I joined the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer’s Association – Minnesota / Dakotas Chapter a year ago. I am grateful and honored to be a part of an awesome team working together for a great cause. Growing up, I don’t recall knowing much about Alzheimer’s. It was a word with very little impact in my life, and I presume many others can say the same. With people living longer, and perhaps theories on diet and other contributing factors, Alzheimer’s is now affecting more people, at a greater rate, than ever before.
The facts, figures, costs and impact to families, friends, caregivers and supporters is absolutely staggering.
Here are some highlights that you may not know:
- 1 in 3 seniors dies with some form of dementia.
- Over 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's.
- In 2022, Alzheimer's and other dementias will cost our nation $321 Billion and expected to rise to $1 Trillion by 2050.
- Over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias.
This disease, as illustrated in the points above, is becoming a bigger issue in our country and resonates closest to me. For over a decade, I have learned to understand its impact on an individual, caregiver and family first-hand. My Mom, Karen Moe, passed away January 2, 2023 at 81 years old after battling this disease for 12 years. During that time, my Dad, Tom Moe, who turned 85 in June, was the primary caregiver until two years ago, when she moved into full memory care. My Mom was truly the most loving, kind, genuine, authentic, caring, selfless, thoughtful and the most down to earth person that I know. She consistently preached the simple things, and I try to live by them every day. I sum it up in one sentence. It’s the only disease that I’m aware of, that today, you can’t improve from and you perpetually decline. That element of helplessness is difficult to express.
This is why I feel so strongly about helping to educate and inform people about Alzheimer’s disease, raise money for a great cause and support efforts to eventually find a cure. These funds will allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support while accelerating critical research.
In honor of my Mom, Karen Moe and all of those currently dealing with the effects of this disease, I’m participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
I encourage you to join our walk team! I would sincerely and greatly appreciate it but, please do not feel compelled to do so.
This is a very encouraging and exciting time. There have been more material medical advancements in the last 2 years than the last 50 years in the understanding, R&D and treating of the disease with new FDA approvals and encouraging new drugs and treatments in the pipeline.
I appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
Tommy Moe
TEAM KARE BEAR / Brown & Brown
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