Something Beautiful Is Happening at Sanctuary Days

Dear Supporters of Still Us,

We are just two weeks into our eight-week Sanctuary Days pilot, and something extraordinary is already happening. Friendships are forming, laughter is filling our beautiful new van, and our community partners are discovering that welcoming people living with brain change enriches everyone's lives.

A Van Full of Laughter



Last Friday, on our morning drive to the Prancing Horse farm Carrie asked whether everyone wanted to listen to the radio, the answer was a resounding yes.

"How about Oldies?" she asked.

The van erupted in laughter. 

"I guess that's us!" someone exclaimed.

"Hey, who let the old folks onboard?" another called out.

And just like that, another wonderful Sanctuary Day began.

Purpose, Curiosity, and Connection

Our morning at Prancing Horse involved not just learning about veterinary care but actually practicing it, including taking horses' temperatures, blood pressure and heart rates. We even watched Joker receive a chiropractic adjustment by the enthralling veterinarian Dr. Megan and met Poppy, her adorable five-month-old Boston Terrier puppy and future therapy dog.

After a delicious lunch at Table on the Green, where we shared some hearty laughs courtesy of Bruce over the age-old question of what really lies beneath a Scotsman's kilt, we traveled to My Friend's Farm in Aberdeen, where fields of colorful dahlias, zinnias, and cosmos awaited us.

Some Guests ventured into the fields to cut their own flowers, while others arranged beautiful bouquets from the pre-cuts set out for us. Several gentlemen gathered around the firepit for a little "dude time" before deciding that making bouquets for their brides was a pretty good idea after all!

Think about that for a moment.

People living with brain change, so often viewed primarily as recipients of care, were creating something beautiful to give to someone they love.

They weren't simply receiving joy, they were creating it.

The next morning, Tera, the owner of My Friend's Farm, sent Carrie a message saying that our Sanctuary Days Guests were her favorite group she had ever welcomed to the farm! Don't repeat that, we don't want to make any other groups feel bad haha. 



She said she could hardly sleep that night, dreaming of all the ways her farm might support our mission. This is the reception we are receiving everywhere we go.

Our Guests aren't simply being accommodated in community spaces. They are being welcomed and celebrated. They are inspiring others, changing mindsets, and reminding our neighbors how much we all have to gain from genuine human connection.

This Is What Your Support Makes Possible

Sanctuary Days is about much more than providing six hours of respite for care partners, although that alone is an extraordinary gift.

It is about restoring opportunities for purpose, engagement, agency, connection, and enjoyment. It is about helping people living with brain change remain visible, valued, and involved in community life.

To everyone who has invested in Still Us, this is what you are helping us build.

Not simply a program, but a new way for our community to understand and respond to changing brains. We don't have to wait for a cure to create a better world for people living with a changing brain.

We can begin right now. 

And here in Moore County, we already have.

Please Keep Still Us in Mind for Your Year-End Giving

As you consider your year-end charitable giving, we hope you'll remember the Still Us mission. 

Are you age 70½ or older? You may be able to support Still Us through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA. This gift may also count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) while offering potential tax advantages. Ask your financial advisor or IRA custodian about this giving option.

Still Us Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Federal Tax ID (EIN): 41-2775603

Checks may be mailed to

Still Us Foundation, PO Box 3065, Pinehurst, NC 28374.

Support the Still Us Mission

With heartfelt gratitude,

Karen