It's been a busy month for the "Forget Me Nots" Alzheimer's
5K walk team. As I write this, we have 133 days to go until the walk in Santa
Clarita, CA on 20 SEP.
We've had several new people join the team, committing to
walking and fundraising, so I want to welcome:
Andrew Burkhart
Dana Kano
Christina Campos
Jessica Cepeda
And Terri Azevedo
The team consists of my co-workers from LAPD's Valley
Communications Dispatch Center. We answer 911 for the city of Los Angeles. It's
a challenging job, but we find it rewarding to assist those who need help. If
anything, that's the glue that keeps us together – that desire to help those
who need it. Not only that, all of us have had Alzheimer's touch our lives one
way or another.
Fundraising:
April's bake sale earned the team $205.00. Currently, our
day watch is running a coffee club and we've earned $100.00 the first month.
May's fundraising event is an opportunity drawing. The team
is offering $40.00 gift cards for Starbucks and Bath and Body. A co-worker
generously donated some tote bags, too. The even will kick off on 14 MAY and
the winners will be announced on 17 May.
Thanks to our fundraising efforts and generous donations,
the team has raised $1,518.00 so far toward our goal of $2,000.00. I just want
to thank everyone for their generous support.
If you'd like to donate to help the team you can follow this
link. Any amount is welcomed. http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2014/CA-CaliforniaSouthland?team_id=204372&pg=team&fr_id=4950
My story:
My son (who is also walking) and I know someone who is
developing Alzheimer's. The other day we invited her to Easter and she asked
for our address. She's been to our house many, many times. It broke my heart. I
see the struggle it takes on a family, and I know it's hard. If anyone would
like to share their story, please do. Know that you're not alone in your
struggles to provide care for your loved one. This is why I walk. To help those
family members who care for their loved ones with the disease.
Alzheimer's facts:
In 2013, 15.5 million family and friends provided 17.7
billion hours of unpaid care to those with Alzheimer's valued at 220.2 billion.
Today over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's.
1 in 3 people over 85 has Alzheimer's. Andrew's grandmother
is 83.
How to obtain a diagnosis:
A doctor will need to evaluate a patient's history, conduct
a physical exam, and do a comprehensive neurological evaluation that assesses
balance, sensory function, reflexes and vision.
If you have concerns or something doesn't seem right, the
sooner you involve a medical professional, the better. Early intervention goes
a long way in helping you to prepare for quality of life issues.
Please, if you have a story you'd like to share, we'd love
to hear it.
All the best
Steph
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