50 Stories for 50 Years – Stories that Inspire

Zelda’s Story: Zelda Kapner, 85, never found her soul mate, but she did find Iona. As a regular participant in Iona’s Active Wellness Program at St. Alban’s, she has made friends; gets a daily dose of exercise, current events or culture; and enjoys a midday meal…. Read More

William’s Story: Back in 1976, when William Reid and his mother bought a three-bedroom house in the District’s leafy Chevy Chase neighborhood, he imagined living there with his future wife and children… Read More

Marina’s Story: Marina Quijano is independent and headstrong. She is also humble and generous. Marina left her native Colombia in 1949 in the midst of that country’s bloody civil war to join her parents in Washington, DC… Read More

Deborah & Quentin’s Story: When Deborah Dougherty and Quentin Looney retired, they saw it as a chance to pursue their passions. For Quentin, that meant teaching cooking classes, while Deborah led weekly fitness classes… Read More

Noreen & Murray’s Story: Murray Howder has lived in his two-story, prairie-style house off Connecticut Avenue since 1966. Now 89 and living with Parkinson’s disease, mild dementia, and a heart condition, he has one remaining wish… Read More

Peter’s Story: Caring for a loved one after an illness or injury is challenging under any circumstances. For Peter Kou, caring for his beloved wife Maybelle after she had a stroke and developed dementia—all while navigating the pandemic… Read More

Donald’s Story: Donald Burch III is among the many older adults who lack the support system traditionally provided by family. He’s single, has never had children, and is the last living member of his family… Read More

Gregory & Carlton’s Story: Carl “Gregory” Everett and Carlton Washington met at Forest Haven when they were just eight years old. Both are blind and have intellectual disabilities. While they aren’t related by blood, the two men are known by family and friends as… Read More

Mary Beth’s Story: Mary Beth’s  involvement with Iona began with  a simple desire to see her mother-in-law, Susan, thrive. After moving to Washington, DC to live with her son, Susan found joy in the vibrant community fostered by Iona… Read More

Marie & Classie’s Story: When Marie’s uncle passed away from COVID-19, her 81-year-old mother, Classie, who had been living with her brother, was now left alone in New York State, while dealing with Alzheimer’s disease… Read More

Brandon & Tina’s Story: Brandon, like so many caregivers today, is part of the sandwich generation—juggling the demands of his personal life while also caring for his aging mother, Tina… Read More

Gavin’s Story: In February 2015, Gavin Lawrence’s 78-year-old mother — who has dementia — disappeared from her DC condo. Gavin — who lives in Chicago — credits Iona nurse practitioner Fiona Druy and social worker Catherine Paitz with getting him through that crisis… Read More

Sergio’s Story: I’m a fighter. We’re going to turn this thing around or die trying. That’s just how I’m built. An only child, Sergio Rozzelle does everything to support his mother, Margaret. Three years ago, friends and neighbors started noticing a change in Margaret’s behavior… Read More

Fran’s Story: Fran Pflieger was feeling lost. A recent retiree, she had thought that her retirement would be a welcome new phase of life. Instead, “I had this feeling of free falling,” she says… Read More

Lakshmi’s Story: Lakshmi Hettihewa has been a huge fan of the Active Wellness Program at St. Alban’s since she first decided to check it out last summer. The timing, says Lakshmi, was meant to be… Read More

Jessica’s Story: A resident of Glover Park, Jessica, 30, was looking for a volunteer opportunity near her neighborhood. Having grown up in Tennessee in a multi- generational household and earned a degree in public health, she wanted to work with older adults… Read More

Suzanne’s Story: When Suzanne Gentes’ husband passed away in May of 2015, she had anticipated feeling the deep grief of losing a spouse. What she didn’t expect, however, was feeling an additional loss from saying goodbye to friends… Read More

Carolyn’s Story: “My name is Carolyn Barnes and I live in senior housing in Northwest Washington. This is the first time I have ever testified before the D.C. City Council, so I ask your patience if I seem a little nervous.” With these words, Carolyn Barnes began her February 2016 testimony… Read More

Wes’ Story: Wes Morrison was living in Washington, D.C. at the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In the decade from 1990 to 2000, Wes – who is a proud gay man – lost more than 100 friends. Actually, he just stopped counting at 100. That was a low point in his life…. Read More

Gilbert’s Story: Gilbert Lavine didn’t plan to retire at 61. A native Washingtonian, Gilbert was working as a treasurer at a major company that underwent an acquisition. He stayed on for a year after the acquisition before retiring in 2012, much earlier than he had anticipated… Read More

Stella’s Story: Stella “Starr” Clarke, kept running into the sociable stranger in her Cleveland Park neighborhood. Each time, his message was the same: “Come check out the club.” After four invitations, she had to see this place for herself… Read More

Caroline’s Story: It’s hard enough taking care of one parent with a serious illness. Imagine taking care of two — while living in a different city. Caroline Scully was living in Massachusetts. Her parents were living in the District’s Glover Park neighborhood, next door to her brother. Then things began to unravel… Read More

Pari’s Story – Part 1: When Iona social worker Liza Chapkosvky first met Parivash “Pari” Amirshahi, Pari was isolated in her apartment, surviving on little food and company. She had no bed, and she was sleeping on her small couch. “I could never straighten my legs,” says Pari, 79. Two years later, her life looks completely different, thanks to Iona…. Read More

Pari’s Story – Part 2: Two years ago, Parivash “Pari” Amirshahi could not have imagined how much better her life could be. But thanks to your generosity, Iona opened her eyes —literally. When Iona social worker Liza Chapkosvky first met Ms. Pari Amirshahi, she was isolated in her apartment… Read More

John’s Story: If you’re ever visiting Iona’s Wellness & Arts Center, you might just bump into John Diggs, 75. He’ll be the man with a big smile on his face welcoming visitors and telling everyone he meets, “I love Iona!” Give John a moment, and you’ll hear just why he’s become one of our most vocal supporters…. Read More