Davids Gift of Love

David’s Gift of Love was established in memory of Dr. David Gaudin who passed away in May 2020 after battling frontotemporal dementia. Beth Gaudin, his wife, and his primary caretaker was moved by their experience with David’s illness to provide support and encouragement to the caretakers of loved ones diagnosed with dementia.

Our Mission

David’s Gift of Love will recognize the caregivers of individuals with dementia on special occasions such as their birthdays, anniversaries, or Valentine’s Day, sending them flowers and a heartfelt message of appreciation and love. Our mission is to demonstrate to caregivers that their love and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. We want to remind caregivers that no matter how isolated they feel, they are not alone. David's Gift of Love will work with home health agencies, hospice, and primary care providers to connect us to caregivers. Family and friends of caregivers are also welcomed to contact us at the email or phone number listed below.

Gift of Love

As the caregiver of someone with dementia, I recognize how overwhelming this responsibility can be emotionally, mentally, and physically. Being a caregiver is a gift of love.

I feel blessed that God chose me and equipped me to care for David at home. This had been my prayer since his diagnosis. Before becoming a nurse practitioner, I worked in critical care and ER and I was well experienced in caring for those with dementias as well as being well acquainted with some of the challenges faced by those with this disease, their family, and their primary caregiver. I was well-experienced in caring for patients and well-acquainted with some of the terrors that dementia patients and their primary caretakers endure. On days that I felt discouraged, God often sent my way patients and their caretakers who were struggling even more than myself. It was during my time as a caretaker and medical professional that God began to put the idea for David’s Gift of Love on my heart.

David had always given me flowers on special occasions, it was one of the many ways that he communicated his love to me. David’s dementia robbed him of so many things including his ability to remember important dates and arrange for gifts. I had missed the flowers during those years. God reminded me of how many other caregivers felt similar losses to mine and how He could use this tragedy to make a difference in the lives of others. I know firsthand how much fear and loneliness accompany this role. I often thought of Isaiah 41:10 during the ten years I served as primary caretaker to my husband:

“Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

It is my hope that through this foundation, I might remind caretakers that they are not alone; their gift of love has not gone unnoticed; and that they are loved in return.

Ways To Help

Prayer: Pray for the prosperity of our foundation’s mission and the lives affected by this disease. Pray for both those who are inflicted by dementia and their families.

Donations: As the number of persons diagnosed with dementia grows, so does the burden of caregivers. We want to see this foundation being a blessing indefinitely. You may contribute financially to our mission. To donate you can mail your donations to the address listed below. You can also contact us via telephone or email for additional information about contributing.

Volunteer: If our mission resonates with you and you would like to give of your time or services, please contact us.

David's Story

David lived a full life, fueled by love and generosity. He inspired all that knew him with his tenacity and enthusiasm for life. David was born without legs but never considered himself disabled. His physical handicap did not prevent him from taking on physically difficult challenges, such as lifting weights and even snow skiing! He was an outdoorsman who loved boating and playing golf. David was the father to two sons and a step daughter. He was Big Dave to his six grandchildren. Whether it was enjoying a round of golf, attending a sporting event, watching a movie, or simply sharing a meal; he always enjoyed being with his loved ones and experiencing all life had to offer with them. He loved to share his life’s passions with his close friends and family. David’s children remember with fondness attending LSU games with David, who loved all sports but especially football.

As a teenager, David met Alvin Roy, strength coach from Baton Rouge while he was lifting weights in Roy’s gym. Coach Roy, who became the first professional football strength coach, invited David to join him for summer camp at the Kansas City Chiefs. David was honored to room with Mike Garrett who was a Heisman Trophy winner. He also talked about catching passes from quarterback Len Dawson; and he held the ball while Jan Stenerud practiced kicking.

At the end of camp David told Coach Hank Stram he knew the Chiefs would make it to the Super Bowl in New Orleans. Coach Stram told David that if the Chiefs did make it David would be there with them. David spent Super Bowl week with the Chiefs, roomed again with Mike Garrett, and was on the sidelines with the Chiefs when they won the Super Bowl .

David was thinking of becoming an athletic trainer, but instead was encouraged by his new friends in the NFL to reach higher, pursue medical school and become a doctor.

David was the first handicapped individual accepted into Louisiana State University's medical program. He became a beloved doctor of internal medicine in Hammond, Louisiana, and the surrounding areas for almost 30 years. He dedicated his gifts in service to God and others and because of that, impacted the lives of so many. David also made a huge impact in the world of sports medicine. He was a team physician for many at Southeastern Louisiana University and helped to establish the first certified athletic trainer programs in the state at SLU. In the summer of 1986, David served as interim team physician for the Saints during their summer camp. He was very involved in the Louisiana Sports Medicine Society and in 1995 was given the first Jim Finks Award sponsored by the New Orleans Saints. In 2008, David was inducted into the Louisiana Athletic Trainers Association Hall of fame.

When David was diagnosed with slow progressing Alzheimer’s in 2010, our world was shattered. David was the love of my life, my work partner, and best friend. Although he was cleared by the neurologist to practice medicine under certain conditions, David elected to retire. Two years after his initial diagnosis, we received the correct diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia for which there was no medication to slow the progression of this terrible disease.

David lived life to its fullest and blessed everyone he encountered with his gifts of kindness, resilience, and purpose. It is my hope, that through David’s Gift of Love his story continues to inspire.