Meet our second For Care Partner grant recipient : Dylan Jangula
Dylan Jangula is a special young man at the age of 24 he gave up his career path and current dreams to care for his father Rick. Rick was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at 55 and had to sell his construction business. He then survived a stroke with in the next year. He needs 24/7 care and Dylan, his son, stepped up to fill the need for his father and their family. Read more about the Jangula family and Dylan’s story below. We are pleased to have been connected with Dylan so we could provide him with this gift. Dylan is definitely one to be admired for his selflessness. We hope this helps provide him some relief to keep being such a wonderful care partner to his dad.
Jodi Jangula says this about her son Dylan:
My Son, Dylan, the Unlikely Caregiver
My husband Rick’s, story begins with a diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 55. We noticed forgetfulness, difficulty driving and getting lost especially without a GPS. After many months of testing, he was diagnosed. My husband and son, who worked together in my husband’s construction business, had to close his business down. Seven months after his diagnosis, my husband had a stroke. It has made his Alzheimer’s symptoms grow even more and now with some mobility issues as well. My son, who is a 24-year-old man, had just finished his welding degree and graduated with honors. He has put all his dreams aside and helped me care for his father and our home. I have two other grown children who try as much as they can to help, but Dylan is the one who has stepped up. In fact, he stepped up so much, that he is by far a better caregiver than any of us. My son’s patience, kindness, and gentle hand have become my husband’s true friend and confidant. My husband relies on his son and looks for him all day, even when I am around. I have asked my son many times if he needs to find something else, his response every time is “it’s my dad, I will take care of him for as long as I can.”
My husband is also a Vet and his connections with the Minnesota Veterans Hospital have been fantastic. The staff and doctors have been outstanding with connecting with my husband. This is a constant battle and one we know we will not win. However, in the meantime, it is my son’s true meaning in life to give his father the best life he can, right now. I know my son will have a special place with God as he is truly remarkable.
Dylan Jangula and his dad Rick.
Dylan’s personal words :
“I am very happy that I was chosen to be able to receive funds from "For Care Partners". I am glad I was able to get into contact with Hollie for this generous gift. I have been taking care of my father for the last 4 years. It started with him losing his memory and not being able to do things that he used to do, such as work, driving, and hobbies. He was diagnosed with Alzheimers and we were dealing with it okay, but emotions were very high. I decided to put my life on hold to take care of my dad, because that is what he would have done for me. I am very grateful that I have a family that cares and is willing to help. I just finished 2 years of college for welding and had a job lined up but I wouldn't feel right if I left my other family members to be his caregiver. He is my buddy. A couple years into us trying to find our way through the Alzheimers and everything that comes with it, my dad had a stroke, falling down the entire staircase of our home. You can imagine how that went. My duties as a caregiver essentially tripled overnight. He needs me more than ever. I have no ability to have an actual job and I have been using savings to try and pay for stuff for myself and for him, so you have no idea how much this gift means to me. My mom is working full time so that we can stay in our home as long as we can.. The last few years of my life have been the most challenging time of my life, with lots of setbacks and bad news, but this gift is a sign of things going in the right direction. I have to have hope and faith.
My dad is my best friend and I would like to support him as best as I can, and that often takes money to do. We will use this money to the fullest for whatever comes up, whether that be bills or unexpected things needing money. I am hopeful these funds can be distributed to other people in similar situations and people continue to contribute to help others.”
