THE HEART BEHIND THE MISSION
A story of love that became a bridge for others.
Muskie’s Bridge began with Jackie and Andy “Muskie” Horvath. Their story is the beginning of the mission, but the purpose reaches far beyond one family.
A beginning with no END.Jackie and Andy “Muskie” Horvath
A personal experience.
A purpose shared.
“25 years ago today our eyes met, our hearts collided, and the Muskie’s Bridge seed was planted.”
Andy was an attorney, a golfer, and a stained-glass artist who made windows for people he cared about. He and Jackie built a life together in Ligonier, filled with family, friends, and the things they loved doing together.
Jackie is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with experience in home health, hospice, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. But caring for Andy through his final months gave her a different view of healthcare: the experience of a family member trying to understand decisions, ask questions, and keep a loved one’s wishes at the center.
After Andy died in 2023, Jackie founded Muskie’s Bridge in his memory. She wanted other families to have better information, stronger connections with care teams, and the confidence to speak up for someone they love.
Learn about the BRIDGE approachHis memory. A mission for every family.
Andy’s life is remembered not only through Muskie’s Bridge, but through the people he loved and the stained-glass art he shared with them. The stained-glass details on this website are a tribute to that part of his story, not reproductions of his work.
The Bridge to Bench awareness gatherings in Ligonier have brought people together around that legacy. At the September 2026 event, two time capsules were placed in the memorial bench, with plans for them to remain sealed until 2051.
Jackie’s purpose goes beyond remembering Andy. It is to help other people navigate caregiving with knowledge, compassion, and a voice in the conversation. Families are partners in care, not substitutes for trained healthcare professionals.
Real caregiver experiences continue to shape Muskie’s Bridge. We welcome stories, questions, and ideas from families and the professionals who care for them.
Share your experienceRooted in love. Built for caregivers.
Our work keeps the human side of healthcare at its center.
Compassion
Caregiving begins with love for another person and respect for what matters most to them.
Connection
Families, care teams, and communities can work better when everyone can communicate.
Empowerment
Knowledge and support give caregivers a stronger voice in the healthcare journey.
Help carry this story forward.
Join us in building a more compassionate experience for families navigating care.
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