In celebration of mom, who passed away with Alzheimer's April 2018; dad, who lovingly cared for his highschool sweetheart (married 64 years); grandma who passed away with Alzheimer's in 1996, and many more who suffer from Alzheimer's, the Hanus family will once again be participating in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®.  

If you’ve ever experienced the devastation of Alzheimer’s, and perhaps even more so, if you haven’t experienced it, it’s easy to start believing the Alzheimer’s sufferer has no idea what’s going on or whois in their presence.   But, I can assure you, from numerous experiences with mom, that simply isn't the case.  And as much as it breaks your heart to see them suffering, it breaks your heart even more when you realize they know it too. 

Like the day mom looked up at us and asked,“What’s wrong with me?  I don’t like it”.   None of us liked it mom, but we hold on to so many precious moments no matter how few and far between they have became.  And we hold on to all of the wonderfulness that is and was our mom before Alzheimer’s invaded.  

The last gift I gave mom was a Sacred Sari Throw for Christmas 2017.  As mom sat in her chair with her new blanket, we saw her fidgeting with it.   As we looked closer, she was running her fingers along the stitching lines in the blanket, as if she was sewing it together.    My seamstress heart smiled for the  seamstress heart still in my mom.

Dad was heroic in caring for mom in their home until her death.  When asked once why he insisted on doing it, dad explained his vows were for better or for worse, at which point he turned to mom and said, “Sweetie, do you remember when we were in love”.   To which mom replied, “I thought we still were”!   Dad remarked assuredly, “That’s why I do it”!

In that same vain, I have been creating and selling hand-crafted greeting cards since grandma passed in 1996 with every penny being donated to the Alzheimer's Association. Most years, I make & sell 1000-1500 cards to order - everyday and holiday varieties - for individuals and corporations. These 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch greeting cards are hand stamped – one at a time – not computer processed or mass produced. The cards,with envelopes included (and if possible, decorated to coordinate), are $2.00/card (shipping not included)– every cent going to the Alzheimer's Association.  NONE of the $ is retained - not even any for my time or materials.    ALL goes to Alzheimer’s.  

To place an order, to view more options or for more information, contact me at cardzforalz@gmail.com or see my "cardzforalz" facebook page.  There is a limit to the number of cards I can physically make each year so place your order early!   

If you would prefer, you can make a donation directly to Alzheimer's via this Walk page which will help advance research into methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer's.  All donations through this walk page will receive a thank you gift directly from me (provided I have your snail mail address).

Thank you for joining the movement! The end of Alzheimer's disease starts with you.

Jerri, and the rest of the Hanus family