One Illinois team goes above and beyond in fight to end Alzheimer’s
http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/enewsletter/november2012/walk_team.asp
September 11, 2001 was a devastating day for countless Americans. But while so many experienced the turmoil and tragedy of the terrorist attack, Adele Knickels was experiencing a far quieter but no less heartbreaking ordeal. September 11 was the day Knickel’s 87-year-old mother, Rose Freda, passed away after 12 years of living with Alzheimer’s disease.
It was a disease that took a toll on Knickels, her two sisters Donna Freeman and Bea LoBianco, and many other members of their family.
“It really is a devastating disease,” said the Barrington resident, who starting noticing changes in Freda after her father passed away. “Every Saturday, without fail, she went to the beauty shop, and she wasn’t doing that anymore.”
Freda’s memory declined gradually and inexplicable patterns of behavior emerged. For the last seven years of her life, Freda kept her eyes closed.
“The doctors said it must have been some kind of manifestation of the Alzheimer’s,” Knickels said. “They didn’t know why she did it.”
After their mother died, the sisters discovered the McHenry Walk to End Alzheimer’s and decided to get involved. Their first year was 2002. It’s now 10 years later and their team, Roses’ Girls, have raised more than $100,000 to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association and its mission to create a world without Alzheimer’s.
The staggering amount of money has been raised almost entirely via contributions from friends and family. Several weeks before the walk, each sister writes heartfelt emails and letters, asking for support.
“People have been very generous,” Knickels said. “We get replies back, saying ‘Someone in our family has Alzheimer’s.’ It has touched so many lives. And now with Boomers getting into the upper 60s – they’re feeling very close to it.”
An avid baker, Knickels also has raised money by making sweets at friends’ requests during the holiday season. What money she receives for her baked goods goes toward Alzheimer’s. Her treats also made an appearance at the McHenry Walk to End Alzheimer’s Sept. 30, helping the team to make an additional $100.
“We get the word out and fundraise so hopefully there can be a cure,” she said.
Click here to learn more about donating to the Alzheimer’s Association. Donations for all Walks to End Alzheimer’s can be made until the end of 2012.
http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/enewsletter/november2012/walk_team.asp
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