The story of our family’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
This will be our 4th walk as the team “Forget Me Nots.” My husband, Gary, who is our hero, has attended the 2021, 2022, 2023 Walk with his family and friends. We were so proud of him because he knows the importance of being there to show support for us walking, and to represent the many sufferers of this terrible disease. He knows that if we don’t do something to change the course of this disease now, many more will endure the heartbreaking effects of Alzheimer’s.
Gary for 2024
This disease is life-changing, it does not care who you are, or who you become. He will never be the same. He has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Vascular dementia.
Some people ask us what the difference between Alzheimer's and Dementia. This is what we have learned.
Dementia has many types and causes, it has a result of brain cell damage that causes behavior issues with communication, judgment, thinking, visual perception. These are some of the types of causes of Dementia: Vascular, Parkinson, Huntington, Lewy body, Alzheimer's, etc.
Alzheimer's is a specific brain disease. It the most common cause of dementia and gradually get worse over time. It affects the brain with memory, concentrating, personality, mood change, depression, judgment, and reasoning. When this progresses, symptoms become more severe.
The Family side for you to remember.
Hearing the diagnosis for the first time They will experiences fear, anger and then relief that there was an explanation for his symptoms.
You will encountering unexpected or negative reactions with family and friends. With comments or behavior that reflect their misconceptions about his illness. Having denial is a common response of this illness. Allowed the family and friends to digest this illness, so everyone can move forward in a positive way. It is crucial to remember that they are the same person before the diagnosis, do not be uncomfortable talking or asking them how they are coping.
They will find it difficult to participate in social activities or interaction that was once was enjoyable. It is hard for them to follow a conversation, to stay focused with background noise or have enough energy to participate in activities. Have strengthened relationship with them because they will know that you will be supportive, trusting, appreciate and love them. This will be hard, and you will sometimes get frustrated with them but stay open and honest to them.
These are his tips for people living with Alzheimer's.
1. Remember that your care partner or others close to you did not ask to be put in this situation either. They have fears and frustration too. Working together may make the situation much better.
2. If family and longtime friends shy away, remember your best and real friends will stay with you. Invest your time and energy in them.
3. When you feel a loss of equality in a relationship let the other person know what he or she did and how it made you feel.
4. Have fun share stories, joke around and smile.
5. Finally, leave his legacy to live their life in a way that will preserve the essence of who they are and make an impact in the areas that is important to them. Living in the moment and appreciate the gift of time and the value of living in the moment.
What Fundraising do.
Thanks to the fundraising efforts of thousands of participants across Michigan.
We can provide a 24-hour helpline for families in need of information and referrals, support groups for caregivers and care consultations for families and caregivers in crisis. Our participants’ dedication to the cause allows us to fund research, advocate for increased research funding and raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease across the country.
The Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter is the premier source of information and support for the 190,000 Michigan residents living with dementia and their 463,000 caregivers.
Through our statewide network of offices, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a broad range of free programs and services, funding for Alzheimer's and dementia research, and advocacy efforts on behalf of Michiganders.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the primary way the Alzheimer’s Association raises funds to provide programs and services to families dealing with this devastating disease. Alzheimer’s is a growing epidemic and without the support of our walkers, we wouldn’t be able to meet the needs of so many families who are affected.
Here are four things you can do today to make the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in our community a huge success.
1. Register to Walk, Fundraise or Donate – It’s never too late. We need more people to take a stand against this disease. We need you! Your participation really does make a difference.
2. Ask for support. We know not everyone is a born fundraiser, but we hope you’ll ask at least one person for two or twenty dollars to support your efforts to raise funds to end Alzheimer’s. Tell them why you walk, give them the opportunity to support a cause that is important to you.
3. Promote the event. We have got posters, brochures, yard signs and car magnets that we’d love to give you to help us turn Michigan purple and make sure everyone knows about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s! Email to order materials today.
4. Help make our 2024 Team goal of $2000.00. Sign up to walk and raise money or just donate. Every dollar will count to our goal.
Thanks, and God Bless every one of you.My Progress
Thank you for helping advance Alzheimer's support, care and research.
205
I have raised
1000
My Goal
My Achievements
Self-Donor
Emailer
Fundraiser
Top Team
Top Fundraiser
T-shirt
Storyteller
Mobile Master
Offline Fundraiser