JUL 2014 Update: Walk to End Alzheimer's Forget Me Nots Team

It's been a busy month for the "Forget Me Nots" Alzheimer's 5K walk team. As I write this, we have 71 days to go until the walk in Santa Clarita, CA on 20 SEP. Let me tell you a little about the team and we hope you consider helping out.

The team consists of my son and 12 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:

June's fundraising consisted of our day watch coffee club and we earned $110.00 the 3rd month for a total of 310.00 from coffee club sales.


WE REACHED GOAL!  Due to the overwhelming support of my co-workers, our families, and friends, we've reached our $2,000.00 goal, earning to date: $2,240.00. We want to thank everyone who has supported us. ((hugs))

We are planning a chili food fundraiser for work and we're looking on holding it on 1 SEP. I'll have more infomation on my August update.

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.

Reading:
I just read a great book that chronicles the challenges caregivers face when helping family members deal with Alzheimer's. It's called Alzheimer's Through My Mother's Eyes by Suzette Brown. If you wold like to suggest or recommend a book for those who support alzheimer's patients, please do so. Here's a link to Suzette's book:  http://amzn.com/B00H5QAY3A

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

Book Review: Alzheimer's Through My Mother's Eyes by Suzette Brown #bookreview

Book Review for: Alzheimer's Through My Mother's Eyes

Written By: Suzette Brown

ISBN: 978-1494389062

Avail as: an ebook

5 Stars

Emotional and Poignant

Brown shares her emotional story about Alzheimer's and how it takes a toll on a family physically and mentally. Dementia/Alzheimer's is a disease that progressively gets worse, destroying the brain's memories, making it hard for the person afflicted to do basic care for themselves or do upkeep on their living space. It becomes difficult for the afflicted person to feed themselves or remember family members. Brown's heartbreaking story relates how challenging it is not only for those afflicted, but for those who provide care.

Brown details how important it is to have support already in place before Alzheimer's begins to present. She explains the relevance of having a DPOA (Durable Power of Attorney), a good elder care attorney, and the role that Adult Protective Services play. She also discusses the role of the convalescence center and care facility.

Brown's inner strength and courage shines as she shares her personal story with honesty.  Her writing style is easy to read and her voice hooks the reader with heartbreaking sincerity. I read this book in a matter of days, eager to know what was going to happen next regarding her mother's care.

"Alzheimer's Through My Mother's Eyes" should be read by anyone whose family has been touched by the disease. I couldn't put the book down. It will offer guidance, honesty, and provide one with a realistic look on how this disease takes its toll. I highly recommend this book.

Question for you: Have you been touched by Alzheimer's?  Would you like to share your story?