I have been walking in the National Alzheimer Walk for 7years now and am still determined to fight against this awful debilitating disease!
My Mom, Yvonne Bartz whom is pictured with me during her final days of fighting this disease after over 4 years of suffering, will never be forgotten! She ultimately gave up and decided she didn't want to continue fighting anymore. She refused to eat and drink and ultimately her body began to " shutdown" physically .This disease finally claimed her life in August 30th 2017.
This gave me even more determination to help those afflicted with Alzheimers and Dementia.
I began working for Lincolnshire Place , a facility dedicated to helping Alzheimer patients , I ultimately gave up my Pharmacy career and I now, have been there 8 years and have seen many residents come through and ultimately succumb to thits dreadful disease.
I cant begin to tell you the lives of people that have " touched" my life and my heart. These people I care for have had successful careers and come from all walks of life! Alzheimers does not care whether you are a CEO of a company , a doctor, engineer, nurse, loving Mother or Father or what age you are or lifestyle you led, it ultimately takes your life! I have seen residents walk through Lincolnshire's door as healthy individuals and watch them succumb to Alzheimers' demise and ultimately deterioate and pass on.
My past 8 years , although "bittersweet" has given me joy beyond measure and ignited a passion in me I never knew I had! I love each day with more purpose and determination and with more Love for each resident I care for! I have seen families of their loved ones cry and open their hearts to me and reminisce on the lives their loved ones once had.
Not one of these residents leaves our facility. This is their final destiny! Many families hope they will get better and return to them, they never do! This is hard , as a caregiver, to explain to them but through it all we are there for not only their loved one but them as well! A family is just as part of the process, as is their family member afflicted with this disease.
To tell you I love my job may sound crass because there is no happy future for these residents but the lives that have touched mine over these past 8 years is PRICELESS! Not only do I feel blessed to hear about their past , I get to know their families as well!
I have seen many come and gone ( too many) but I hope I have made a difference in their lives! Each day is a " new" day to me , since you never know if they will remember you but I know they know , you are now a part of their life! I am truly blessed each day that I can be part of their lives ! Some families cant grasp the reality of Alzheimers demise , so it is hard for them to comprehend and face it , so this why I truly feel my mission is to help them accept their loved one is still a part of their lives even though they may not remember your name, they still know you are there for them!
I will continue to fight for these individuals and give my all to hopefully get to the day where they can " walk out that door" which they had first entered!
May God bless each and everyone afflicted , as well as their familes and friends whom love and adore them!
Until there is a cure I am here!
Ron
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