Help Get Jodi the Help She Needs

Hello! My name is Kelly and I am honored to introduce you to my incredible mother, Jodi.

2020 was a trying year for everyone. But Jodi's troubles started long before then. Over 2 decades ago she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. With 2 kids at home, an adoring husband, and a job she loved- she pressed on. She overcame obstacles, struggled but smiled, and lived many, many happy years.

In 2012, Jodi's Multiple Sclerosis began to accelerate more quickly leading her to become totally dependent on her wheelchair and her (still adoring) husband- my dad. While he worked full-time, often 2 jobs, he served faithfully as her full-time care giver. He made sure she had everything she needed, was well-cared for, and as happy as could be.

Then, 2020 happened. The pandemic caused my dad to begin working from home. While the transition to the work-from-home life was sometimes a struggle, it also allowed him to be home with Jodi all the time: providing her the care she very much needed. Unexpectedly, in September 2020, Tom passed away. While we grieved, we were also forced very quickly to put supports in place to continue caring for mom. Immediately we began staffing in-home care (paying out-of-pocket).

After 7 months of at-home care, Jodi has consulted with her doctors and her family and determined that the best next step in transitioning to an assisted living facility (ALF). This is not an easy decision- emotionally or financially. We've toured, questioned, debated, and finally found a place we feel will provide for mom physically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. At only 62 years old, she has many, many years ahead of her.

We want the best for her, but unfortunately she will be paying out-of-pocket for every dollar of her care. Without my dad's income, this will be an incredible burden on her. My wish is that she could think only of taking care of herself, utilizing all the therapies and care aides available to her, without worry of cost.

Please consider helping. Currently our goal covers only the deposit for moving into the facility next month.