Help Russell's Family with Dementia Care

In 2023, Russell Vincent was diagnosed with severe cognitive impairment from vascular dementia. It's hard to say when it first began, but in the past two years it has progressed to the point where Russell needs care around the clock. His son, Sean, his friend, Shirlee, and his daughter, Leah, have all gone to great lengths to care for him during this transition, but the time has come to find him a more permanent care home.

After much leg work and hustling, we have found a Senior Living facility with a good memory care unit in Long Island about an hour from where Leah lives in Brooklyn. During our visit there, the staff were so kind and saw in Russell some of the joy and vivaciousness he has shared with so many of us throughout his life. It was a magical moment when things clicked into place to present a brighter possible future for Russell in the next stage of his life.

We have started this GoFundMe because we need to raise funds to secure a spot for Russell in this place where he will be happy and cared for. With the money we raise, we can get him housed in the facility long enough for extended care funds to kick in for the longer term.

You may have known Russell as Rusty, Padre RV, Beelzebub, or Bub. And you may have met him in Harlem, or at China Bleu in Salt Lake City, or in Kauai, or at Flyin' Zion Ranch. Or you may relate to the difficulty of seeing a loved one affected by dementia. His generous, mercurial spirit touched and moved people in a multitude of creative directions. He loved (and still loves!) to write, to dance, and to perform. You may have seen or participated in one of the raucous plays he wrote and directed for Street Legal Theatre. You may have received one or many rhythmic, stream-of-conscious letters from him over the years, written in his curling longhand. You may have eaten his eggplant parmesan, or laughed at one of his winding stories, or danced with him on the playa or at a 3-day house party.

If you can give anything, please consider helping us now as this is the best support we can provide for Russell at this stage. And if you're ever in NYC, contact us to set up a visit! The people in his life were always the source of Russell's greatest joy.