Is it just ME, or do
you, too, know someone who is or did suffer from Alzheimer's Disease?
It seems to be one of those "things" that became a
household word over night. For my family, it became very real when Uncle Bill,
a world renowned equine surgeon was stricken, seemingly from out of the blue.
Admittedly, however, the rear view mirror did seem to have tossed us a
few clues.
We watched his mind and his body change. We witnessed
personality changes we were not prepared for. Uncle Bill's case seemed to
advance rapidly and, in just a few years, Uncle Bill's life transitioned
completely.
In the years he endured all that Alzheimer's gave and all that it
took, we sought information, answers, options, treatments and ultimately a safe
place for him to die as peacefully as possible.
Uncle Bill, who had lectured around the world, taken veterinarian
medicine from the dark ages and developed new surgical procedures, no longer
remembered all that he had accomplished; tragic in so many ways.
Throughout it all, Aunt Audrey stayed strong (she always does),
did whatever the moment demanded of her and protected her husband of more than
fifty years from what he could not understand. He died on her 79th
birthday.
Flash forward eight years...today...
I was working on a Press Release for a member of The International
Women's Leadership Association (TheIWLA), Sally Moore, and perhaps for the
first time looked at Alzheimer's from a different perspectives: that of they
who care for the people with Alzheimer's Disease.
Sally is the Founder,President and Executive Director of 'Perks N
Moore', a non profit company inspired by Sally's personal experience as a
Caregiver of twelve years for her mother and her husband, both of whom suffered
from Alzheimer's.
Here's what I never knew: 40% of Caregivers and 60% of family
members who care for a loved one with Alzheimer's actually die before the
person they are caring for!
Sally focuses on the need of the Caregiver to have resources and
support to balance-out the overwhelming stress their charge places on them.
Education, mentorship, and socialization are among the needs of those who
care for those who can no longer care for themselves.
Alzheimer's clearly affects the life of the Caregiver as
profoundly as he or she medically afflicted. WOW. Did I really get
this when Aunt Audrey was suffering as much as Uncle Bill? Now, I realize
it is the Caregiver, aware of how life is changing for her, while the
only grace of Alzheimer's is that the patient is somewhat protected by the very
nature of the disease.
I understand the passion that is behind Sally Moore's mission and
I am grateful that she is dedicated to those who can so easily be forgotten;
the Caregivers.
I'm not (just) talking about money. I'm talking about appreciating
those who care for others - in all cases and with all diagnosis. Saying
"thank you", lending a hand, spending quality time even if just for a
few minutes are all things we can easily do for those who make such an
incredible difference in the last years, days and moments of others' lives.
So, IS it just me, or do you, too, feel greater
appreciation for all those who step up when needed, for those who always seem
to be in the right place at the right time and just do - whatever - it is that
needs to be done? There are amazing people in the world and among those
who are sometimes overlooked are Caregivers.
Thank a Caregiver,
today and every day
Thank you, Sally Moore
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