Help for Jan

In today’s world, everyone knows of someone who has been affected by the pains of Alzheimers disease. Hearing so many stories of our middle-aged parents struggling through the issues of their new found responsibilities with our grandparents reminds us all that at some point we will most likely become caregivers ourselves. You do not typically expect that day to come when you are newly married and in your 20s, but that is the case with two of our best friends Devon and Gabe Larson. In our friend group, we call each other family because we try to love and support each other in the good and bad times. Through the years we have found ways to assure each other we are not alone, but in this...the face of Alzheimers, we need help.

Devon has become the full-time caregiver of her 56 year old mother Jan who is in rapid decline due to severe Early-onset Alzheimers. Devon and Gabe welcomed Jan into their home about a year and a half ago, but the battle began about 4 years prior. Within the the past 6 years, the change in Jan's behavior and abilities is staggering. Devon and Gabe have poured all their time, money, strength and perseverance as a young newlywed couple into their challenging life caring for Jan. At this point, they can no longer do it alone. For the health and safety of our loving friends, it’s time we step in and do what we can. We aim to call attention not only to this family’s situation but to the ongoing epidemic of Alzheimers that is stealing generations of happiness.

Our immediate goal is to alleviate stress by raising funds to enable the family to hire a trained caregiver for a few hours a day. This will give Devon and Gabe a small reprieve from the daily tasks necessary to care for a middle-aged adult surviving with Alzheimers. We also know that soon a day will come when full time help will be needed. The help may come in the form of someone coming into their home or finding a location for Jan to be taken care of around the clock. For now, this family needs assistance to continue within this slope of rapid decline.