My grandmother was one of the smartest women I ever knew. She was well spoken, loved crossword puzzles, and decorating for the holidays. REALLY decorating. When she started to repeat herself or get easily confused, the family blamed old age. But then she started to think I was my mother and shortly after mistook my dog for a cat. I realized my Grandma Stokes had dementia when she showed my brother and I a picture of herself and told us a story about the woman in the picture. She didn't know it was a picture of her.
The first time she couldn't remember my name, I cried. She would always smile and give me a hug when I visited, but eventually she didn't know who I was anymore. The woman who I grew up adoring, baking cookies with, and who threw the best slumber parties, didn't know who I was anymore.
My Grandma Stokes was eventually moved to a memory care community when it was too dangerous for her to be at home. She lived there until we lost her during the pandemic. While kidney disease may be the cause of death listed, we had Judy a long time before her body gave out on her.
Families like mine face this and much worse every day. I hope my niece and nephews never have to know the pain of their parents forgetting who they are.
I'd love for you to consider joining Team Tara, and join me on walk day! If not, please make a donation. Every dollar helps! Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease.
Thank you for your support!
My Progress
Thank you for helping advance Alzheimer's support, care and research.
351.48
I have raised
1000
My Goal
My Achievements
Self-Donor
Top Team
Top Fundraiser
T-shirt
Storyteller