Support for UCPLA Caregivers

Supporting United Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles' Caregivers

My name is Jake Gumpert and I am hoping those in receipt of this personal appeal are all healthy and safe. Realizing these are especially challenging times for so many, and for so many different reasons, I am hoping you will consider donating.  

My sister, Chloe, suffered a traumatic birth related injury resulting in intractable Epilepsy, which means she suffers from seizures daily and also suffers from cerebral palsy, both resulting from oxygen deprivation to her brain. Chloe is one of the strongest people I know and has been through so much and still maintains the most amazing smile and sense of humor. Her care is extensive and she needs someone to care for her 24/7 because she is completely dependent for all her self help needs such as feeding, bathing, dressing and getting in and out of her wheelchair.

Until the age of 19, Chloe was cared for by my parents and caregivers at home. Chloe is now a young adult who is being cared for by United Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles, a non profit organization (Tax ID 95-1648203). UCPLA also covers Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Before COVID-19, my family and I would see Chloe at least once a week at the UCPLA group home in the San Fernando Valley where Chloe is being looked after 24/7 by the sweetest and most dedicated and hard-working caregivers and nurses. Right now we can’t visit her which is very hard on our family and on Chloe. UCPLA’s caregivers don’t just help people with cerebral palsy and seizures, they help so many individuals with all types of developmental disabilities and challenges.

Currently,  there are serious funding shortfalls at the state level. Caregivers are currently not receiving any additional hazard pay and yet continue showing up to bathe, feed, and care for the individuals who need their help desperately.

Will you please join me in donating to UCPLA to give the caregivers the financial support that they need and deserve? Their work is essential to the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities like my sister Chloe.

I am personally donating $500 to kick start this fundraising campaign. Let's show these amazing caregivers how much we appreciate all of their hard work which we hope will help them through this very difficult time. Thank you for your time and consideration. Please visit http://www.ucpla.org  if you would like to learn more about UCPLA.