Lake’s Wellness Fund

This fundraiser is all for Lake, the coolest 45 year old dude we know! He has been a bright spot in our world through all the challenges life has thrown at him; from being born with Down Syndrome to multiple knee dislocations in his youth, from chronic ear infections to his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in his late 30s.

 

We are looking to build a wellness fund to help provide exercise and one-on-one companion care, focused on hygiene and socialization, to continue the progress Lake has built over the last year. If you know Lake at all, you know how important this time in his life is. Any amount contributed helps, and all funds will be used to maintain and enhance Lake’s life.


Please read on to learn more about Lake and his journey (and feel free to Venmo instead @Starlit-Houck)



Lake is a long-time Portland resident. He lives in SE with his primary caregiver and favorite person, his mom Pat. Lake discovered his loves early in life and stuck with them: basketball, music, singing, dancing, bowling, magazines, and (most loved of all!) 90s TV series - Full House, Family Matters, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Walker, Texas Ranger, and more. After completing the school that was offered to him, Lake continued to live a full and enriching life; volunteering at the library, playing basketball at every opportunity, spending time with his siblings, etc. He would smile at everyone, laugh easily, and he always had an eye for the pretty ladies.

 

A lot changed when Lake was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in his late 30s. He lost interest in his hobbies, and would often sit staring at nothing or talking back to voices we couldn’t hear. The symptoms of this awful disease took a toll on Lake and it has been a long road finding the right medications to ease symptoms without tamping down Lake’s bright and joyful personality. The trial-and-error of medications coincided with multiple severe ear infections, as well as quarantine during the Covid pandemic. There were times that it felt like the old Lake might be gone forever.

But the past year has brought many gains for Lake, and his family and friends have seen him again showing interest in going out & socializing, and a renewed delight in one particular 90s sitcom (out of many in his collection) 7th Heaven. The biggest driver of this awakening is Lake’s twice-weekly exercise sessions with a personal trainer at his home. After the sessions Lake is alert and energized, his mood is more light and playful. These positive results come from a variety of exercises tailored to his needs, and ripple out into the rest of his days. Lake is engaging more, FaceTiming again, and even conquering stairs with less fear! These sessions are so important to Lake’s life, but they are not covered by any insurance or state program.

 

We need help to ensure these personalized exercise sessions can go on. Any funds beyond the expense of the personal trainer will be used to engage more trustworthy people to take Lake out for social engagement in the community.


Thanks to all for loving Laker and helping keep his life full and happy.