After my husband of 55 years passed away, my life changed in ways I never could have imagined. Almost two years ago, my three sons felt I was no longer well enough to care for myself due to my diagnosis of Parkinson’s and COPD. They made the difficult decision to place me in an assisted living facility in Pasadena. These past two years have been extremely challenging, both emotionally and financially. I pay the rent for my room and board, but it’s the extra care I now need—since I no longer walk and use a wheelchair—that has become overwhelming. I also need help with bathing, dressing, and other daily activities. While I do have Medicaid and medical insurance, they only help a very small amount. Our sons have helped in the past, which Joe and I very much appreciated, but they have their own families and large expenses living in Southern California.

Your support will allow me to continue to stay in my assisted living facility and to pay my back caregiving expenses which I’ve accumulated before I am evicted. This is very difficult for me to ask for help. My husband was the love of my life and took such great care of me for all the years we were together. This year I will be 79, and I would like to live out my remaining life here in Pasadena so as to be close to my five granddaughters, until I’m with their “Papa Joe” again. Thank you very much for anything.