
Help Roger and Diana Rebuild After a Devastating Scam
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Hi, I’m Sheri. My parents, Roger and Diana, recently lost their entire life savings—$150,000—to an online scam.
My mom has Alzheimer’s. In her vulnerable state, she was targeted by a scammer who befriended her online and convinced her to “invest” their money. The scammer saw an easy target in her fading memory and trusting heart. By the time we realized what had happened, it was too late. The money was gone, and the bank couldn’t recover a penny.
My dad, Roger, is a proud veteran who served his country—and now serves as my mother’s full-time caregiver. His days are spent making sure she is safe, fed, and comforted, while quietly carrying the heavy emotional and financial toll of her illness. Losing their savings has left him not only heartbroken, but deeply worried about their future.
My parents’ dreams of a secure retirement—travel, comfort, and peace—were shattered in an instant. Today, they have almost nothing left, and my biggest fear is that they could lose the small condo they call home.
A Love Story 55 Years in the Making
Roger and Diana first met as kids, ice skating in Rogers City, Michigan. They became high school sweethearts in Detroit, and my dad even took my mom to prom. They shared a love for classic cars, racing at the Detroit Speedway, the arts, and spending time outdoors. My dad taught me how to draw, instilling in me the creativity that’s shaped my life.
Through every chapter—good and bad—they’ve been devoted to each other, to their family, and to the life they built together. That’s why this loss is so devastating. It’s not just the money—it’s the stability, dignity, and security they worked for their whole lives.
Why I’m Asking for Help
I wish I could replace their savings myself. I wish I had stepped in to protect them sooner. I wish Alzheimer’s came with a rulebook so we’d know what to expect. But right now, the only thing I can do is fight to keep them safe, stable, and cared for.
Your support could mean:
- Keeping their home
- Covering urgent needs like a dementia-friendly phone, hearing aids, prescription glasses, and nutritious food (they currently accept food from the senior center to make ends meet)
- Providing a small financial cushion for the medical care they will need as Alzheimer’s progresses
Every donation—whether it’s $5 or $500—will go into a protected account that I manage with power of attorney to ensure their funds remain safe.
More than anything, I want them to feel secure again, to be reminded that there is still kindness in the world.
If you can’t give, please share. The more people who hear their story, the more chance we have of restoring even a fraction of what was stolen.
Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping my parents hold on to the little they have left.
For Others: How to Protect Your Loved Ones from Scams
Common signs of a scam:
- Pressure to act immediately
- Requests for payment in gift cards, wire transfers, or mailed cash
- Moving the conversation to untraceable platforms like WhatsApp or Google Chat
Tips to help protect elderly loved ones:
- Add your name to their accounts and set alerts for large withdrawals
- Never give personal or banking info in response to an unexpected request
- Take your time—don’t act under pressure
- Talk to someone you trust before sending money
Organizer

Sheri Kowalski
Organizer
Harbor Springs, MI