My Nonprofit Reviews

Imagine a world without Alzheimer's. What would it look, feel and sound like?

Along with the Alzheimer's Association I have a vision of a world without Alzheimer's. I see a world where wisdom is saved one day.

I see a world where life's lessons are always able to be passed down to the next generation. I see a world were memories are not forgotten. I see a world where family and friends are always known, and never confused or forgotten.

The mission of the Alzheimer's Association is my cause because I have seen first hand how memories, and people with them, can fade away. Wisdom can be lost. While working in a senior living community with assisted living and memory care apartments, I observed many seniors fade over the course of 5 years.

One man I knew started out as a visitor to the community, bringing Catholic church communion to his fellow parish members in Memory Care. Less than 5 years later, this man himself moved into the Memory Care community. His care needs could no longer be met by his family at home.

Another woman I knew was a long-time resident of the Memory Care community. She passed away within my time working for the community. When I read her obituary, I learned about her past, which shared relationship to my own life experiences. She was a dance major in college, went on to be a mother, and later worked in a shoe factory. I never knew these things about her. I knew her only as Julia, a sweet and quiet woman who easily came along to attend community activities and outings. Like Julia, I too had my first career as a dancer, before moving on to other life experiences. Dancers memorize steps, music, and carry performance experiences. With Julia's passing these stories were all lost. I never knew that about her. It made me realize the importance of sharing our life experiences, our memories and wisdom, no matter what.

The work of the Alzheimer's Association forwards research towards finding effective drugs for Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. It advocates for more care and support from the national healthcare system to the seniors who face a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. It provides care and support programming, including educational programs and support groups, on a local level through its state chapter system. Lastly, the Alzheimer's Association promotes awareness of the growing epidemic of Alzheimer's.

#ENDALZ. This is my cause.