I began this journey a few years ago volunteering with the Alzheimer's Walk. I was doing this in honor of a few family members that have been affected by this disease. I stopped 5 years ago in order to honor Breast Cancer Awareness for my partner, Bret, and his family as they lost their mom in 2007. I will continue to be involved in each event.
Last year I started the team We're ALZ In. This was in honor of my dad, Dean, who was diagnosed with Dementia in 2019. As I reflect this past year there have been noticeable differences. Last year I wrote that Dad was having issues working the computer, telephone, remote, and playing games. Within this past year there are more differences. The following is how this disease rips away what we take for granted and crushes our emotions as we continue to watch what is going on....
Dad today... Dad continues to have difficulty working the remote and telephone, often confusing the two. He now sees things that aren't there. Sometimes he laughs at the visions and sometimes he gets very confused about what he is seeing. He now gets up during 3 to 4 times per night. It might be just sitting up on his bed and it may be wandering around the house. Dad has been known to unlock the front and back door, just standing there while mom asks "What are you doing Dean?". My mom, Rosalind (Ros), is his main caregiver and she is tired, but she doesn't give up. Mom has been a nurse all her adult life and is doing what she has been trained to do.
We have OT and PT services in the home to help strengthen Dad (this is the second time we have had them in the home). He is doing well, but his dementia is declining. Along with the dementia he has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. So there is the other part of this story...
So while we battle Dementia, we also battle Parkinson's. His declining memory and his tremors. Medicine and more medicine. I worry about what this year will look like. I worry about my dad. I worry about my mom.
Why do I walk and support this cause? It gives me hope. Hope for the future for a cure. Maybe not a cure for me, but a cure for my children and my grandchildren.
Some of my team have family and friends that have been affected by Dementia. Some of my team are supporting the cause. Thank you for supporting our cause, whether it is by prayers, donations, or walking. We will not ever give up.
Beth Duerksen, We're ALZ In
My Progress
Thank you for helping advance Alzheimer's support, care and research.
40
I have raised
200
My Goal
My Achievements
Fundraiser
Storyteller