Dez Patterson

Born & raised in SoCal by my single Mama. I didn't have a strong relationship with my family and often looked to friends and mentors to support me during my crazy rollercoaster of a life. In my teenage years, I observed firsthand my Mama taking care of her own Mom. As my Grandmother’s Alzheimer's progressed, I recall thinking to myself -- at some point, I might be caring for my Mama in the same way. Years later after becoming a wife and mom myself, I assumed I had so much more time before Mama’s health would decline. I was wrong.  Life got flipped upside down.  I became my mama's caregiver with no preparation for her diagnosis.  It was overwhelming, grappling to understand the world of Parkinson's and my Mama’s new needs. Ever since her diagnosis, I have been learning, researching, crying and laughing through this new chapter. I am beyond grateful for the family and friends (old and new) that have listened, given advice, shared wisdom and loved on us. Through Hope Tree Village, I hope to create a space for others that are in the midst of their caregiving journey. 

I'm a local SoCal girl who loves everything outdoors, from the mountains to the beach, with my amazing husband and giant labradoodle. I am blessed to have a close family who enjoys gathering for every family milestone and even some game nights on weekends. In my spare time I enjoy sitting in my craft room hashing out new ideas. My motivation behind co-creating Hope Tree Village was a flurry of life events that forever changed the course of our family. It started first with Mom's emergency colostomy. My Dad passed shortly after. The life I was so accustomed to took a different direction, a place that was unknown. I learned quickly how to care for my mom after invasive surgery. She had to accept her new life with an ostomy bag, while we all adjusted to life without my father and her husband. My Dad was a very generous and giving man who, at any given time, helped anyone and everyone. I watched and learned from his example and his pearls of wisdom. I knew that giving back was something I wanted to do as well. After numerous ooh's and ah's, tears and do-overs, I continue to do the best I can for my Mom and do my best to give back to those going through their caregiving journey.