The Money Is Still Coming In!

It has been two weeks since the Memory Walk and the donations keep coming in.  I am so thankful and happy folks are still donating to our team.  It's been a tough year all over so any money donated is  appreciated.  Looking forward, the Education Committee will be working on the Education Series and Annual Alzheimer's conference.  We also are working to establish an Art For Alzheimer's show that will be a stop on the Eugene, First Friday Art Walk.  Remember the Alzheimer's Association is also a resource for other dementias as well. 

Memory Walk 2009

 Charisa and Jen putting the finishing touches on a photographic wall.

Memory Walk 2009

The Memory Walk was held today!  It was such a beautiful, fun and enjoyable event.  So much work and time went into the preparations and I can honestly say this year was by far the best yet.  Turn out was huge, there was a great car show, massage, espresso, food and entertainment.  In the middle of all the noise was the common thread of why we were there.  One of the huge moments for me was to see a man I have known for about five years who has early onset Alzheimer's.  I believe he is currently in his early 50s.  He has changed.  He has grown old quickly, lost weight and certainly did not remember me.  Poof the memory is gone.  In the gorgeous park with the sun shining down, there was the stark reminder of why we need education, why we need to support each other and why we need to start talking about this disease more than ever.  It is coming.  It will affect some of my friends locally, my friends on Facebook and business acquaintances.  All of us will be touched by this disease in some way.  Unfortunately, we believe the disease is years away but time passes quick and with the blink of an eye, life as we know it can change forever.

Memory Walk

This next Sunday is the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk in Eugene, Oregon. It seems at this time we have walks for many medical conditions. So, you may ask "if everyone is walking and raising money, where does the money go?" As a member of the education committee I can tell you some of it goes into education and support. Families who have no where to turn have found refuge in the guiding and practical wisdom of the organization. Questions are answered, friendships and support buddies are made. Hope is restored. Not hope for a cure but hope for guidance.

We all know there are families needing the same assistance but don't know where to turn. Through conferences and special educational events we are hoping to find them.

The Alzheimer's Association is not just for Alzheimer's it is also a support for folks with related dementias. If you have a friend or loved one who is showing signs of memory impairment schedule a physician's visit immediately. You, in the blink of an eye have just assumed a role. It is called a patient advocate. Seek out the Alzheimer's Association and educate yourself, familiarize yourself with the disease process and most of all advocate, advocate, advocate. Push the doctors for more time during visits, seek out a geriatric specialist who knows this subject well, question and inform yourself. I would caution you about spending hours on the internet. Seek information about the disease so you can ask pertinent questions. Do not use the internet to second guess the medical professionals. Too many times a family member will take a snipet from the internet and use that to have the physician change medications around. In two weeks the same thing happens etc. This is a major issue and can cause significant harm to the individual. Invite other friends and family members to assist you. The beginning phases are difficult but the road will just get more complicated and hard. You will need a good support system.