Dear friends,

Once again I am walking with the Pioneer Valley Walk to End Alzheimer's on October 20th. My grandmother Dagmar and mother Dorothy died from this devastating disease. Now brother Charlie has been living with dementia for more than six years. 

To give you a 2024 update, Charlie moved to the Veterans' Home in Holyoke in March. When he got Covid in February we knew he couldn't live in Compass in Armbrook Village any longer. He spent eleven days in the ED while we waited for a room to become available in rehab. After a month in rehab (and a year on the waitlist at the Veterans' Home), a room finally became available.

The Veteran's Home sits high above Holyoke. Charlie has a view of Mount Tom from his single room. For those who travel on 91, in front of the building you'll see two of the tallest cranes used to move the steel beams for the new eight-story facility that is being built. 

I never know how to reply when friends and family ask me how Charlie is doing. He has good days when he's engaged and not-so-good-days when he calls everyone stupid (and worse). He's wheelchair bound now and has trouble talking. However, every so often I get glimpses of Charlie's wry humor and quick wit, which we call "Charlie-isms". The Veteran's Home is caring for him with compassion and respect. He's in the best place that he could be. 

I would be grateful if you would donate to this effort, or if you feel inclined, walk with all of us to raise money to fight Alzheimer's and all dementias.

Thank you,

Jan