Do you every hear yourself saying “Yes” to an obligation while your mind screams “Are you crazy?! Noooooooo!”? This is my life and I can’t sometimes say no, especially if it is a good cause. Ugh!

Feeling dangerous I answered an unknown number. We all know that this could be Anything but I was feeling dangerous and adventurous so I sang “Hello” into my phone. I wasn’t expecting the cheery voice on the other end or someone who sounded generally happy to hear my voice. It was the new executive director of our local Alzheimer’s Association chapter. I had signed on to help with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, but due to life, changes in their staff and chaos in my life nothing has gotten done. So the walk is in 3 weeks and nothing is done. She is 8 days into her job and the lady is amazing. Of course I said I would help. Of course I am making the calls I have been putting off for months. Of course I am going in next week to meet with her and don’t want to be empty handed!

Did I mention I am also working part time, being a full time mommy and trying to find more work? All while keeping my head above water and keeping hope alive!

I have lost my mind but at least my heart is in the right place!

Alzheimer’s is a horrible disease. I have had several family members and friends who have had this disease or are caregivers to those with the disease. Everyone is different but we all share the same feeling of this disease robs us of those we love and robs those we love from life.

I worked in an assisted living for 2 years with our primary patient having some form of memory impairment. I ran support groups, was team captain for walks and learned all that I could. I realized I wanted to work directly for the association so for 3 months I pestered the crap out of the person who would later become my boss, mentor and an amazing friend. I worked for the Georgia Alzheimer’s Association for nearly 6 years.

Since then I have helped countless family, friends and strangers through varying stages of this disease. I am in several online support groups and work in an industry where care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients is in high demand. Sadly people are not paid well for taking care of our seniors. That does not stop me because someone has to help these people. These “people” may be me and my family one day. If we don’t help out now, Alzheimer’s will soon be an epidemic if it is not considered so already.

*Over 5 million people have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Only 45% are told of their diagnosis versus 90% of cancer patients being told of their diagnosis. In 2015 it is estimated $226 billion will be spent on care. By 2030 there will be 70 million baby boomers who are at a greater risk for the disease. Alzheimer’s is the only one of the top 10 diseases that can’t be slowed, treated or cured. Alzheimer’s disease kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. There is help with the Alzheimer’s Association 24 hour hotline 1-800-272-3900 and web site www.alz.org.

Seeing those facts, being in the trenches and knowing what the future holds is why I said yes I would help.

I may be crazy and things will probably go a bit haywire but I will know that in some small way I have helped.

I urge you to give in some way to a charity you believe in. whether it’s time or money or passing along their information to someone who needs it, please give a little bit of time.

For me, I will be working with the Alzheimer’s Association of Central Alabama.

I hope you all have a fabulous day!

Keep Hope Alive!

Do you every hear yourself saying “Yes” to an obligation while your mind screams “Are you crazy?! Noooooooo!”? This is my life and I can’t sometimes say no, especially if it is a good cause. Ugh!

Feeling dangerous I answered an unknown number. We all know that this could be Anything but I was feeling dangerous and adventurous so I sang “Hello” into my phone. I wasn’t expecting the cheery voice on the other end or someone who sounded generally happy to hear my voice. It was the new executive director of our local Alzheimer’s Association chapter. I had signed on to help with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, but due to life, changes in their staff and chaos in my life nothing has gotten done. So the walk is in 3 weeks and nothing is done. She is 8 days into her job and the lady is amazing. Of course I said I would help. Of course I am making the calls I have been putting off for months. Of course I am going in next week to meet with her and don’t want to be empty handed!

Did I mention I am also working part time, being a full time mommy and trying to find more work? All while keeping my head above water and keeping hope alive!

I have lost my mind but at least my heart is in the right place!

Alzheimer’s is a horrible disease. I have had several family members and friends who have had this disease or are caregivers to those with the disease. Everyone is different but we all share the same feeling of this disease robs us of those we love and robs those we love from life.

I worked in an assisted living for 2 years with our primary patient having some form of memory impairment. I ran support groups, was team captain for walks and learned all that I could. I realized I wanted to work directly for the association so for 3 months I pestered the crap out of the person who would later become my boss, mentor and an amazing friend. I worked for the Georgia Alzheimer’s Association for nearly 6 years.

Since then I have helped countless family, friends and strangers through varying stages of this disease. I am in several online support groups and work in an industry where care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients is in high demand. Sadly people are not paid well for taking care of our seniors. That does not stop me because someone has to help these people. These “people” may be me and my family one day. If we don’t help out now, Alzheimer’s will soon be an epidemic if it is not considered so already.

*Over 5 million people have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Only 45% are told of their diagnosis versus 90% of cancer patients being told of their diagnosis. In 2015 it is estimated $226 billion will be spent on care. By 2030 there will be 70 million baby boomers who are at a greater risk for the disease. Alzheimer’s is the only one of the top 10 diseases that can’t be slowed, treated or cured. Alzheimer’s disease kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. There is help with the Alzheimer’s Association 24 hour hotline 1-800-272-3900 and web site www.alz.org.

Seeing those facts, being in the trenches and knowing what the future holds is why I said yes I would help.

I may be crazy and things will probably go a bit haywire but I will know that in some small way I have helped.

I urge you to give in some way to a charity you believe in. whether it’s time or money or passing along their information to someone who needs it, please give a little bit of time.

For me, I will be working with the Alzheimer’s Association of Central Alabama.

I hope you all have a fabulous day!

Keep Hope Alive!