In memory of David Betesh- aiding his aid

It’s with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my father, David Betesh.

My family spent the week after his passing sitting shiva, and we couldn’t have imagined being provided with such love, care and support.

 

Friends came to visit wearing masks, and scheduled zoom calls to bring a smile to my face, or listen to me ramble on about the stories about my father. Members of my brother’s community came to pray and pay their respects. My sister’s childhood friends who remember how my dad used to sing, dance and celebrate at any occasion, showed up despite their own health concerns. My father's best friend from childhood, who brought him to the U.S. on a “let’s go and see what happens” trip 53 years ago, came during his last days to sit by his bedside and read his favorite joke books.

 

One of the most touching visits was from my father’s full-time aid and caregiver, Pierre. As the Parkinson’s disease progressed, ravaging my father's body and devastating his mind, Pierre became a source of strength for my parents.  

 

Pierre would spend hours helping my father eat as his ability to swallow weakened. He’d help stabilize his body, assisting with almost every step my father would take.  And when he became bed ridden, he’d help him bathe, while maintaining my father’s dignity as best he could. He would sit by my father’s side and keep him company while watching a soccer game, or watch quietly as he slept to ensure he was comfortable.

 

Pierre became a backbone for our family, helping us more than we thought we needed. And now we want to help him.

 

Pierre is currently unable to work, as my father was his primary patient and without a new designated patient, Pierre would be assigned at random on a daily basis, exposing himself and his children to COVID.  

 

When Pierre came to pay his respects at shiva, we were fortunate enough to meet his two children, Debra and Oliver, both of whom are currently at York College studying nursing. I shared with them how in twelve years, we have encountered countless nurses and caregivers but none cared for my father the way that Pierre did. I told them how lucky they were to have a school educate them on the medicinal practices of nursing and their father to teach them how to nurture and care.

 

So, I’ve started this GoFundMe in order to help Pierre and his family in a few ways:

 

- Bridge the gap in income while he awaits a “permanent” assigned patient
- Assist with the nursing school tuition for Pierre’s children: Debra and Oliver
- Assist with Tuition for Pierre to be able to more formally learn English

I’d be so grateful for any amount you can donate. Pierre gave my family and I so much love, support, and strength when we needed it most. Now, I’d like to help him in any way we can.

Thank you so much for any contribution you can make.

 

With love,

Shaul