Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias have touched my life in a major way. I’ve lost loved ones to the disease, and I also have a few loved ones currently in the midst of their battle with it. I’ve been a caregiver in the dementia unit of a local nursing home for five years now. Many of my residents and their families became like my own family.
When my grandpa had Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia, I spent a lot of time with him in the nursing home until he passed. My young eyes admired those who were caring for my grandpa as if he was their own, and I knew someday I wanted to repay that favor. I was less than 10 years old at the time, but it really meant a lot to me and I knew it was one of my first callings in life. At age 16 I received my national Alzheimer’s caregiver certification through NCBAC. My first job at 16 was in the dementia unit of a local nursing home, and I’ve worked there ever since.
Since starting my career, I’ve loved every minute of it. Although it gets hard, I love being able to care for all of these individuals and brighten their day. I’m there as their caregiver, but also as a friend. I get to know their families and their life story. Creating a friendship bond and trust is so important and it makes such a difference in the day to day lives of so many. I'm now in nursing school, as I believe this is my next calling in life, and am set to graduate with my RN in December of this year!
Although I could have dedicated this group to a specific individual(s), I think it’s important we walk for everyone. Everyone in this team is walking in honor of somebody. So, I’ve decided to name this team “Matthew 9:35”. That verse of The Bible reads, “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” Even though there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or many other dementias, God tells us there’s hope. With such a terrible disease, it’s important to still see that light and hold onto our faith. With faith in God I believe we will see the first person to hold up the white flower, indicating they’ve been cured of the disease.
My Progress
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175
I have raised
500
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