A Home for Bruce

My Dad, after loosing his wife to cancer after 50 years of marriage, now finds himself in a memory care unit facility.  An accounting error has him $6500 in arrears and we risk his being removed for non-payment. 

I work a full-time job to support four kids and a grandbaby.  My brother is disabled and we are both on limited income.  Dad is thriving where he is - they adore him and love him.  He's comfortable and participates but more importantly he is cared for and safe where he is.  Having him removed from this place would mean he would need to live with one of us and we cannot afford another mouth to feed.  Besides, the arrears will still be there.  

My father is a Vietnam vet but receives no vet benefits as he left service befor the war technically began.  His sacrifice goes unrecognized and it's heart-breaking but reality.

Dad served on the Needham Massachusetts Fire Department before taking the position of Deputy State Fire Marshall in Montana.  He spent many years working for the Forest Service Division in Montana as well as serving the Wakulla State Forest out of Crawfordville, Florida for several years.  Even as Alzheimer's robbs him of his memory, he still retains many details about his time on the forest service and the fire department and can even tell his fire fighter brothers and sisters in needham where to go for the best pizza in town!

My little brother was Mom's caregiver during her three year battle with a rare cancer that took her life in 2012. During that time he cared for Dad's needs as Alzheimer's continued to ravage his mind, emotions and memories.  Now we are both in a position that could have devastating results.  

Thank you so much for considering a donation to this cause.  If you prefer to donate by writing a check directly to the organization, you can reach out to me privately and I will give you the contact information.

Thank you for your thoughts, your actions, and your prayers as we work delingently to maintain Dad's dignity and care.  

Dad's Service included:

U.S. Navy - Entered US Naval Reserves November 1958.  Called to active duty: Jan 23, 1959.  Assigned to the USS Lake Champlain (CVS-39)   Honorable Service.

Needham Fire Department 1962 - 1969.  Battalion Chief
AVCO Fire Department, Glasgow AFB, MT 1969-1971

Deputy State Fire Marshall, Eastern Montana 1972-1974

NFPA, Boston, MA 1974-1976

Worked as a farmer/rancher as well as with the USDA Forest Service Montana from 1976 - 1984

USDA Forest Service - Waukulla District, Florida 1989-1999