Transforming Personal Loss into a Mission of
Connection and Community
The Sherwood Family in 1991. From left to right, Stacey, Sherry, Steve, and Scott.
In 2021, life thrust me into a role I never imagined: the primary caregiver for both my parents, Steve and Sherry, as they battled terminal illnesses. The weight of this responsibility was made heavier by the memory of my brother Scott, lost to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2009. Facing the imminent loss of both parents felt like watching the pillars of my world crumble. Yet, in this darkness, I found a flicker of hope - the belief that they would soon reunite with Scott in a place beyond pain.
As my father fought pancreatic cancer and my mother struggled with end-stage renal failure, I poured my heart into creating a haven of peace and love for them. Our backyard became a sanctuary, where the gentle rustle of leaves and the melody of birdsong provided a soothing backdrop to their final days. I chose an in-home hospice that went beyond medical care, bringing in harpists whose ethereal music seemed to connect heaven and earth, and massage therapists whose gentle touch brought comfort to pain-wracked bodies.
In a moment that still brings tears to my eyes, our hospice chaplain - who had become family - performed a vow renewal ceremony for my parents on their 60th and final anniversary. As they gazed into each other's eyes, their love transcending illness and time, I witnessed the purest embodiment of 'till death do us part.'
The early weeks of 2022 brought a tsunami of loss. My father passed on January 4th, followed by my uncle the very next day. On January 21st, my mother joined them, leaving me adrift in a sea of grief. In those raw moments of pain, our hospice chaplain shared a harsh truth that became my call to action: many adult children, overwhelmed by the demands of caregiving, place their loved ones in facilities and rarely look back.
In that instant, I felt a divine commission. God's voice resonated in my heart, urging me to create a sanctuary for those who are placed in nursing homes, mental health facilities, or simply ignored because their differences seem too challenging to embrace. This wasn't just a fleeting thought - it was a purpose etched into my soul.
Drawing upon my decade-long experience in creating virtual world content, I envisioned a digital refuge accessible via a simple tablet. This wouldn't be just another online platform; it would be a lifeline for the isolated older adults, the homebound, the physically challenged, the neurodivergent, and those battling the demons of depression and social anxiety.
I dreamed of a place where those often placed last by society would finally be first. Thus, the Last First Foundation was born, with our MMOSG platform 'Seniority' at its heart. This isn't just a project; it's a mission to create a safe, sacred space where the forgotten can rediscover belonging, where the isolated can forge meaningful connections, and where everyone, regardless of their challenges, can grow and thrive.
In this digital sanctuary, a homebound elder can stroll through a virtual park, feeling the sun on their face once more. A person with social anxiety can gradually build confidence in a supportive community. Someone battling depression can find purpose by teaching others about their life's passion.
This is more than a platform - it's a promise to those left behind by society. A promise that they are seen, valued, and deeply worthy of connection. With your support, we can turn this vision into reality, creating ripples of hope and belonging that will transform countless lives.
Together, we can build a world where no one feels forgotten or alone. Where being 'different' doesn't mean being isolated. Where the last truly do become first. Join us in this labor of love, and help us create a community where everyone, no matter their circumstances, can truly belong.
Cultivating a Thriving Community
Our vision is to nurture a vibrant digital sanctuary where no one feels alone. By 2026, we aim to welcome and embrace at least 10,000 users into our Seniority family. Each new member represents a life touched, a connection forged, and a step towards a world where isolation is replaced by belonging. As our community grows, so too will the tapestry of shared experiences, support, and friendship that defines us.
Forging Compassionate Alliances
We believe in the power of collaboration to amplify our impact. By 2026, we aspire to join hands with a diverse network of partners who share our vision:
These partnerships aren't just numbers; they're bridges of hope, connecting Seniority to existing care ecosystems and bringing our digital sanctuary to those who might otherwise remain isolated.
Crafting Our Digital Haven
Our journey to create Seniority is one of continuous innovation and refinement:
But this is just the beginning. We're committed to an ongoing dialogue with our users, using their invaluable feedback to shape and enhance Seniority. Our goal isn't just to build a platform; it's to create a living, evolving space that remains accessible, engaging, and truly transformative for all who enter.
Together, we're not just setting goals; we're laying the foundation for a revolution in digital connection and support. Every milestone we reach is a step towards a world where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can find their place of belonging.
Nurturing a Vision: Our Current Journey and Your Opportunity to Make a Difference
The Last First Foundation is in its exciting early stages, driven by a passionate board of directors and the unwavering commitment of our founder. As we lay the groundwork for our transformative "Seniority" platform, every step forward is a labor of love, with our founder wearing multiple hats - from executive director to sole game artist.
While our progress may be measured, our vision remains boundless. We're not just building a platform; we're crafting a digital sanctuary that will touch countless lives. To bring this vision to life sooner, we're reaching out to kindred spirits who share our passion for making a difference.
Are you a talented game artist or developer with a knack for creating photorealistic game elements and environments? Your skills could be the key to accelerating our mission and bringing hope to those who need it most. By volunteering your expertise, you have the power to transform isolation into connection, loneliness into community.
This is more than just an opportunity to showcase your skills - it's a chance to be part of something truly meaningful. Every environment you create, every detail you craft, will become a space where someone finds comfort, builds friendships, or rediscovers their sense of purpose.
If you're inspired to use your talents for a cause greater than yourself, we invite you to join our journey. Visit our Get Involved page to share your demo reel and become a catalyst for change. Together, we can accelerate the realization of our shared dream - a world where no one feels forgotten or alone.
Your skills are not just valuable; they're vital. Let's create something beautiful and life-changing together.
The seeds of our vision have been planted, but it's your support that will help them bloom into a forest of hope and connection. This isn't just an invitation—it's a call to be part of something transformative.
Imagine a world where no one feels forgotten, where isolation is replaced by vibrant community, and where those often overlooked become the heart of a caring digital family. This is the world we're building with Seniority, and we need your passion, skills, and support to make it a reality.
Whether you're a game developer, a compassionate volunteer, or someone who believes in the power of connection, you have a vital role to play. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, has the potential to change lives.
Join us in this labor of love. Together, we can:
This is more than a mission—it's a movement. A movement to reshape how we care for one another, how we value every individual, and how we use technology to bridge the gaps that separate us.
Are you ready to be part of something extraordinary? To use your talents, time, or resources to uplift those who need it most? To help write a new chapter in the story of human connection?
The time is now. The place is here. And you are exactly who we've been waiting for.
Join us. Let's change the world, one connection at a time.