Dear Friends,
Br. Michael, who lives in our largest Marist Brothers retirement facility, needed hip replacement surgery this past summer. When I visited my longtime friend in the hospital, I noticed that the remarkable sparkle always twinkling in his eyes was barely there.
The medical team assured us that our 87-year old Brother was doing better than expected. However, his gloomy mood prompted a discussion about temporarily moving Br. Michael to a rehabilitation center. That was vetoed and we brought our Brother home.
Here’s where the story takes a wonderful turn. Your gift will help us keep the story going for years to come.
The moment Br. Michael returned home and saw his elderly Marist Brothers housemates at the front door, his face lit up. Just like that – our Brother was back…in more ways than you can imagine. As I enjoyed the heartwarming moment, I recalled similar situations.
The moral of the story is that no one wants to spend long periods of time in a sterile, unfamiliar hospital bed surrounded by blinking lights and beeping machines. When physician approved, home sweet home is the best place to recover.
And because we care for more elderly and disabled Brothers than ever before, more elderly Brothers will also likely need hospital care. To ensure that every Brother can recuperate at home whenever possible, we decided to convert six small rooms into three large, handicapped-accessible rehabilitation rooms, each with a private bathroom.
Our contractor explained that we would save a considerable amount of money if we completed the total project at the same time. That would bring the cost of each room down to $37,000, for a total cost of $112,500. So we tightened out belts, pinched every nickel, and saved $75,000 – enough for two rehabilitation rooms.
We very much need your help to raise the final $37,500 for the third room. Can we count on your gift?
The larger rooms will be simple yet highly functional, with wide doorways to accommodate wheelchairs and elevated beds, since post-surgery recuperation often restricts bending. The new handicapped-accessible bathrooms will have non-slip flooring, a walk-in shower, a raised sink and commode, and grab bars where necessary. The total price also includes all plumbing, electrical, tile, and carpentry work.
Here’s our bathroom shower plan.
Did we make the right decision? Think back to when you were hospitalized or perhaps visited a loved one after surgery. Rapid-fire medical procedures, unfamiliar surroundings, loud noises, and so many patients in pain – it can create a frightening environment that challenges the strength needed to recover.
I would never deny a hospital’s remarkable life-saving value, but it’s not home. At home, when a Brother is recuperating, he’s served nourishing meals prepared with love. If recovery is frustrating, his fellow Brothers are there for emotional support.
I realize that $37,000 is a lot of money, but if every Marist Brothers’ friend sends a gift, we will eventually have what we need. It’s like the two nickels tucked in with my note. One coin is 5¢. But when you add the other coin, it becomes 10¢. Likewise, every gift – whether $10 or $50 – boosts our total. Every gift matters!
When your gift arrives, the Brothers and I will want to do something special for you! So please remember to write your prayer intentions on the enclosed donation response card and return it to me along with your support. As we thank God for you’re generosity, we’ll include your intentions in our prayers, for you and your loved ones.
Before ending my note, I want to thank you for always being there for our elderly and disabled Brothers. Your generosity is a blessing.
God bless you for your kindness,
Br. Hugh P. Turley, F.M.S.
Director of Development
