Help Mrs. Newiger: Lifelong Educator with Dementia

Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Community,

My mom taught for 20+ years at Taylor Middle School and Green Hills Elementary. I know how beloved my mom was in this community. I couldn't take her to downtown Millbrae without one of her students coming up to us to say hi and tell me she was their favorite teacher ever.

It's with a heavy heart I share with you that my mom has Alzheimer's. Recently, her condition has progressed to nearly full-blown dementia which has scattered her mind. At this same time, her husband's Parkinson's is slowly crippling him in a body where the only thing that works is his mind.

My mom was not just a teacher; whether you were a troublemaker or an honor roll kid, just know she truly loved and cared about you. She spoke of her students so much I felt like I knew many of them. She really committed her life to education. She was so dedicated that not only applied, but was actually chosen out of thousands of science teachers to represent the USA at a global teachers conference. She traveled to China and collaborated with educators from around the world to enrich the curriculum being taught. Her love for science and teaching never shut off. She had an unwavering passion for her students and would light up whenever she talked about the incredible things so many of them were doing.

A year ago at this time, I had just joined the Millbrae Lions and was looking to usher in an era of young professionals to help continue building a better community. Sadly, in that time, I've had to put my career on pause to manage the demands of their care and transition to a full-time caregiver, a role that has was both financially and emotionally draining. Between the costs of managing a home, hiring a live-in caregiver, medical bills, and caring for our family pets, things have become overwhelming.

Asking for help is never easy, especially when it comes to financial support. However, the reality is that both of my parents now require around-the-clock care, and we need assistance to meet these significant expenses.

The funds we raise through this campaign will go directly towards medical bills and ensuring they can comfortably afford to transition into a full-time care space. I truly just want my parents to be able to get into a comfortable and affordable memory care facility where they won't have to worry about their own safety or our family house and pets.

Given my mom’s long-standing connection to the Millbrae community, I hope that those who knew her and were touched by her teaching understand our situation and might consider supporting or sharing this campaign with others who could offer support.

Your kindness and generosity will make a profound difference for our family.

With deep appreciation,

Mrs. Newiger's Family