Support Celeste's Mom: 24-Hour Care Needed

Hi,

If you’re lucky, there’s been someone in your life who has always been there, rooting for you, in your corner. And maybe now, the tables have turned and that same person needs you to support, fight for, or advocate for them -- because they can no longer do that for themselves. That’s the situation I find myself in now. My mother, who is 96 years old, has now reached the point where she needs assisted living. My sister and I have been doing our best to provide what she needs, but now she needs more. Currently, she is in rehab (see attached pictures), and once she gets out, she’ll need assisted living, because her medical needs have become too complicated for her to return to her apartment without round-the-clock care.

For those of you who don’t know, the necessities to take care of seniors properly are not cheap, and our Medical system is not easy to navigate on their behalf. We are waiting for some military spousal benefits to kick in a few months, but in the meantime, until the money comes in, we’ll be coming out of pocket to pay for in-home, round-the-clock care. And, again, as many of you may know, that is an expensive undertaking. We’ve been able to pay for some assistance a few hours daily, before mom went into rehab. But, now, those few hours will no longer suffice.

So, this is where you come in. I’m am trying to raise money to pay for two – three months of 24-hour professional caregiving, along with moving expenses to get her out of her apartment, when the time comes. And, for this, I am humbly asking for your help. Both my sister and I are retirees, in our late 60s, early 70s, living on fixed incomes, so we are limited in terms of what we can financially contribute, although we do our best.

To give you something to chew on before you make a decision. Here’s some background on my mom. She was born in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1928. Despite humble beginnings and many challenges, she had a strong desire to be an educator. In 1950 she became the first Black person to attend and graduate from Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pennsylvania and decades later was awarded the school’s Presidential Medal of Honor for her courage and historic contribution. She taught school for 45 years, from elementary through high school. Once retired she continued to work on behalf of students, becoming the President of the Youth of Yesterday, an organization that raised money to help college students with their books. She also taught adult and children’s literacy, and volunteered at the local Cultural Center library. A life-long learner and lover of fine arts, she took painting and drawing classes. And, in the middle of all that, was a caregiver for her mother and brother until their deaths.

I’m sure there are some things I’ve left out, but you get the idea. My mother has spent her life in service – to students, to family, to her community. And, in her last years, we’d like her to feel comfortable and cared for in the same way she cared for and comforted others. Your donation will go a long way in making this happen.

Anything you contribute will be most appreciated.

Sincerely and thank you!

Celeste Crenshaw