Mother’s Day surprise: Deer Park neighbors show support for woman with Alzheimer’s
Neighbors used Mother's Day to comfort Jeff Ray and his wife Bonnie, who was diagnosed with the debilitating disease.
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A community in Deer Park showed its love on Mother's Day for a beloved neighbor with Alzheimer's disease.
Jeff Ray became emotional while getting the morning paper when he saw signs of support for his wife Bonnie – "Alzheimer's Lives Matter" signs and purple ribbons could be seen up and down his block.
“I feel that I'm almost empowered, 'cause I'm feeling the power, the strength, the prayers from everybody,” Ray said.
The retired FDNY firefighter put out signs back in February to raise awareness of the debilitating disease.
“[Alzheimer’s is] coming at such a young age now. I have people in my support group who are 47, they're 52 – and they have no idea of how to deal with this,” Ray said.
One of his neighbors, a nurse at St. Francis Hospital, had the signs replicated and coordinated with homeowners on Ray’s street to put them out. Neighbors William and Gloria Gavin both joined in.
“It was just something we felt today would be an important day for them to show them our support and love,” William Gavin said.
“She was always there. She welcomed us to the neighborhood nicely,” Gloria Gavin said.
On this Mother's Day, Ray took his 58-year-old wife down the block to show the love his neighbors displayed for her.
“This is just great. Even if Bonnie may not understand it, but you know what? She’s probably smiling a little bit under there,” Ray said.
Neighbors spent much of the afternoon with Bonnie and Jeff Ray to ensure that both of them did not feel alone on this Mother's Day.
