It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Bloody Bridge in St. Mary's, IN gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in St. Mary's, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting KC Geiger Park in St. Mary's, IN with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Social ThirtyOne or visit Reconstructed State House of Historic St Mary's City, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in St. Mary's, IN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in St. Mary's, IN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in St. Mary's, IN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
CALIFORNIA, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce invites residents and visitors to celebrate the region’s vibrant hospitality industry at the annual Taste of St. Mary’s on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m. at the AeroPark Innovation District at St. Mary’s County Regional Airport.Known as one of St. Mary’s County’s signature community events, Taste of St. Mary’s brings together the area’s restaurants, food trucks, caterers and beverage vendors...
CALIFORNIA, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce invites residents and visitors to celebrate the region’s vibrant hospitality industry at the annual Taste of St. Mary’s on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m. at the AeroPark Innovation District at St. Mary’s County Regional Airport.
Known as one of St. Mary’s County’s signature community events, Taste of St. Mary’s brings together the area’s restaurants, food trucks, caterers and beverage vendors for an afternoon filled with local flavor, family fun and community pride. The event will be held rain or shine.
Admission is free, and attendees can purchase tasting-size samples of delicious food and drink specialties from a variety of local culinary businesses. Whether you’re discovering a new favorite restaurant or enjoying a signature dish from a longtime local establishment, Taste of St. Mary’s offers something for every palate.
In addition to outstanding food, the event features entertainment and activities for all ages, including live music, children’s activities, aircraft displays, a classic car show and more. The unique setting at the AeroPark Innovation District provides an exciting backdrop for a day of food, fun and aviation-themed attractions.
Taste of St. Mary’s is an annual community celebration highlighting the outstanding restaurants, caterers, food trucks and hospitality businesses that make St. Mary’s County a premier dining destination. Hosted by the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce, the event brings together local businesses, residents and visitors to celebrate the flavors, hospitality and community spirit that define Southern Maryland.
What: Taste of St. Mary’s 2026When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026 | Noon – 4 p.m.Where: AeroPark Innovation District at St. Mary’s County Regional Airport, California, MDAdmission: Free
Local restaurants, food trucks, caterers and hospitality businesses interested in participating are encouraged to register early, as vendor space is limited.
For additional event information, vendor registration, sponsorship opportunities, or updates, please visit https://smcchamber.com/taste-of-st-marys/ or contact the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce at 301-737-3001 or [email protected].
Alarm clocks blared and school buses arrived in St. Mary’s County on Wednesday as students headed back to school.Approximately 190 bus routes ran smoothly on Wednesday morning, said Jeff Thompson, director of transportation.The school system is welcoming about 90 new teachers this year, with 28 receiving a promotion and 23 previously graduating from the school system, Superintendent Scott Smith said at the Aug. 19 board of education meeting.Over the summer, construction began at Chopticon High School, and George Wa...
Alarm clocks blared and school buses arrived in St. Mary’s County on Wednesday as students headed back to school.
Approximately 190 bus routes ran smoothly on Wednesday morning, said Jeff Thompson, director of transportation.
The school system is welcoming about 90 new teachers this year, with 28 receiving a promotion and 23 previously graduating from the school system, Superintendent Scott Smith said at the Aug. 19 board of education meeting.
Over the summer, construction began at Chopticon High School, and George Washington Carver Elementary School received new pre-K playground equipment, Smith said.
Phase one of the Chopticon renovation, which included removing ceilings and replacing pipes, was completed this summer, and new cafeteria furniture was installed. Phase two began at the end of the summer and includes replacing systems and new painting and flooring, Paola Laino, director of design and construction, and Mike Watson, chief operating officer, said in an email.
“There have been no disruptions to students or staff as the project was designed and planned as a phased, occupied renovation,” Laino and Watson said in an email. “The general contractor continues to work during school hours while ensuring that noisy activities are performed before or after the school day whenever possible.
Jeffrey DiRenzo, director of student services, Katie Kortokrax, chief academic officer, and Donna Thorstensen, director of accountability and reporting, provided the board with updates about new school resources at the Aug. 19 meeting.
Parents will now receive newsletters and text message alerts through Apptegy. Visit www.smcps.org/HAC to view contact information or contact a school directly to update contact information, Thorstensen said.
A new online program, Schoolinks, helps students in grades six through 12 determine future career goals and stores transcripts and recommendation letters for college applications, DiRenzo said.
LEONARDTOWN, Md. — For the athletes standing inside the St. Mary’s County commissioners’ meeting room Tuesday morning, the silver medal represented more than the final score of a basketball game.It marked years of playing together, an opportunity to represent Maryland on a national stage and friendships that have grown into something closer to family.The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County honored the local men’s basketball team that represented Team Maryland at the 2026 Special Oly...
LEONARDTOWN, Md. — For the athletes standing inside the St. Mary’s County commissioners’ meeting room Tuesday morning, the silver medal represented more than the final score of a basketball game.
It marked years of playing together, an opportunity to represent Maryland on a national stage and friendships that have grown into something closer to family.
The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County honored the local men’s basketball team that represented Team Maryland at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games during their Aug. 25 meeting.
Commissioner Scott Ostrow presented the proclamation recognizing the athletes, unified partners and coaches for earning a silver medal at the national competition.
“It’s a privilege to be able to deliver this,” Ostrow said before reading the proclamation.
The proclamation recognized team members Rodta Maddox, Will Gough, Anthony Cyrus, Louis Scott, Marty Goldsborough and Shaun Ridley.
Head coach Don Bewick and assistant coach Will Ridley guided the team through the competition. The county’s meeting documents identified Gough and Scott as unified partners.
“The team’s success is attributed to their hard work, dedication to excellence and unwavering determination,” Ostrow read from the proclamation.
Commissioners also acknowledged the athletes’ families, loved ones, trainers and the Special Olympics of St. Mary’s County organization for supporting the team throughout its journey.
The proclamation, signed by all five commissioners, commended the team for its “outstanding performance” and dedication to both the team and the community.
After the proclamation was presented, the players and coaches took turns describing what the experience meant to them.
Shaun Ridley thanked his teammates, coaches and the commissioners for recognizing and supporting the team.
“I want to thank these guys right over here,” Ridley said. “We thank you very much.”
Gough said he was proud to return to the court alongside the team each year, while Goldsborough described the experience of playing with his teammates as “incredible.”
Scott reflected on the relationships the players formed over their years together and the work that led to their silver medal.
“Shout out to my brothers here,” Scott said. “It was great to go on this adventure with you guys and compete, and I’m glad that we were able to earn something to show all our hard work.”
For Scott, however, the team’s greatest achievement could not be measured by a medal alone.
“Playing with you guys throughout the years has been a real blessing,” he said. “I consider you guys family, so thank you for everything that you guys have done.”
Assistant coach Will Ridley called it a privilege to coach the team as it represented Maryland at the USA Games.
Bewick said the players worked hard throughout the experience but also embraced the opportunities surrounding the competition.
“Not only did they compete and play, but they had a lot of fun,” Bewick said. “They met a lot of friends and family, so it was a great experience.”
The ceremony concluded with commissioners, coaches and team members gathering for photographs — the athletes’ silver-medal accomplishment now formally recognized by the community they represented.
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MONROE, MI — Phase 2 of the St. Mary's Park renovation project will begin soon.Phase 1 was renovation of the park's large parking lot, which doubles as an event venue. The parking lot was completed in November 2025.On Aug. 20, the City of Monroe was awarded a state grant to help fund Phase 2. The city received a $400,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to replace the playground at St. Mary’s Park, rehabilitate tennis and basketball courts and add lighting and a new pavilion. Monroe's grant is part of $45...
MONROE, MI — Phase 2 of the St. Mary's Park renovation project will begin soon.
Phase 1 was renovation of the park's large parking lot, which doubles as an event venue. The parking lot was completed in November 2025.
On Aug. 20, the City of Monroe was awarded a state grant to help fund Phase 2. The city received a $400,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to replace the playground at St. Mary’s Park, rehabilitate tennis and basketball courts and add lighting and a new pavilion. Monroe's grant is part of $45 million in grants for 75 land acquisition and park development projects across the state, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's office announced.
"About $1.25 million is being invested in Phase 2, so the state grant will cover roughly one-third of the cost of this phase," according to an email message from the city's communications department. "Remaining funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) Program grant will combine with funding from this grant to complete Phase 2 and continue the park's overall transformation."
In November 2025, the entire St. Mary's Park project was estimated at roughly $3.5 million.
In November 2024, the city announced renovation plans for St. Mary's Park, which, it said, hadn't been significantly updated in 30 years. In 2025, Patrick Lewis, director of engineering and public services for the city of Monroe, said Phase 2 of the project was anticipated to include: resurfacing basketball and tennis courts; refreshing playscape; renovations to the bandshell; new shelter facility; and additional park enhancements to further improve recreational opportunities.
Renovations coming to Monroe's St. Mary's Park and its large parking lotHere's a look at Phase 2 of the project.
Mark Cochran, interim city manager, previously said the playscape was added in the 1990s.
"The new playground will feature a traditional playscape, but one of the biggest improvements will be accessibility. The playground will be ADA-compliant, with hard-surface pathways that make it easier to reach and better connected to the rest of the park," the city said in the email message.
Amy Mohr, communications specialist for the City of Monroe, said no rendering of the new playground is available.
"The new pavilion will be located near the tennis courts, creating another space for people to gather and enjoy the park," the city said.
Mohr said no rendering for the new pavilion is available.
"Both the tennis and basketball courts will be resurfaced as part of the improvements," the city said.
Mohr had previously said the tennis court was last resurfaced in 2013.
"New lighting will be added around the tennis courts. Lighting in the parking lot was upgraded as part of Phase 1 of the project," the city said.
Monroe's St. Mary's Park parking lot expected to reopen in late NovemberRenovation of the park's historic bandshell was on the list of Phase 2 projects.
Mohr said no work on the bandshell is planned at this time.
Built around 1955, the bandshell is used for the city's annual Summer Concert Series. Cochran previously said the bandshell was in need or roof replacement and lighting improvements.
"Work on Phase 2 is expected to begin within the next few weeks, and our goal is to complete as much as possible this fall. Some of the improvements are dependent on the rerouting of a sanitary sewer line that is part of a dam renewal project. That work requires additional review by the State Historic Preservation Office as part of the federal approval process, which could push some of the park improvements (tennis and basketball court resurfacing and the pavilion) into next spring. We intentionally waited until the Summer Concert Series was complete before beginning the next phase of construction so we could minimize disruptions to park activities," the city said in the email message.
The Summer Concert Series ends Wednesday, Aug. 26. Sound Proof, a Motown tribute band, will perform from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Because of anticipated crowds, West Elm Avenue will be closed from 5:45 to 9:30 p.m.
Subscribe for all the latest local developments, breaking news and high school sports content.The City of Monroe has plans to improve all 36 of its parks.
"The City’s 2023 Parks and Recreation Master Plan identifies several parks for future improvements," the city said. "Work at Labor and Father Cairns parks has been completed, while improvements at St. Mary’s Park are underway. As part of the upcoming Capital Improvement Program discussions, the City will work with City Council to determine priorities for future park investments."
Labor Park was renovated in 2022. Work on Cairns was completed in 2024.
Orazio Castelli suffered a sudden seizure Aug. 22, caused by an underlying condition. He remains hospitalized in recovery. Updated Wed, Aug 26, 2026 at 11:22 am CTMOKENA, IL — Mokena and its surrounding communities are rallying around a beloved boy and his family, following a medical emergency that has left the kindergartener hospitalized.St. Mary's staff and students have wrapped blue ribbons around trees on the campus, a bright show of support for Orazio Castelli, who suffered a sudden seizure just days after t...
Updated Wed, Aug 26, 2026 at 11:22 am CT
MOKENA, IL — Mokena and its surrounding communities are rallying around a beloved boy and his family, following a medical emergency that has left the kindergartener hospitalized.
St. Mary's staff and students have wrapped blue ribbons around trees on the campus, a bright show of support for Orazio Castelli, who suffered a sudden seizure just days after the start of school.
The ribbons—along with cards and signs handmade by students—are "a simple but powerful reminder that something special is happening: a community coming together in prayer and support for kindergarten student Orazio Castelli," school staff wrote.
A GoFundMe has been started for the Castelli family—who own Frankie's Restaurant in Tinley Park—as Orazio remains hospitalized this week following the debilitating seizure.
"Just last week, five-year-old Orazio walked through the doors of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Mokena to begin kindergarten," the fundraiser reads. "He should be spending these days learning his new classroom, filling out his 'About Me' papers, losing his first teeth, scoring goals, making new friends and deciding whether pizza, pasta or gelato deserves the top spot on his list of favorite foods. Instead, Orazio is beginning a fight no five-year-old should ever have to face."
Just days ago, Orazio was enjoying a school-sponsored Back to School Skate on Friday evening with his family and friends. He was smiling, laughing and skating, staff said.
Then, without warning, everything changed.
On Aug. 22, Orazio suffered a sudden seizure. Doctors discovered that he was experiencing bleeding in his brain caused by an arteriovenous malformation, or AVM. In simple terms, an AVM is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the brain, similar to a tightly knotted bowl of spaghetti. Instead of blood flowing normally from arteries through tiny blood vessels and into veins, AVM creates abnormal connections between them. These vessels can be fragile and may rupture without warning.
That’s what happened to Orazio.
He was emergency airlifted to Lurie Children’s Hospital, where a neurosurgical team performed lifesaving brain surgery to remove the accumulated blood and relieve dangerous pressure on his brain. A portion of his skull was temporarily removed to allow room for his brain to safely swell as he begins to heal.
As Orazaio recovers, his doctors will need to address the AVM itself, and when it is safe, reconstruct the portion of his skull that was temporarily removed. The exact road ahead is still being determined, but Orazio and his family face a long and uncertain recovery.
What has followed since Orazio's medical emergency has been an extraordinary outpouring of support for the family.
At St. Mary Catholic School, students, families, staff, and parishioners filled St. Mary Catholic Church for a prayer vigil and mass on Sunday evening with Castelli family members. Students have made cards and signs, blue ribbons have been placed throughout the school campus, and classrooms have continued to pray for Orazio and his family.
The support has quickly reached far beyond the school walls. Mokena, Frankfort, Orland Park, Tinley Park, and surrounding communities have rallied around the Castelli family, with friends, neighbors, local businesses, and community members stepping forward in countless ways. Messages of encouragement have poured in, people have organized prayers, and many have simply asked what they can do to help.
In the GoFundMe, Angela describes Orazio as "my strongest baby.
"I know he’s going to keep fighting," she told the organizer.
The Castelli family, owners of Frankie’s Restaurant in Tinley Park, has built a reputation for generosity and helping others in times of need, and the community is returning that kindness.
"For more than 30 years, their family and Frankie’s Since 1988 have been woven into the fabric of their community," the GoFundMe reads. "They have fed people, supported causes, donated to those in need, helped families through difficult times and stepped up again and again when their community needed them.
"They are the kind of people who don’t just talk about community. They take care of theirs. Over the last three decades, countless people and organizations have been on the receiving end of this family’s generosity, often quietly and without expectation of anything in return."
The response to the GoFundMe has been a powerful reminder of what can happen when communities come together to help one of their own.
For Orazio’s classmates, the blue ribbons are more than decorations. They are symbols of hope, faith, and love for their friend.
"From the halls of St. Mary Catholic School to neighborhoods and businesses throughout the area, the message remains the same: Keep fighting Orazio. You are surrounded by a community that is praying for you, supporting your family and believing in your recovery. Faith can move mountains!" school staff shared.
To date, the GoFundMe has raised nearly $118,000.
"His family is incredibly grateful for the village that has come together around them during a time when they need it most," the GoFundMe organizer wrote. "Every donation, every prayer, every message and every act of kindness is being felt more than you know.
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