Marcus McGillivray- Long Term Care

At the age of 21, my brother, Marcus, was diagnosed with Progressive Dementia. After numerous testing upon graduating from high school, we received the news that it was indeed progressive and that he would continue to decline. The news was heartbreaking, yet astonishing that, at such a young age, Marcus had a brain disease that affects people in their 60's or older. The doctors were able to confirm that Marcus had not gotten the proper amount of oxygen to his brain for many of his youth years due to vascular problems. Along with this, the doctors were able to see damage from head concussions when he played high school sports.

Since the initial diagnosis in 2008, he has declined to the point of needing to live in an environment that caters to his needs. Eventually, his entire independence was taken from him. For the past 5 years, my mom has rearranged her life to care for him. My parents have sacrificed so much in order to take care of Marcus. In his current state, he struggles with basic comprehension and memory. He is extremely confused with simple things and is beginning to misunderstand his identity. It has been devastating to watch, yet we know God has a plan for his life.

After many, many months of prayers, tears, and total dependence on God for answers, we have found a facility that will provide Marcus with an environment conducive to his current state. Rainbow Acres is in Camp Verde, Arizona and has accepted Marcus to be one of their "Ranchers". Marcus will be living with a caregiver in a home with 9 other individuals who have a variety of cognitive disabilities. Marcus will have a job on the "ranch" and participate in different activities throughout the day, allowing him to excel in an environment catered towards him. Despite its location, Rainbow Acres is an answer to prayer. We will be moving Marcus to Arizona permanently on January 21^st.

I am setting up this donation page to help with the cost of Marcus' care. In order to provide Marcus this opportunity, my parents have to sacrifice their entire lives, including their living conditions. They will be downsizing drastically and doing whatever they can to make sure he is able to have a better life. They did not want to ask for help and are humbling trying to take care of it all. This is something I, as his sister, want to do for him and to help ease the burden financially for my parents. This has been an extremely emotional process, not to mention this financial burden that my parents will now take on. I have watched as they selflessly dedicated their time, strength, and finances for Marcus over the years as he slowly declined. Their strength and unwavering faith in God is incredible and this is just a small way I want to help alleviate the stress as we begin this process. All of the money donated will go directly towards Marcus' care and put in an account at Rainbow Acres in his name.

If you would like more info on the "Adopt-A-Rancher" program feel free to check out their website (www.rainbowacres.com) or contact me ([email modificata]). Thank you to all our friends and family who have showed support throughout this process.