Our Story
We owe it all to Ray.
Ray Flachbart was diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer’s in 2013 at the age of 62. He and his family were shocked, confused, overwhelmed, and devastated. They had no idea where to go, what questions to ask, or who to talk to.
Even though Ray knew he had a long, scary journey in front of him, he didn’t let that stop him from living his life to the fullest. Ray raised awareness in his community and spoke to the local newspaper about his experience. He also spent as much time as he could with friends and family. Through all of his actions, Ray found light in the darkness.
Ray taught us all that receiving a diagnosis doesn’t have to mean giving up on everything you love. It can mean cherishing the things that you love and being grateful for the time you have left with them.
After five years of the disease progressing, Ray passed away in 2018. His family and friends grieved the loss of the wonderful person they knew and loved. They are all better people for having been loved by Ray.
After some of the dust settled, his daughter Katie decided that she didn’t want his passing to be in vain. She remembered how overwhelming, confusing and terrifying trying to navigate the disease felt. She wanted to take what her family had learned and be a life raft for others going through a similar journey.
In 2019, Katie set out to create a business plan for a dementia care consultation service as a part of her capstone project in her MBA program. Together, with a group of classmates and an academic advisor (thank you Brandi Brooks, Krista Detwiler, Cali Bogatko, Anne Lyon and Brian O’Morrow), Katie created the foundation for an organization that would later be known as Ray of Light.
Katie holds a Bachelor of Social Work and received her Master of Business Administration from Boise State University. She has volunteered with the Alzheimer’s Association and sat on the board of the Idaho Chapter from 2019-2021. She is certified in person-center dementia care through the Alzheimer’s Association. Inspired by her father’s courage, Katie is passionate about creating a community where individuals living with dementia and their loved ones never feel alone. Ray of Light was created in hopes of being a shining light in a sea of darkness. Thank you, Ray, for inspiring us to change the lives of others the way that you changed ours. We love you.
