Support for the Dybdal Family

David Dybdal is a compassionate father, husband, and healer. He is a loyal friend, trusted psychiatrist, and highly trained martial artist. He and his family have lived in Arlington, MA for 12 years. His 12 year-old son has grown up through the Arlington Public School System and his 4 year-old daughter will start kindergarten there next year.

 

Dave and his family were recently given the heart-breaking diagnosis that Dave has Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (https://www.cdc.gov/prions/cjd/index.html) . This is a very rare, rapidly progressive, and invariably fatal neurological condition. The disease has been wreaking havoc on his physical and mental state for months leading up to the definitive diagnosis. With no cure and no treatment, this cruel disease will continue its progression for the all-too short remaining duration of Dave’s life.

 

Dave dedicated his career to helping others process and find healing after complex trauma and grief.  The positive impacts of his work radiated far beyond his own community.  His job as a psychiatrist was his family’s primary source of income until the disease took over a few months ago. His wife, Nora, does not currently work outside the home and is now faced with being a full-time care-taker for him as well as raising their two children and trying to keep up with all the medical bills that have been mounting.

 

We are asking for your help and generosity to help Dave’s family as they process their current conditions and then recover from what will be the devastating loss of their father and husband. In the coming months, the family will need to pay for medical insurance, hospital bills, daycare costs, groceries, heat and utilities, mortgage, and funeral expenses.

 

The Dybdals are a loving and wonderful family.  From Dave's New York roots, Nora's west coast family, their Washington D.C. companions, to Massachusetts friends and colleagues, they have so many beloved people and countless memories that are helping to carry them through these difficult times. 

Any monetary contributions would be greatly appreciated as they navigate this tragic situation with limited financial means.  All money raised will go directly to the Dybdal family.