My name is Brendan Constantine and I'm hoping to raise money to help me care for my mother, Julie Constantine, whom many of you may know as actress and poet Julianna McCarthy. [During her acting career, she starred as Liz Foster in The Young and the Restless, Mila in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and appeared in numerous TV shows and movies including Six Feet Under, L.A. Story, The Distinguished Gentlemen, and The Frighteners.]

At 96, she's still brilliant and engaged, but a series of severe infections along with a minor stroke have left her unable to use her hands or leave her bed. For some time her diagnosis was quite grave and we began to brace for the worst.

Happily, amazingly in fact, it's been a year now, since mom was discharged from hospice. Cognitively, she's 'back.' But she needs constant physical assistance, and we haven't been able to offset the expense. Supplies, equipment (rental of a hospital bed, air pump), and personal care (so that I can leave the house to teach) all still cost a great deal. We're ineligible for MediCal/Medicaid and I have exhausted all of my savings; that is, I'm paying rent, utilities, and mom's bills on a paycheck by paycheck basis.

The money you have contributed has made ALL of the difference. Mom's recovery over the last year would have been impossible. Everyday I'm looking for ways I can save money or take on more work. But anything helps. Contributions to this funding effort go immediately to medicine, hygiene supplies, equipment, and employment for two caregivers who allow me to leave the house for work.

On behalf of my sister and me, thank you for your time.