This Saturday was my fifth walk. Hard to believe. Each year it gets more and more important. My friend, Linda Fisher who has become the voice of Alzheimer's not only here in Sedalia but also I am sure if you mention her name anywhere in mid-Missouri or Washington D.C. they not only know her as an author of Alzheimer's stories but also as an advocate of getting Alzheimer's more and more in the spotlight and she has!
What used to have the tag of old-age, senile is now dementia/Alzheimer's. It was given a name. It is the #6 disease and quickly climbing to #1. Although it does not know color, it actually is more common in Hispanic and Afro-Americans. I believe it could out number cancer if more research and money contributed to finding a possible cure. If you don't have someone in your family who has it you know someone with early stages or full on Alzheimer's. Like cancer it's not just the individual who has it the family has it. Linda has an ongoing blog www.earlyonset.blogspot.com where she puts together everyday stories with memories of a time when her husband Jim was fading further and further away. He continues to give her strength today. Each year at the release of purple balloons in memory I look over at Linda and whether she is standing along or with other's the tears that flow are her connection to Jim and other's she has forged friendships or memories with.
Most recently in the news has been singer, Glenn Campbell and Tennessee Women's Basketball coach, Pat Summitt was recently in the news announcing her early onset. Ronald Reagan, Charlton Heston, Perry Como, Rita Hayworth, Peter Falk are just some of the famous who have succumbed in years past.
In Sedalia there were 354 walkers and Sedalia raised $22,860. Linda was there at the first walk. And I am sure she will walk until she can't. As I've heard her say many times. She will go to Washington D.C. every year even if her grand kids have to wheel her there. That's dedication!
Each year I see new people at the walk. Some with signs with pictures of there loved ones who have succumed to this unforgiving illness.
One Voice leads to another to another. When a choir of millions is heard it just might be possible people will say Alzheimer's? What is that..wouldn't that be wonderful.
2 comments:
Wow! What a powerful blog, but darn it--you made me cry all over again.
I wrote from the heart. It is amazing how far you have come, how the word has spread in my five years and how much further it will go with you..I was crying as I typed.
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