Dauna, Christine, and Sarah’s story is one of true community.
Dauna, a kind and caring woman with a sometimes spitfire personality, was married to Dennis, the love of her life, for 35 years. Dennis cared for Dauna, always doing his best to provide what she needed. When Dennis passed away in 2024, Dauna was devastated.
Christine, Dauna’s Care Coordination Manager, has worked with Dauna for over a year and supported her through many of life’s transitions, including mourning Dennis. Most recently, Christine helped Dauna find a new apartment to call home. Previously, Dauna’s living conditions were not always safe and clean. Her new space is comfortable and suited exactly to Dauna’s needs, providing Dauna with the perfect place to enjoy this new phase of life.
Above: Dauna and Sarah
Naturally, through the grief process, Dauna had challenges caring for herself. Christine supported her as much as possible by coordinating services and transportation to appointments. Although she did as much as she could, Christine thought Dauna would benefit from more support. In a beautiful turn of events, the missing piece to supporting Dauna came as Sarah reentered Dauna’s life.
Above: Christine, Dauna’s CCM
Sarah knew Dennis, “since she was knee-high to a grasshopper,” in his words. Dennis and Dauna lived on the same street as Sarah’s grandparents, so she had always been a friend of the family. Sarah had always loved Dauna, and at one point, she was her Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) aide through Springbrook. Not only did Sarah already know Dennis and Dauna, but she had long been friends with Christine and her family! Dauna and Sarah rediscovered their friendship at this new stage of life – and with perfect timing!
Now, Dauna and Sarah talk on the phone together daily – at least twice daily, but often more. They are always going out and about together. Dauna loves to meet new people when they run into Sarah’s friends along the way. The pair loves shopping together and listening to their favorite music while they prep Dauna’s meals. “We love Elvis and The Beatles,” Dauna explained. She also has a newfound love for delicious and nutritious foods! Thanks to these delicious meals and more movement in Dauna’s life, she is proud to share that she has lost over 30 pounds with Sarah’s support.
Most recently, Dauna began attending a Day Hab program! She had previously been uncertain about attending programs. However, Dauna now loves Day Hab! She recently asked Christine to increase the number of days she can go each week. Christine made it happen, and Dauna is happier than ever. She attends weekly senior meals, visits a stained-glass studio, and plays Bingo.
Dauna appreciates the friendship she has with Christine and Sarah. She explained, “I have many great people looking out for me.” The pair is the kind of friends everyone hopes to find –the ones who show up when you need them most. Dauna often reminds Christine and Sarah that her true love, Dennis, is also looking out for her. She wears a button with a picture of her and Dennis on it daily, as a reminder that he is never far. In an incredible turn of events, Dennis’s loving care of Dauna continues through Christine and Sarah. We are excited to see Dauna continue to thrive with her amazing community of support!