Helping Richard, Our MC for Life, With Daytime Care

In April 2019, my dad, Richard Zachary, was diagnosed with early-onset dementia. It was devastating—confusing, overwhelming, and heartbreaking all at once. But like everything else in his life, he met it with strength, humor, and heart. And so did we.

For the past six years, we’ve done our best to care for him at home. It hasn’t always been easy—dementia brings a unique kind of heartbreak—but we’ve tried to navigate it with love and patience. My mom, Virginia, has been his full-time caregiver every single day. She’s poured everything she has into giving him stability, comfort, and dignity. But the emotional and physical toll is growing, and she needs help.

If you know Richard, you know he’s a born entertainer. A lifelong DJ, MC, singer, and dancer—he’s spent his entire life lighting up rooms and lifting people’s spirits. Whether behind a microphone or in the middle of a dance floor, Richard has always brought joy wherever he goes. He’s the kind of person who makes people feel seen, heard, and loved.

These days, that joy lives on at Essie Adult Day Services in Glen Ellyn, IL. Twice a week, he attends their program—and to hear the staff talk about him, you’d think he ran the place. They call him the unofficial MC of Essie. He leads the room in laughter, lifts the energy, and keeps people smiling—just as he always has.

As his needs grow, we’re looking to increase his visits. The care costs $85 per day, and while we’ve received some extremely generous support from the program and a few close friends, the expenses are quickly becoming more than we can manage on our own.

The total cost for three days a week over the next year is $13,260. It’s far more affordable than full-time care or assisted living, but still beyond what we can take on alone.

We’ve always been proud to do things ourselves—but we’re at a point where we need to humbly ask for help. Not just for my dad, but for my mom, who deserves time to rest, reset, and care for herself and the home she’s worked so hard to hold together.

If Richard has ever made you laugh, inspired you, or simply brightened your day, we’re asking you to consider helping him now. Even a small contribution makes a meaningful difference.

And if you’d prefer to sponsor Richard directly through Essie, here’s their information:

Essie Adult Services

Located at Faith Lutheran Church

​41 N. Park Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

630-858-1005

From the bottom of our hearts—thank you. For reading, sharing, and helping us keep Richard supported, loved, and smiling.

With love,

Erik Zachary & The Zachary Family