Private Care Expenses

(TLC) Tender Loving Care for Cindy Burda (Vipond)

For the past 5 years, we have watched our Uncle Mark put his whole heart and life into caring for our Aunt Cindy. Cindy was diagnosed at the age of 56 with early-onset dementia. Her husband Mark quit his job to become her full-time caregiver. We don't even know how to explain in words how well he has taken care of her. When she is awake, he spends 100% of his time with her, taking her on drives and filling her days with love and joy. Mark has been her only primary caregiver, head cheerleader, and the best life partner one could imagine. He treasures Cindy and he has made sure she is able to stay at home, surrounded by her family, as she enters the final stages of her disease.

On January 1, this kind, brave, and dedicated man had a fall resulting in two fractured vertebrae. He has a long recovery ahead of him, but that's not his main concern. This injury means he cannot continue to provide the same exceptional care for Cindy that he has for the last 5 years which is devastating to him.

Cindy has been like an older sister to us, and a role model for many people around her. She often put the needs of her students, community, and family ahead of her own. She saw the good in everyone and had a soft spot in her heart for anyone in need. As a EA, she was especially talented at helping students with exceptionalities. She prioritized helping these amazing kids become full, contributing members of the community. She always took extra time to highlight the special skills or talents of her students to make them feel positive about themselves. She was an active participant in the Port Sydney community, volunteering and connecting with others. P.S. (Port Sydney) I love you was her signature way of always saying goodbye.

Since Mark quit his job to care for Cindy, there have been no government assistance programs or tax benefits available to them. Cindy's long-term health care benefits also do not cover personal care. Despite working hard all their lives and giving to their community, they find themselves in a very difficult situation. Our Uncle Mark is an independent, hardworking, and proud man, who never asks for help. We feel it is now our turn to step in and ask for help on their behalf. We are so very proud of him and grateful to him for taking on all he has over these past five years.

Our goal is to fundraise $15,000 to cover some of the costs for private home care that Cindy needs to stay at home with Mark while he recovers. We would like to humbly ask that you share this link with your friends and family, anyone who loves Port Sydney, and anyone who would like to support an EA who always went above and beyond. If you can, please consider donating. Any amount will help make the next weeks and months easier for two really lovely and loving people. Thank you from the absolute bottom of our hearts.

Julie Morgan & Jackie Sheridan (Cindy and Mark's nieces)

If you are interested in personally reaching out for updates on Mark's recovery please feel free to email their daughter Amanda Ovell

2015 - Port Sydney Citizen of the year

Mark, Cindy, Amanda, & Ryan