Peter's Promise

Sometimes a life purpose is so clear. For my uncle Peter, that purpose is being a caregiver for his disabled sister Meredith. “Caring for her is the greatest honor,” he said to me, “No matter what life throws at her, whether it be her Down Syndrome or her thyroid disease, she always holds tight. And I am glad she’s holding onto me.”

In a devastating turn of events, Peter was diagnosed with a terminal illness that involves rapid cognitive decline—Lewy body dementia. His first concern wasn’t for himself, but for Meredith. “I promised I would take care of her for the rest of her life. How can I keep that promise now?”

His disease has taken so much from him. He loses his sense of time and place and struggles to walk. My parents have been caring for him around the clock, and I’ve been helping out as much as I can. We are trying to make a long-term plan—for him, and for Meredith. There are so many moving pieces, but one of the most important matters is Meredith’s guardianship and where she will live.

Peter won’t be able to keep his promise, but my mom will make sure Meredith is cared for and will become her legal guardian.

Unfortunately, like everything, this is extremely expensive. To set up a conservatorship, it costs $10,000.

If you are able, it would mean the world to us if you could help keep Peter’s promise for him.