As my mom’s 81st birthday approaches, we embark on our second annual Marilyn’s Legacy giving campaign. I’m proud to say that because of your support, since our inception last year, we’ve been able to donate $5,000 to organizations making real strides in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. We’ve written checks to UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, and The Ohio State University’s Neurology Fund to support Dr. Douglas Scharre’s important research.  It makes my heart happy to know that, although  this horrendous disease cut her life short, Mom’s legacy lives on through our organization.

In addition to supporting critical research, one of our goals for 2017 was to seek out opportunities that would directly benefit individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. To that end, we recently purchased five Hasbro Joy For All Companion Pets and will be donating them to local memory care units and families. I was introduced to these furry robotic pets by a friend who described her mother’s astounding and instantaneous affection for her new pet. It made me think about my own mother and the special bond she developed with her cat, Holly, as her illness progressed. Pets can have a remarkably positive effect on those living with Alzheimer’s, but having a real one isn’t always possible so we’re excited about the Joy For All companions! 

Will you join the fight to end Alzheimer’s and to support the families currently living its torment on a daily basis? Those who know me well know I find it very difficult to ask for help, but this is one area where that is not the case. We need you. Please consider making a one-time or recurring tax-deductible contribution today by visiting http://marilynslegacy.org/donate. We know you are entrusting us with your donation and we take our responsibility very seriously. We’ve committed to supporting organizations with little-to-no overhead. Two of our most important partners, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s and the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, deploy every dollar to the goal of stopping Alzheimer’s in its tracks, while their leadership personally covers all overhead expenses. Your contribution will make a real difference! 

It’s hard to believe that December will mark five years since Mom left us. The pain dulls, but never ceases. This past year was particularly difficult on many fronts, and there were so many times that I yearned for her wisdom – or just a comforting “mom hug.”  Had it not been for this hellacious disease, I believe with every fiber of my being that she would be a happy, vibrant 81-year-old, full of spunk and living life to the fullest. 

Thank you for considering a contribution to support our mission. Our gratitude is boundless.