with Deborah. We will continue to provide updates on legal and medical developments so you can see the impact of your support.