Once again the Doorley family is gathering to honor Mary Rita Doorley, my mom, who died 15 years ago this year from Alzheimer's Disease. The family also lost my dad four years ago, on August 8, 2020. Mark J. Doorley, Sr. was a tireless advocate for the Alzheimer's Association, pushing all of us to be involved in the annual Memory Walk. So, on September 21, 2024 we will walk in our Mom and Dad's honor and memory, and we'll raise money to support the research and support services that the Alzheimer's Association does every day. All of my siblings have made it clear that we MUST reach our overall family goal this year. To make that happen, I hope to raise $500. To do that I need you! I hope you can help me to raise the funds that will support research and caregiver outreach in the battle against Alzheimer's. If we go over $500, so much the better.
Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. I am sure you know someone or know someone with a family member suffering from this disease. Our future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease.
In May 2009 my mother, Mary Rita Doorley, lost her battle with Alzheimer's. She was 73 years young! She had suffered with the disease for 5 years, although she showed symptoms earlier than the day she was diagnosed. She received wonderful care, but there is nothing that can be done to cure this disease, so she slowly deteriorated. At first it was just forgetting words, people's names, etc. Then she would forget I was her son, often confusing me with my dad. Then she couldn't talk anymore and would simply sit in her chair, or lie in her bed, staring blankly into space. I loved my mother deeply, and so it was beyond difficult to watch a once outgoing, active, creative, humorous human being become a shell of her self.
My mom was raised in Haddonfield, NJ, before moving out to Ohio to create her family. It has always struck me that I've ended up back in her neighborhood as an adult. She and my dad were married in 1959 at Christ the King Church in Haddonfield. Their wedding date: September 12th. (The Walk in Lima is always, in part, to celebrate their wedding day!) We are approaching their 65th anniversary. My mom loved South Jersey, loved her family. I miss her! I am comforted with the image of my mom and dad once again, together.
I need your support to do my part! My family needs your support. I have a personal goal of $500, while the family has an overall goal of $5,000. It would be great to speed past my personal goal! Please make a donation to help the Alzheimer's Association advance research into prevention, treatments and a cure for Alzheimer's. For the millions already affected by the disease, the Association offers care, education, support and resources in communities nationwide. Support us as we remember our mom, and do our "bit" to insure that the resources are available for research into treatment and a cure, and that resources are available to support those with Alzheimer's and those who love them and care for them.
Many of you have been constant supporters of my family's walk. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! You are the best! I know we can count on you to continue your support!
If you don't want to send money virtually, at the top of this page, you'll find a form that you can print out and send in with a check. If you don't even want to do that, send me a check, made out to Alzheimer's Association, to 1893 West Point Drive, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 and I'll make sure it gets where it is supposed to be.
Thank you for joining our movement! The end of Alzheimer's disease starts here.
Mark
My Progress
Thank you for helping advance Alzheimer's support, care and research.
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