Bruce and Johanna Mueller-Laurelin

The time has come…

Bruce is a former instructor at the Waldorf Institute of Southern California and former faculty member of the Waldorf School of San Diego. His wife Johanna has been teaching Eurythmy, strings and orchestra at WSSD since 2002, as well as a co-director and founder of WISC our local teacher training.

Bruce has been diagnosed with a rare form of dementia. Johanna and Bruce’s struggle with this has begun accelerating in severity in the past few months. So after 20 years of dedicated service to the Waldorf community, they are in need of our help. Bruce now needs full-time companionship while Johanna is at work. We have been given permission by the family to share their journey and open up channels of support through their beloved community.

The Laurelin Family

Bruce and Johanna met at Highland Hall Waldorf School in Los Angeles, California. Bruce was a class teacher and Johanna joined the school as the Eurythmy teacher. They recently celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary. They have shared a love for their work in Waldorf education as active Anthroposophists. They love to travel together, go camping, work in their garden, and the arts.

What is needed now.

The journey through supporting an elderly a spouse through medical challenges such as these are multi-faceted and complicated, especially for the primary caregiver. There wasn’t a plan in place for such a complicated medical situation so early in their lives. While the long-term implications are daunting, at this point in time the needs are as follows:

1. Financial. Monetary support for long-term adult memory care, legal counsel to navigate myriad issues of healthcare and finance, transportation needs, and medical bills.

2. Networking. An in-home caregiver is the best option for the family. We are seeking support in finding just the right person for this. The ideal candidate is affordable, male, has own transportation, creative, kind, has experience in caregiving, and is available weekdays 10 am to 6pm for approximately 25 hours per week.

3. Transportation. Immediately, until home care comes to fruition, transportation support is needed for Bruce to and from a memory care home in La Mesa, from the Colina area of San Diego, at 9 am and 3pm, multiple days per week.

We are so thankful for your consideration, support, and love over all the years and are grateful for any way you can help now. If you have networking or transportation support ideas or offerings please contact Chelaine at [email redacted] or Angela at [email redacted]

Sincerely,

Angela Sarich & Chelaine Kokos