For 7 years, my Sweet Mom, Rose Marie, lived a happy, slightly-confused life with an Alzheimer's diagnosis. She felt she was "just the same" throughout her entire health journey. Her joys included kids/grandkids, tablemate friends, flowers, chocolate, and ANYTHING raspberry flavored (especially ice cream)! She LOVED anything that glittered - especially treasures from her massive jewelry collection. Give her a sparkly top, a dangling necklace, "do" her hair - and she was ready to go where ever the bus was headed! She was thrilled to win at BINGO - no matter what the prize. You would often find her sitting with one leg propped up on her walker reading the hometown local paper. She adored babies and petted every animal that came her way. She will FOREVER be remembered as THE MOM, who was always there when you got home from school. You just KNEW there would be homemade cinnamon rolls on that first snow day. She ALWAYS thanked her nursing home staff and doodled smiley faces with curly hair on napkins/notepads. Her parents 50th anniversary photo was plastered with red lipstick kisses. Pleasant to the end, we last heard her say her signature "Toodle-do" goodbye on June 5th, when Covid-19 claimed her. She was much loved and is much missed. Her goodness lives on in us...her 4 "chicks".
We firmly believe that dedicating funds to RESEARCH is the best course to learn about and conquer this devastating diagnosis that robs your stories, your independence, and your golden years. Understanding the WHY and fostering the PREVENTION of this downhill slide is important for a patient's dignity, a family's caregiving, and a child's hope. Thank you for your love and investment in a better tomorrow.
The Fugate Kids - Vickie, Tammy, Mike and Rob
Cheer Me On!