Hope, Help & Dignity for Our Father With Alzheimer’s

Last night, our family had to make one of the hardest decisions of our lives, bringing our father, Franklyn Matos, to Huntington Hospital due to the rapid progression of his early-onset Alzheimer’s disease with aphasia.

Frank was diagnosed six years ago, but we’ve watched him struggle for nearly eight. Over time, we’ve seen the heartbreaking transformation of the loss of his memory, his speech, and eventually his ability to care for himself. This disease has slowly taken the man we love and turned everyday life into a painful battle.

For the past six years, our family has done everything in our power to care for him at home. My mother, our rock, has carried the unimaginable weight of being both caregiver and provider for our family. But we’ve reached a point where we can no longer meet his growing needs on our own. He now requires full-time professional care.

By a stroke of luck, a bed opened at a care facility the same day we needed it most. Though it was a difficult choice, we knew it was the right one. My father will be safe and well taken care through Oyster Bay Harbor House 24/7 care.

However, while we work with a lawyer to secure Medicaid, we are required to pay out of pocket for the first few months of care — something that has placed a major financial burden on our family.

We are humbly asking for your help.

Any donation, no matter how small, or even just sharing our story, would mean the world to us. Every contribution helps ease the weight on our family’s shoulders and brings peace of mind that our father is receiving the care he deserves.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your support, love, and kindness during this difficult time.

With love and gratitude,

Amanda, Jesse, and Denise