It has been 7 years since we got the devastating news that Deb was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's. We were living our dream in Salado in a home we designed, with acreage and horses....something Deb always dreamed about. But, after we absorbed the news, she said what she always says, 'I'm not in charge, God is'. We sold our place, downsized, moved to Buda to be near our girls and I took on my new job as full time caregiver, with a lot of help with an angel from God, Kathy 'Blueberry' Crabtree, Deb's care-partner since 2021. Even though Deb needs help with all her daily living activities, we are blessed in that she still recognizes many people and enjoys being around her friends and family.
This last year has been particularly challenging, as we travel down this path. Deb has lost all confidence in her mobility and is now bed bound. We can get her is her chair to eat, but for the most part, she stays in bed. We can no longer attend Love Notes Chorus, our beloved chorus for people with cognitive issues; or Mass; or any family events around holidays and special occasions. As I tell people, we are clearly in the 4th quarter.
Currently, more than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer's and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. About 11% of American's over 65 have Alzheimer's. Given that most adults have 6 close family members over 65 (parents, plus 2 sets of grandparents), on average, every other person will be affected by this disease. Our future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease.
Together, we can end Alzheimer's disease. Please make a donation to advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. As you saw on our team page, I am under a lot of 'pressure' to fund raise now, since I am a board member of the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and the volunteer chair of the Walk committee!!!
Thank you for joining the fight against Alzheimer's!
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