Our names are Savannah and Shannon.
Our parents are both Army veterans. They served together as Russian Linguists in the late 1980s — a high-stakes role that required immense dedication. Today, they are facing a different kind of battle at home.
In 2019, our mom was diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration, a rare and terminal neurodegenerative disease. Since her diagnosis, her condition has steadily worsened. She is now 68 years old, confined to a wheelchair, and requires assistance with all of her ADLs and basic care.
As her needs have increased, so have the physical, emotional, and financial demands on our family.
Our dad is 73 years old. He worked his entire life to provide for our family, including spending a decade working for BNSF, commuting from Wyoming back to our home in Montana, so he could continue supporting us. He is now retired and unable to return to work due to a serious back condition.
Over the past several years, our parents have used their savings and retirement funds to cover medical care, household expenses, and caregiving support. They currently have a caregiver who visits the home once a week, but that assistance will soon come to an end due to financial constraints.
We are now facing urgent needs, including:
In-home caregiving assistance
Medical and dental care
- Due to our mother's illness, our mom requires urgent, specialized dental work to treat decaying teeth and prevent a life-threatening systemic infection or aspiration pneumonia.
Mortgage and household bills
Basic living expenses and home repairs for safety
- Our parents have lived in their home for nearly 25 years, but it is no longer safe for our mother’s condition. The only bathroom she can use has become a major health hazard. The flooring is torn and uneven, a dangerous fall risk for a wheelchair user with neurological decline, and active plumbing leaks are causing water damage and the threat of mold. We urgently need to modify this space into a functional, accessible environment to prevent a catastrophic injury and ensure she can be cared for with dignity.
Beyond the bathroom, several areas of the home have fallen into disrepair, creating a living environment that is no longer sustainable for a patient with neurodegenerative disease. We are seeking funds to address essential structural repairs to ensure their home remains a safe sanctuary for her, rather than a place of daily danger.
This fundraiser is intended to help bridge the gap so our mom can continue receiving the care she needs, and so our dad can manage this incredibly difficult season without the added fear of losing their home or essential support.
Any contribution, no matter the size, will go directly toward these critical expenses. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page would be greatly appreciated.
Our family is deeply grateful for any support during this time.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story.
With love and thanks,
Savannah and Shannon
We are also raising funds on Spotfund. Our combined goal across both is $35,000.
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