At CraneWerks, we talk a lot about lifting—lifting loads, lifting productivity, lifting each other. But some things weigh heavier than steel, and that’s where true strength shows up. For the family behind CraneWerks, that weight has a name: Alzheimer’s.
Lucys for Lynn was founded by CraneWerks President Ashley Larochelle in memory of her mother, Lynn, who battled Alzheimer’s disease. Watching a loved one fade behind the fog of memory is something no family ever forgets. But instead of letting that heartbreak sit, Ashley turned it into action.
Lucys for Lynn was built on one simple idea—a little comfort can make a big difference. Through this nonprofit, dolls are purchased and delivered to nursing homes and individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. These lifelike dolls have a calming, therapeutic effect, often sparking joy and connection in ways words can’t.
At Christmas, the program shines brightest. Dressed as Santa, Ashley’s team hand-delivers hundreds of dolls to nursing homes, singing carols and bringing warmth to residents who might otherwise feel forgotten. Throughout the year, the group continues its mission, making deliveries to those in need and accepting requests from caregivers and families who’ve seen firsthand the difference doll therapy can make.
Lucys for Lynn isn’t just a side project—it’s part of who we are. CraneWerks was built on family values: loyalty, compassion, and doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching. Supporting Lucys for Lynn is a natural extension of that. It reminds us that while we build equipment meant to lift heavy things, we also have a responsibility to lift spirits, too.
Many of our employees and partners have personal stories connected to Alzheimer’s. It’s a disease that doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed—it affects entire families, workplaces, and communities. That’s why we raise Alzheimer’s awareness, why we stand with those fighting this disease, those caring for loved ones, and those working toward a cure.
Every October, during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, we pause to remember that behind every statistic is a story like Lynn’s.
And behind every story is a family like ours—doing their best to make a difference.
Lucys for Lynn is proof that hope doesn’t have to be loud or flashy. Sometimes, it’s soft. It has a gentle smile and a name stitched onto a doll’s dress. And it reminds us that kindness, no matter how small, can change someone’s day—sometimes even their life.
Published October 8, 2025 | Edited October 8, 2025
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