John was an assistant coach with the Buffalo Bills in 1978 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, ending his coaching career. The NFL gave him a monthly stipend of $1500, which has never been increased over the years.
For 34 years now, John's wife, Bernadine, a nurse, has been at his side caring for him at home. For the last three years, John has been totally helpless and bedridden. He also suffers from Parkinson's-related dementia. Bernadine provides 24/7 care. Not an easy job which requires, among other things, turning a 200lb man several times a day.
Recently she has gotten some relief with the county providing a nurse 90 minutes a day, three days a week, to bathe John and attend to other personal needs.
For the last year, John's condition has been on a plateau. He has not gotten any worse. Due to the quirky regulations of Medicare, he cannot get any assistance, but should his condition worsen, then he would qualify for Medicare help.
John's situation has touched many posters here over the years and NDNation has responded with messages of support and, more importantly, financial contributions. Bernadine told me she has spent thousands of dollars in the last few years just on Depends for John, to give you some idea of where the money goes. She is concerned with her ability to provide John in the future with those things necessary to make his life comfortable, however long he might have left to live.
The saint in all of this is Bernadine. She told me that she prays each morning for God to give her the strength to make it through another day, caring for John. She is leading a committed, very difficult life.
In this holiday season, if you have a few extra dollars, they would be much appreciated by the Mazur family. They also appreciate the kind words of support they have gotten from so many members on here over the years.
Donations should be to sent to:
Bernadine Mazur
672 Cornwallis Dr.
Mt Laurel NJ 08054-3217.
