Dear Family and Friends,

Who in your life has dementia, Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body’s, or vascular dementia?  Have you wondered what it would be like if your parents, brother, sister, or cousins were diagnosed? Where would you look for help?  Often the first place people look is the Alzheimer’s Association.

I am participating in the Lawrence Walk to END Alzheimer’s again this year.  The Alzheimers Association continues it’s work by “accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support”.  I participated last year and raised over $1500 in less than 10 days.  My goal this year is $4000, and I know I will succeed with your help.  I would love for you to join me on my team for the walk, or create a team of your own with your friends, work or neighborhood.  Please reach out to me for further information.

My wonderful Aunt, Diane McCord (Bruns), is in the midst of this journey. Her artistic painting, piano playing, conversation, cooking, and loving company have escaped her.  However, her love for chocolate and witty remarks during our phone calls let me know she is still fighting.  I was able to visit her this past November.  I hugged her and held her hand.  She participated in family conversation as she could and even broke out in song at one point.  Seeing someone I love decline in this way makes me wish more research had already been done.  I will love her unconditionally and live my life with many of the great strengths she taught.  I will also work to support finding a cure for all dementia related diseases.

I KNOW a medication and cure for all forms of dementia will exist so future generations do not see their grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles or even themselves suffer in this way.  Please support my endeavor as I Walk to END Alzheimer’s.

With Thanks,

Haley Bruns

A fact for today: According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. With the increasing cost of care, more than 11 million Americans provide UNPAID care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia‘s. To put this in perspective, the greater Kansas City metropolitan area has a population of approximately 2.2 million people.  

Are you a boss for one of these workers?  How could you provide more support to your worker?