Two lovingly remembered mothers were at the heart of an event last evening in Santa Cruz, Marie & Ties, both no longer with us, but their names and their legacy continue to inspire, forever linked to the service of their community.
A great number of people came together for the opening of CasMarie at Mama Ties, where a family home was re-purposed and turned into a comfortable facility designed to support those suffering from dementia. The dedication speeches by family members Fito Croes and Yvonne Escalona, and the moving video testimonials filled all eyes with tears of gratitude, for the women who moved generations, to do good.
Mama Ties, the matriarch of the Croes-Lee family raised an enterprising and resilient network of children and extended family members, nurtured with profound love, and unconditional inclusion, teaching them respect and mutual responsibility. Throughout the years, the family bravely faced its share of heartbreaks, culminating in 2022 with the loss of a dear sibling, Mayrin, a valiant warrior in the fight against cancer.
Mama Ties instilled a deep social conscience in her children, ensuring they promised to give back to their community out of gratitude and humility for their opportunities. On December 22, 2022, the siblings launched the Mama Ties Foundation, dedicated to enhancing and expanding mental health care in Aruba. Mayrin played a crucial role in establishing the Foundation, while Fito worked tirelessly to transform their mother’s house into a daycare center for seniors, honoring her legacy. The Mama Ties Foundation fully funded the renovation and provided the facility to Cas Marie.
CasMarie at Mama Ties was prepared to welcome 14 individuals for daily interactions with peers. Supported by the Minister of Elderly Affairs, this initiative promotes the Pasa Dia concept to provide relief to families and care for elderly individuals suffering from memory loss and other cognitive impairments. CasMarie was the perfect partner for the venture. The collaboration of the two foundations will help the community greatly. The two not-for-profit organizations have a similar history.
Marie, the beloved wife of Boy Escalone started suffering from Alzheimer in her fifties. Her devoted husband decided not to give up on the love of his life, and though little was known about the disease, he supported Marie lovingly and selflessly, until she unfortunately died. With her passing Boy has dedicated his life to the help of others, guiding family members of similar sufferers. His efforts, in collaboration with grown daughters Yvonne, Dyane and Gisèle, resulted in the opening of CasMarie, almost two decades ago, in Savaneta.
CasMarie invites dementia sufferers to exercise, socialize and spend time during the day, while their family members are at work. They are encouraged to do what brings them joy, crafts, cooking, exercising, dancing, solving puzzles, and interacting with a highly trained, big-hearted and supportive staff.
According to Minister Ursell Arends, his office plans to support more similar facilities in other neighborhoods across the island due to the significant need. Dementia sufferers require constant care, and with the availability of Pasa Dias, children can entrust their ailing parents or senior family members to a reputable, responsible organization. This allows them to go about their day, enjoying a respite from the constant worry about their loved ones.
CasMarie at Mama Ties is a commendable and important initiative, and it is greatly appreciated by the community.
