We're still here.  Jim is living at Bella Villaggio in Palm Desert and likes it.  I see him daily.  As one would expect, his level of cognition continues to decline, but he still lights up when I come into the room.  Even on the days when I'd rather not go over there, the thought of that smile gets me into the car.

My Alzheimer's Support Group continues to provide so much important information and compassion to me.  They are my friends and will always be.  The support group has been so helpful that this year I trained to be a support group facilitator. 

 But support groups are not all that the Alzheimer's Association does.  I sat in on a review of information coming out of the Alzheimer's Association International Conference, held annually, and there is a lot of very promising research in the pipeline.  No, it won't help Jim.  Most of it is targeting people in the early, and sometimes pre-symptomatic stages.  But if the research, MUCH of it funded by the Alzheimer's Association, can keep even one person/family from going through this terrible disease, it is worth it.  It is worth a sizeable donation.

And the training.  As someone first starts this journey, either as a person with Alzheimer's (or other type of dementia) or a caregiver, the local chapter (wherever you are) can help with valuable information on how to handle situations, what to expect, what to avoid.

So I ask you.  Will you please support this organization that provides so much support for people with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia.  And what ever you think you can afford, please add 50%!!!

Much love,

Kit