A Financial Advisor Robbed This Family Of Nearly Half A Million Dollars And Their Ability To Support Two Of Their Loved Ones Who Have Dementia
Minneapolis, Minnesota. A fraudulent financial advisor tragically robbed the Gonzalez family after Robin Gonzalez’s younger sister, Roiann, was diagnosed with early-onset dementia.
Now, Celisia Stanton has organized a GoFundMe to help support Roiann’s medical costs.
“When Robin discovered her sister had early-onset dementia, she decided that for as long as she lived, she’d do whatever it took to ensure Roiann was always safe and always cared for,” Celisia wrote.
As Roiann’s older sister, it was instinctual for Robin to take matters into her own hands.
Unfortunately, Robin’s mother was also diagnosed with dementia shortly after, placing double the stress onto Robin. Still, she sprung into action for both of them.
Roiann’s dementia has since progressed and, years ago, Robin had to make the difficult choice to move her into a long-term care facility.
“The family couldn’t do everything all on their own anymore– they needed help. The facility was able to provide the kind of intensive day-to-day care Roiann needed and deserved,” Celisia explained.
Robin and her family wanted to place Roiann in the best environment possible for her to thrive despite dementia.
GoFundMe; pictured above is the Gonzalez family
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Before being diagnosed, Roiann loved exercising and took an active role in the church. She also worked hard and saved much of what she made.
“Between her savings, her disability, and a check she receives from her previous employer, Roiann’s family has been able to continue paying the care facility’s seven thousand dollars per month price tag,” Celisia said.
But, Robin realized that Roiann’s savings were bound to run out. Roiann was still in her early sixties and needed a much more sustainable plan to pay for her care. So, Robin and her husband decided to meet with a financial advisor named Isaiah.
“Isaiah was a young, charismatic father of four whose mission was to help folks from communities who’ve been traditionally denied access to financial institutions and wealth building,” Celisia wrote.
She and her husband would come to invest their savings with Isaiah, too. That is how Celisia and Robin came to know each other.
Robin and her husband eventually invested Roiann’s entire life savings and their own retirement with Isaiah.
They met with him multiple times, spoke with other families, and shared how much this investment meant to their family. Then, one day in December of 2020, an FBI agent showed up at Robin’s door.
“The money was gone. All four-hundred and forty-six thousand dollars. Isaiah had been defrauding his clients, and the lies had finally caught up to him,” Celisia explained.
Isaiah has since been put in jail, but the damage he caused the Gonzalez family has not been repaired. Now, Roiann is left without any long-term care, and the Gonzalezes are unable to retire.
Robin has since gone back to work and refuses to retire until Roiann receives the care she deserves.
“That’s why I am coming to you today. The Gonzalezes have given me permission to organize this GoFundMe on their behalf. Every dollar of this campaign will go directly to them– to support Roiann’s care and to ensure that Robin gets the chance to retire,” Celisia wrote.
The GoFundMe, with a goal of four-hundred and fifty thousand dollars, has reached just over one hundred thousand dollars so far. Nearly four thousand people have donated on behalf of the Gonzalez family.
“I was distraught by this story, imagining my family in a similar circumstance since both my parents have dementia and require costly care. I will keep your family in my prayers,” wrote Ana Rodriguez, who donated fifty dollars.
“Thank you for sharing this story. As someone who works in the financial profession, it hurts even more that people are out there preying on others who just want the knowledge to be financially okay. Greed truly is a terrible thing,” wrote Tiki Warmouth, who donated fifty dollars.
To donate or simply stay updated on the Gonzalez family’s journey, you can visit the GoFundMe campaign here.
“Thank you so much for your consideration. Every dollar and every share means so much,” Celisia said.
More About:Human Interest
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