Organized by Charlotte Dion to benefit John Sweeney.

This campaign is for my dear friend, John Sweeney, who is in urgent need of support. At 82, John has been battling severe dementia for over ten years. You may know of him as a warm, generous gentleman with a delightful Irish brogue and a mischievous sense of humor. He was always on the lookout for ways to help, whether at work or home. He worked two jobs, always, to care for his family; by day as Caretaker in Residence of the Water Witch Clubhouse at Monmouth Hills where he proctored hundreds of weddings between 1996 and 2019 before his disease became apparent. With the job went the housing.

By night, John served as a Safety Officer at Cedar Hall at Monmouth University. He was the essential "Dorm Dad" to hundreds of lonely MU Frosh over his ten years in that position. The disease cost him this beloved job as well.

Recently, we received a devastating blow. Due to a mailing snafu, John has lost his Medicaid coverage. Until this is resolved, his vital day care, nursing home respite care, and in-home care that has been keeping him safe and cared for 24/7 is no longer covered.

Without Medicaid, there is an impossible financial situation. The respite care alone is over $9,000 per month, far more than his family can afford. Without Medicaid, the family is solely responsible for 24/7 intensive care and supervision of his activities: containing, feeding, dressing, etc. He suffers from severe Sundowner's Syndrome and must be monitored constantly, especially as the day winds down.

Caring for a loved one as they disappear into dementia is a source of constant sorrow. It is exhausting to give them the care they need. Losing access to the team of professionals that helps us keep John at home is a unique type of pain.

Any amount you can give, big or small, will make a profound difference. If you are unable to donate, we understand completely. Please consider sharing our plea with your network.

Thank you for all your kindness, compassion, and for helping us give John the care and dignity he deserves in his final years.

With sincere gratitude,

Charlotte Dion