Friends and Family of Valerie, you’re overdue for an update. You have all been so generous, and I (mark) apologize for being lax in updates. It’s honestly tough to update about Valerie’s house, when it seems to be deteriorating so fast, but in slow motion. There are days and weeks that are drama, and then quiet weeks. I cannot believe it’s been over 2 years that Valerie has been at Sydney Creek. She has been ill with FTD/progressive aphasia for over 6 years.
As of mid-August 2024, Valerie is back under hospice care (third time!). This follows a severe seizure she had which has diminished her physical abilities in terms of standing and walking and energy level. A lot more napping, and is managed with a wheel chair to move from room to dining area. Hospice care for Valerie means more eyes on her, more flexility on medicine for pain and equipment like the wheelchair and hospital bed.
Valerie is less verbal, but in the past two weeks has managed some words and smiles. In Jan 2024 she was moved to a smaller unit for her safety, in terms of more caregivers on hand and less room for injury from tripping. She still has her moments, but she’s had only a few instances as compared to last year where she had several severe falls.
(a side note about her appearance: her hair is so black, short now with curls. Very French. She is thin, with all of last year’s walking).
Valerie’s birthday is this month – in about 2.5 weeks. She’ll be 55, enduring a cruel disease with the same grace she’s had since it started.
Now the sales pitch. The expense for Valerie to remain at Sydney Creek is enormous – nearly $7k a month and so since this is GoFundMe, I have to ask with all humility for your help. Donations to Valerie help her and her family cover the monthly bill. The money goes direct to her bank account used for her rent. I know money is tight for a lot of people, so any amount is welcomed. Every little bit helps, believe me.
While she can’t say it, I know Valerie would appreciate yourhttps://gofund.me/996f150d help, as prideful as she can be, as it helps to keep her in a facility where she is comfortable and safe with amazing staff to help her with everything. And if you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Tough Gal Val - living with frontotemporal dementia 