A Honeymoon To Remember for Rosey & Jess

I created this gofundme in order to support one of the most important men in my life - my dad - after going through some of the worst events of his life, all in the last four years… 

In June of 2017, my mom told me she was asking for a divorce. We hoped it would be quick, painless, and respectful. In February of 2020, the divorce was finalized after endless court cases, demands for more money, and many astounding, heartbreaking revelations. My dad, a retired career Naval Commander, has barely any money left to show for his service after his marriage of 27years ended. Unfortunately, the litigations continue. My mom is still (yes, over a year later and with a signed divorce agreement) suing my dad for more money.

 

The only saving grace, truly an eye in the storm, is Rosey. Also a devout Catholic, Rosey has been a support to my dad through the arduous legal battles and the painful annulment process. I cannot say this strongly enough - thank God she stayed. June of 2021, Rosey and my dad celebrated their wedding. Rosey has brought so much joy to us all through the grief, laughter in our sorrow, and a closeness as we watched our family fall apart.

 

Long before the wedding, Rosey started to comment about behaviors my dad had. He was forgetful. But that could just be the long term stress. After all, he’d be through so much is such a short amount of time. His entire life was turned upside down!

 

But on August 9th, it was confirmed not to be a result of stress. Barley two months married and only 53 years old, Rosey and my dad received his diagnosis: Alzheimer’s - Early Onset.

 

Early onset (or young onset) Alzheimer’s is aggressive and much less common than typical Alzheimer’s. In just the past few months my dads memory has taken a steep dive. He can’t remember simple words, completely forgets what he’s saying/doing mid sentence, and as a result is very frustrated and afraid. His neurologist has given him a terminal prognosis of 7-10years… but with something like early onset - those final years will be very very difficult as his memory declines.

 

And this is, hopefully, where you can help. My dads been through a hell of a time. His finances are shot, he’s newly married, can’t afford a honeymoon, received a terminal diagnoses, and is losing a battle with his own mind. He deserves a reprieve - he deserves a moment away from the chaos of his life to enjoy his new bride, to create new meaningful memories before his mind no longer can, to travel, to just exist outside the stress. Many people can put off a trip like this - pay down some bills and save up. My dad can’t. He doesn’t have the time…

 

He has lawyer fees, spousal support, a mortgage, a slew of upcoming medical expenses (MRIs, CT scans, clinical trials, in home care when he can no longer do it on his own) and, realistically speaking, he will not be able to work much longer.

 

So, along with prayers, I am asking you to please help us raise the funds for him to take his honeymoon (they want to go to Rome!), to make meaningful memories in a beautiful place with no outside stressors. Please. Help us help not only my dad, but also Rosey - who’s had to endure so much in only two months as a new bride and who will be with him through his diagnoses - in sickness and in health, as long as they both shall live…

 

Any funds raised beyond what is used for their honeymoon will be allotted for medical expenses. Thank you so much for your generosity. It means the world to my family ❤️

If you prefer to use Venmo, please donate to @mandyrose407 with the memo “r&j” and I’ll know what it’s for. Thank you!