When I launched this site, I had one mission in mind – to share my experiences and any other information I could to help other families dealing with Alzheimer’s. This contest goes hand in hand with that mission by not only increasing awareness but also by helping me reach more caregivers.
To vote, click here or on the link below and in the “Contestants” search box, type “alzjourney.” This will bring up my blog, The Long and Winding Road. Voters can vote once each day via Facebook and once each day via Twitter. Voting is open until Jan 21. Feel free to share.
Of the work I’ve done in the area of advocacy and caregiver support, my involvement with UsAgainstAlzheimer’s is one of the things I’m most proud of.
This organization has an incredible staff of passionate individuals who are in this fight to win it, and they’re led by George & Trish Vradenburg – a couple that does more for this movement than any other two people I know. As the founders of USA2, the Vradenburgs cover all operating expenses so that 100% of every dollar donated goes straight to the task at hand – fighting this monster called Alzheimer’s!
I’m honored to be a contributor to Trish’s blog, Before I Forget, and hope you or someone you know who has a loved one living with Alzheimer’s will find my holiday tips helpful. No matter what’s happening in our lives, we all deserve happiness, and I want you to know that this disease does NOT have the power to take away special moments of sheer joy.
I’ve seen a couple of posts this week that have really touched my heart. Allan Vann and Vince Zangaro are on very similar, yet different paths. One of the things they have in common is their willingness to share their stories to raise awareness and bring hope and comfort to other caregivers.
Allan’s wife, Clare, was formally diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer’s at age 63, but had been experiencing signs for several years before that. Allan cared his wife at home before making the difficult decision to place her in a care facility. However, he learned that doing so allowed him to be her husband again, rather than her 24×7 caregiver, which was a true gift to both of them.
Image Source: CBS News
The CBS interview captures the pain of slowly losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s with a raw, emotional accuracy.
Although it was my mother rather than spouse that I lost to this horrid disease, so much of what Allan says rings true to me. The arguments were the most difficult – early on, we fought about everything, and that was so uncharacteristic of our relationship. So sad to think about it…
Vince Zangaro was just 29 when his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s ten years ago at age 62. He & his wife, Amy, are full-time caregivers and by sharing their journey, they help others to stay afloat.
Vince had a wonderful piece published on The Caregiver’s Voice this past week. One of the things that makes it unique is that Vince wrote it from his father’s perspective.
When I open my eyes in the morning, I feel scared. Where am I? Where have I been? Do I know this place? I look to the right, and the people there are sleeping soundly. I can’t remember who they are, but I know they love me and I love them; I feel safe.
In some ways, Vince’s posts and his videos make me miss my mom even more, but mostly they remind me of all the happy times we shared even as she fell further into the clutches of Alzheimer’s. His words also illustrate how having a loved one with Alzheimer’s changes our lives, and how that often results in us becoming better human beings.
One of his recent Facebook posts provided a simple, yet invaluable tip, in such a heartwarming way.
“I have learned when giving dad a hug to have it last a minute or longer. After the 60 second mark you will start to see him grasp the moment. It doesn’t always take medicine to help someone you love.”
And then there’s this video that makes me smile and cry at the same time… if it was possible to make a 3-minute video that defines love in its truest form, this is it.
Vince is also founder of the Alzheimer’s Music Fest which you can read more about on Facebook or at the event website. If you’re in the Duluth, GA, area, check it out!
I’m flattered to have been nominated in the annual Healthline Best Health Blogs Contest for the second year in a row!
Of the work I’ve done in the area of advocacy and caregiver support, my involvement with 
The Long and Winding Road... 