57 Years of Excellence!!! (1956-2013)

 Joan dancing

As the news broke that the Palm Beach Ballet Center closed its doors…our hearts broke. We had so much passion to rally and then we didn’t. We need to rally this time because Miss Joan needs us in her “retirement.”

Miss Joan should not be in a nursing home facility — indefinitely — with 4 people to a room, on lockdown, staring at a ceiling all day in a hospital-type bed, surrounded by a bunch of half-dead people in wheelchairs because she is broke on medicaid.  What a waste of immense talent and an incredible life. Now, more than ever, it is time for us to honor Miss Joan’s service and world class artistry with a proper thank you — we need to figure out a way for her to retire with dignity.  She is not ready to be placed in a nursing home facility.

We are her only family….only we can change her situation. 

Without our collective help, Miss Joan will waste away (and decline quickly) in this facility — she already is.  She was robbed of her dignity, her love and passion, her home, her studio, her many animals and even her name — the nurses refuse to call her by her preferred name of “Joan” — they call her “Emily.”  What a cruel thing to do to someone with Alzheimer’s who is already forgetful. Her legal name is “Emily Joan Miller.”

While Miss Joan’s impeccable memory is no longer on “pointe,” she cannot afford for our memories to fail her too.  Since Miss Joan has been in the nursing home she has had all of about 5 visitors since January…..

If everyone could whatever you can,  I will personally ensure Miss Joan ends up with the best care we can afford and — a place she can call home.

I will do all the “leg work”… just help by giving what you can….Miss Joan was too special for us to turn a blind eye after she paid us so much attention!

With Love,

Carissa Kranz