This year this letter is especially difficult to write. After each visit with my sister Ranny, at Wingate Memory Care, I remain in somewhat disbelief that Alzheimer’s/Dementia has stolen yet another beloved member of our family.  How cruel, how heartbreaking and, may I say, how unfair. 

Throughout the past several months, the resources that the Alzheimer’s Association has provided helped me through some of the darkest days of my life. They were there 24 hours a day to assist in connecting me to professionals in what was indeed a crisis situation.  I am grateful for this, and now for the kind and caring professionals who care for Ranny, some of whom were trained by staff from the Alzheimer’s Association. 

The Alzheimer’s Association’s mission continues to be a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementias. The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

Through your kind words and actions over these past months I have felt cared for and loved as I navigate a new kind of life as Ranny disappears before my eyes. I am so grateful for the emotional support so many of you have provided, and now I ask for your donations to support our Walk to End Alzheimer’s.  Our family will gather on October 27th to share memories of Audrey, David and Ranny in their prime and tell the stories that will be passed on to each generation of the Cooper family. Any amount will be appreciated; you may donate through this link, or mail a check directly to me at 32 Locksley Road, Newton Center 02459, or to the Alzheimer’s Association 320 Nevada Street #201, Newton, MA 02460 with a notation that your gift is to support my walk.  

With Ranny’s tragic diagnosis comes increased urgency for what has been the unattainable cure for this devastating illness. Although progress has been made, the cure is still out of reach. I end this letter as I do each year: we walk with the hope that the younger generations of our family will live in a world without Alzheimer’s.  

With Love and Appreciation,

Marion and the entire Cooper-Pollock-DeMedeiros and Babchuck Families