Memorial for Gerard Schoenfeld
Donation protected
On June 19, 2020, my father Gerard “Jerry” Schoenfeld passed away after a 14-year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Dad was a prolific artist, retired Navy Captain with 24 years of service, and a Disney cast member. But most importantly, he was a wonderful father, a loving husband, and a brave and kind individual who inspired everyone who knew him.
I am starting this GoFundMe to help my mom. Because of ALS, my father was completely paralyzed and breathed with a mechanical ventilator, necessitating 24/7 home care. Mom gave up her own naval career and professional ambitions to take care of him around the clock with unconditional love. Visiting nurses and doctors always commented and how well taken care of he was. “The healthiest dying man”, my father would joke. Those years were not always easy for mom, but I am sure she would do it all again in a heartbeat. She was dedicated, tenacious, and unrelenting in the fervor and quality of my father’s care. She was (is) fueled by an unbelievable well of love and unyielding faith in God’s plan.
As you may know, death is an expensive business. Because my dad requested to be laid to rest at a Catholic cemetery, the VA won’t cover the costs associated with the burial. Likewise, the cost of the funeral, mortuary, and memorial services are substantial. This has put a lot of financial strain on my mom. With his passing, she will no longer receive income from his retirement pay and VA disability benefits. The cessation of this income is immediate and devastating. My brother and I are helping as much as we can, but we are not exactly in the greatest financial situation ourselves (I am a graduate student and my brother is currently unemployed).
I want my mom to be able to grieve without this undue financial stress, and I am hoping that you can help us with donations to off-set her burden.
I am starting this GoFundMe to help my mom. Because of ALS, my father was completely paralyzed and breathed with a mechanical ventilator, necessitating 24/7 home care. Mom gave up her own naval career and professional ambitions to take care of him around the clock with unconditional love. Visiting nurses and doctors always commented and how well taken care of he was. “The healthiest dying man”, my father would joke. Those years were not always easy for mom, but I am sure she would do it all again in a heartbeat. She was dedicated, tenacious, and unrelenting in the fervor and quality of my father’s care. She was (is) fueled by an unbelievable well of love and unyielding faith in God’s plan.
As you may know, death is an expensive business. Because my dad requested to be laid to rest at a Catholic cemetery, the VA won’t cover the costs associated with the burial. Likewise, the cost of the funeral, mortuary, and memorial services are substantial. This has put a lot of financial strain on my mom. With his passing, she will no longer receive income from his retirement pay and VA disability benefits. The cessation of this income is immediate and devastating. My brother and I are helping as much as we can, but we are not exactly in the greatest financial situation ourselves (I am a graduate student and my brother is currently unemployed).
I want my mom to be able to grieve without this undue financial stress, and I am hoping that you can help us with donations to off-set her burden.
Organizer
Ashley Schoenfeld
Organizer
San Clemente, CA