Help keep Bessie at home with her family!

Hello, everyone! My name is Katie, and I find myself reaching out to you with a humble request for assistance in keeping Bessie Udell, a person living with Alzheimer’s disease and the extraordinary matriarch of the Udell family, at home with her husband of 64 years. Bessie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014 and was cared for by her husband, Larry Udell, a compassionate man who has dedicated his life to helping others achieve occupational freedom through his work as a consultant for intellectual property, until 2019, when it was clear that he could no longer provide the level of care that Bessie required. Desperate to keep his sweetheart out of a nursing home, Larry, along with their granddaughter Varshana, searched for a home that would allow them to combine households and keep Bessie under the care of a family friend with experience in geriatric care. In March of 2019 I moved in with the Udell family to act as Bessie’s fulltime caregiver, allowing Larry to continue traveling for work, providing Bessie with personalized care and extra loving support from familiar faces, in Larry’s absence. Unfortunately, shortly after we all moved in together the nation was gripped by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Udell’s took several financial hits during this time, causing the dynamic of the household to shift, with their granddaughter taking over the bulk of the mortgage and utility payments and myself finding a part time job to help with everyday expenses and groceries for Bessie and Larry. Now after several years of providing around the clock care, with Bessie continuing to require ever increasing levels of assistance, the financial burden that has been placed on their family has become overwhelming and Bessie and Larry face the threat of foreclosure on their home. Our primary concern is providing the best possible care for Bessie, who requires specialized memory care services and essential care items. The average annual cost for memory care in Santa Rosa, California, where we reside, is approximately $105,000. Bessie's condition demands constant attention, and it is my utmost priority to ensure her well-being. Larry, a selfless individual who has spent his life guiding others toward financial stability, now finds himself in need of support. His commitment to helping others achieve abundance has touched countless lives, and my hope is that, with this fundraiser, we can allow him to better enjoy the time he has left with Bessie. With this GoFundMe campaign, we hope to raise enough funds to alleviate the financial burden we currently face. Our goal is to secure the financial stability needed to continue providing the necessary care for Bessie while also ensuring that Larry and Bessie can keep their home. Here's a breakdown of the funds we are seeking: 1. Memory Care Expenses: We aim to cover the expenses associated with Bessie's specialized care, including memory care services, medications, and other essential items. 2. Mortgage: The funds will go towards catching up on mortgage payments and preventing the foreclosure of their home. By contributing to our campaign, you become an integral part of Larry and Bessie's journey, honoring Larry's legacy and their enduring love. Your donation, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on their lives. Every dollar brings us one step closer to ensuring Bessie receives the care she deserves while preserving the family's home. As I continue to care for Bessie and support Larry and Bessie through these challenging times, I remain hopeful and grateful for the compassion and generosity of others. Your support will not only provide relief from their financial burden but also enable us to provide the care and stability that Larry and Bessie need during this difficult journey. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read our story and considering a contribution. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of Bessie and Larry. Please feel free to check back regularly for updates and photos of this remarkable couple and their life.