Let me tell you about the woman in the picture, my mother, Patricia Schoenung. She was the first woman in the country to get a master’s degree in radiation oncology, then she got another one in hospital administration. In the 70’s she was thrown out of a bar in Cincinnati because she wore pants and refused to change. She was a firecracker to everyone who knew her. Unfortunately severe dementia has changed her forever.

She has dementia that is worsening daily.

It has been an incredible struggle. At first, I tried to keep a part-time job, an apartment, take care of her full-time, and take care of 3 dogs. That quickly proved impossible. I quit my job and moved home to take care of her.

Since then, I've watched and listened to her mentally transform from a woman who was still competent back to a little girl out with her father in St. Louis, MO as a child in the late 1940's.. She's confused almost all the time now. I can't tell you how painful it is when she says she doesn't know who I am. If you've ever been a caregiver, you understand I have no life but her.

The county put my mother in a Medicaid facility that is $8,000 a month! with no input from me, her, or her primary care doctor.

I WANT to sell our home, get back to work, and either put her in a high-quality memory care facility or hire home health care.

With only her social security coming in, as I couldn't work and watch her constantly at the same time, we ran through her 401k and mine about six months ago. I often skip meals to keep my dogs fed. I'm fighting to find a job.

I have been trying to do the right thing and failing at it for what feels like a very long time. I recognize I cannot provide her with sufficient care right now because I HAVE to find employment. But once the house is sold, I can provide the help she needs.

I hate asking for anything, especially money, but I am desperate. I love my mother. If you can help, please do.