Help Hozan with Essential Home Care

It’s been more than eight months since Hozan’s cardiac arrest and coma in late December 2023, and a couple of months since his inspiring return home to the Berkeley Zen Center in June.

Hozan has been living in the ground floor Abbot’s office. He has returned to many of his Abbot responsibilities, giving Dharma talks, attending meetings, and offering private interviews. Intellectually, emotionally, and relationally, Hozan is back; he has been reinstated to a half-time salary. His spiritual leadership is deeply felt in the community.

Physically, however, the challenges persist. He has not regained control of his lower body and spends most of his time in bed, often on his computer or reading. He needs a strong and trained person to transfer him from the bed to his wheelchair and is only able to sit for about an hour at a time.

From late December until mid-June, expenses for Hozan's intensive care, rehab, and skilled nursing were covered by Kaiser. Since his return to Berkeley Zen Center, however, his home health care expenses have been considerable. He receives weekly physical and occupational therapy and has caregivers for about 7 hours every day (or night) to make his care sustainable for Laurie. In addition, the Senaukes must pay out of pocket for medical transport to dialysis twice a week.

The cost of caregivers, care management, and transport are not covered by Hozan’s Kaiser insurance. They add up to about $14,000 per month, far more than the Senaukes or the Berkeley Zen Center can sustain. We’ve launched this Go Fund Me campaign to invite Hozan’s wide sangha to help the Senaukes during this time of recovery. We’ve set a goal of raising $165,000 for one year of care.

Hozan and Laurie have devoted their lives to supporting others in so many ways. Now their own medical and financial needs are foremost, and it’s our turn to offer support. Please consider making a financial gift of any amount toward Hozan’s continuing care. Your generosity is deeply appreciated!

Clay Taylor, Berkeley Zen Center

Catherine Kenshin Cascade, Guiding Teacher, Bird Haven Zendo

Chris Panos, Board of Zen Peacemakers (chair), Board of Zen Caregiving Project (chair)

Karen Sundheim, President, Berkeley Zen Center

Mary Duryee, Berkeley Zen Center

and Hozan, Laurie, Silvie, and Alexander