Why I Walk… Tom’s Story – Alzheimer’s disease
My father-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 17 years ago. He had been the first Filipino Administrator for C.A.R.E, an international humanitarian agency delivering emergency relief and long-term international development projects. A highly intelligent man, he slowly became completely incapable of doing things on his own. During the next decade, his caregivers and family provided him much love and assistance.
Seventeen years ago, my father-in-law, Domingo Batalla, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He had been the first Filipino Administrator for C.A.R.E (Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere), an international humanitarian agency delivering emergency relief and long-term international development projects. A highly intelligent man, he slowly became completely incapable of doing things on his own. During the next decade, his caregivers and family provided him much love and assistance.
This devastating experience inspired my wife Lou and her sister to establish Ardent Care Health Group, Inc. in 2007—an agency caring for those with Alzheimer’s—which I joined as well. Ardent Care provides non-medical care with bathing and dressing, medication reminders, light meal preparation, light housekeeping and laundry, companionship and personal care. In 2015, Ardent Care became a bronze sponsor for the St. Charles Alzheimer’s Walk. We continue as sponsors today and also joined the Walk committee. We distribute informational cards and provide donation boxes in stores near our office to support the Walk.
In addition, my wife planned a party for my 50th birthday as a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, asking guests to donate instead of giving me gifts. More than 120 friends, family, committee members, friends from churches and business contacts attended and made the party a great success. We were able to raise over $1,800.00 for the Alzheimer’s Association!