Give BIG
April 1st to 29th
Donations are matched Dollar for Dollar up to $17,000!
Important Note: New website 2025
This month, you have the power to make a big difference in the lives of seniors and adults with disabilities right here in our community. Check out our story below!
A Journey of Strength, Compassion, and Care
Through Dementia
For families like Ashley and her mother, Nan, that difference means everything. Ashley and her family never imagined the day would come when she’d have to care for her independent mother, but dementia changed everything. Their journey has been heartbreaking, filled with challenges they never expected.
Nan was once a school counselor and fourth-grade teacher, a Master Gardener, a talented artist.... Daughter Ashley describes her as "a resourceful, independent person, who has lived alone for 20 years."
Nan Riegel and daughter Ashley
The family knew that Nan’s life would change when she was diagnosed with dementia
three years ago. The news was especially hard because they have always been a family of “givers and do-ers” who have strong ties to the community. Since the disease was caught in the early stages, they knew they had some time before major decisions needed to be made. Wanting to be prepared, Nan and her family put a plan in place. Ashley, a self-described type A personality, said they mapped out a five-year plan to navigate the journey ahead.
But then Nan got what seemed like a minor injury that required surgery. She drove up to the day prior to surgery, but due to complications from the procedure and COVID, Nan’s dementia symptoms worsened rapidly. She would never drive again.
Ashley found her role transitioning from daughter to caregiver sooner than expected…
To help Nan remember important information and tasks, she keeps a large master calendar on the kitchen table. Other tools like a dementia clock and reminder sheets taped to doors aid with her mom’s memory loss.
Caring for two households, being a special education teacher, program manager for the Wisconsin School Psychologists Association, and having two daughters, Ashley’s plate is more than full. As her mom’s caregiver, Ashley tearfully says, “it’s been difficult”. She worries her mom feels like she’s a burden to her family- saying, “She could never be!”.
Ashley isn’t alone. Many caregivers feel overwhelmed and need support. Thankfully, Interfaith Caregivers is here to lighten the load and offer a helping hand. With the help of Interfaith volunteers, Ashley is working to enhance Nan’s quality of life and gently slow the progression of dementia.
Exercise is more important than ever. It just so happened that an Interfaith volunteer lives nearby, so she and Nan go for walks together. Sometimes, they take the trail by Nan’s home so she can bring her dog, Rye. Sometimes, they just visit. When Nan needed rides to speech therapy, Interfaith volunteers were happy to help. But perhaps the most meaningful service we provide for Nan are the trips to Color Crossing……
Color Crossing is an Art Cooperative that provides studio space for local artists. The tight-knit group has been a huge source of support for the last 15 years. Continuing weekly visits to Color Crossing offers Nan the ability to continue making the art she loves while staying connected to the people who have always been there for her. Interfaith has been the helping hand Nan and her family needed to keep her independent and stay connected to the people and activities that have been such a vital part of her life.
– One moment, life was predictable, and the next, they were facing a challenge they never expected.
Nan displaying her textile art
Nan, Barb (Nan's sister) and Luann discussing Barb's collection of art materials
Nan and her sister Barb
For Ashley, knowing that Interfaith volunteers are with her mom gives her “time to breathe” and she doesn’t have to worry if her mom is ok.
This month is especially difficult as Nan prepares to move into a memory care facility – a decision she and her family made together, knowing her condition would eventually progress.
While the transition is bittersweet, Ashley is deeply grateful to Interfaith Caregivers for helping her family share another year with her mom at home. As Ashley put it, “Interfaith bridged the gap,” giving their family the extra time they needed until they could find a safe place for her mom.
But this kind of support is only possible because of generous donors like you. This month, your gift can help more families like Ashley’s.
Will you make a gift today to ensure more families get the extra time they need with their loved ones?
If you donate during the month of April, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $17,000! Please give as generously as you can. Your gift keeps seniors and adults with disabilities independent and connected to their community. Your giving stays local, and with it, our staff matches volunteers with people like Ashley and Nan, who need a helping hand. Your kindness ensures that Interfaith will be here for you and the people you love the most.
Don’t underestimate the difference you can make. Just ask Nan and Ashley
Join us in making a difference for seniors and adults with disabilities this Give BIG!
Thank you for caring about your friends and neighbors in the community!