Kenny's Story

Around Waterbury, people have called Kenny Gardner the "Mayor of Waterbury" for years because he has a way of making everyone feel welcome. Whether you met him tending bar, working at The Alchemist, or simply ran into him around town, Kenny is the guy who remembers your name, makes you laugh, and leaves you smiling.

Kenny is witty, quick with a joke, famous for his wonderfully dumb dad jokes, and the kind of person who makes anyone feel like they belong the moment they walk in. If you know him, you also know he's a diehard Red Sox fan.

The PSP Diagnosis

At 51, after 18 months of searching for answers, Kenny has been diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) — a rare, progressive neurological disease with no cure. It all began with a frightening collapse at work in spring 2025.

Since then, PSP has gradually taken more from him—his balance, his gait, his eye movement, and even the ease of his speech. Despite the challenges of PSP, Kenny has continued working as a custodian at Copley Hospital. In the coming weeks, Kenny will reduce his work schedule from full-time to just three days a week as he begins the difficult transition to disability benefits.

Looking Ahead for Kenny & Jenny

Kenny's wife, Jenny, works as a waitress at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill. As his income shrinks, Kenny and Jenny face decisions no one should have to face — how to cover the mortgage and living expenses, and how to afford what's coming: a wheelchair ramp, an accessible bathroom, a hospital bed, physical and occupational therapy, and eventually caregiving support.

How You Can Help

This fund will go toward immediate home modifications, medical equipment and accessibility improvements, and help Kenny and Jenny keep a roof over their heads.

No family budget is built to absorb a diagnosis like PSP. Lost income, home modifications, and the growing cost of long-term care would strain any household.

PSP is a progressive disease, and Kenny and Jenny's needs will continue to change over time. As those needs evolve, we'll continue to share updates with honesty and transparency so everyone who supports them knows the difference they're making.

Kenny has spent his life making people laugh. Now it's our turn to take care of him.

Every donation, every share, and every kind message reminds Kenny and Jenny that they don't have to walk this road alone.

Whether you give, share, or simply keep Kenny and Jenny in your thoughts, every act of kindness matters.

Please Share Kenny's Story

Please also consider sharing this fundraiser. Because PSP is a rare disease, many people have never heard of it. Sharing Kenny's story helps us reach the friends, coworkers, customers, neighbors, and community members whose lives he's touched over the years.

Ways to Help Kenny & Jenny

Many people have asked how they can help beyond making a donation. As PSP progresses, Kenny and Jenny will need hands-on help. Not everyone is able to donate financially, but there are many meaningful ways to support Kenny and Jenny. If you'd like to volunteer, we'd love to hear from you.

Sign up here to help with meals, carpentry for retrofitting the house, walking with Kenny, and more. To sign up, fill out this form https://forms.gle/uijRdybDYzaZc7jq7

With all the gratitude in the world, thank you.

About the Organizer

I'm Sylvia Plumb. I've known Kenny and Jenny since The Alchemist years, and I'm also lucky enough to be part of their family through my partnership with Jenny's dad, Jeff. I'm organizing this fundraiser with their full support.