Why I Walk… Michelle’s Story – Alzheimer’s

Why I Walk… Michelle’s Story – Alzheimer’s

My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s three years ago and the mental decline has been rapid. I joined the Alzheimer’s Walk this year in honor of my father and bring awareness of the devastation of this disease. While it’s been heartwarming to receive such amazing support, it’s under such painful circumstances. I hope through this effort to de-bunk some myths about Alzheimer’s and raise awareness about how widespread it truly is, and bring some hope to those suffering with its effects.

My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s three years ago and the mental decline has been rapid. He’s no longer able to hold a conversation, answer a question, or communicate his needs. He’s young, he’s only 70 years old and is in perfect physical health. All his life, he worked very hard, was very successful and had lots of plans for his retirement, most of which will now go unrealized. This disease takes away not only the person afflicted, but also the lives of those around them. My mother is now his full time caregiver, and has lost much of her freedom as well. Its a full time job for her, in the golden years that she planned to enjoy.
I joined the Naperville Walk to End Alzheimer’s this year in honor of my father and bring awareness of the devastation of this disease. When I told my friends, extended family, co-workers and acquaintances about my efforts, I was shocked to hear that SO many people have also been touched by this disease. Almost everyone had a family member or knew someone struggling with memory loss and it’s devastating effects. The outpouring of support for my walk team in honor of my father has come from far and wide. The request went viral and I’ve received donations and support from people who’s names I haven’t heard for years, from my childhood, from my father’s business, from relatives who live far away.
While it’s been heartwarming to receive such amazing support, it’s under such painful circumstances. I hope through this effort to de-bunk some myths about Alzheimer’s and raise awareness about how widespread it truly is, and bring some hope to those suffering with its effects.
Click here and join one of the 17 Walks in the Greater Illinois Chapter. – .dpuf

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