Alzheimer's Memory Walk 2010

Granny Jo, Poppa Harold, and my Baby Girl

 My Granny Jo has Alzheimer's Disease.

That's a harder sentence to write than you might imagine.  It's hard to accept.

I haven't known my Granny Jo my entire life, in fact, I've not even known her half of my life yet (almost, but not quite).  I met her for the first time when I was 18 years old.

You see, I was adopted at birth because my biological mother was very young and knew that she didn't have the means to care for me.  Granny Jo is my biological mother's mother.  My biological maternal grandmother.

The fact that I have only known Granny Jo for not quite 15 years rather than my entire life doesn't change the way I feel about her.  She is a fantastic woman who is full of life and love, and a very healthy helping of wit. The type of woman I hope to become.

However, the Alzheimer's is changing all of that.  I have seen Granny Jo go from a sharp witty woman, to one who is forgetful and confused.  I have seen her distress over simple things that she knows that she should know, but can't quite figure out.  I have seen the pain on my Poppa Harold's face as he watches his beautiful wife change before his eyes.  I have seen the tears in my biological mother's eyes as she watches her loving mother slowly forget her life.



Image via Wikipedia

PET Scan of human brain w/Alzheimer's Disease

 I have seen the confusion in my Granny Jo's eyes as she looks at my baby daughter and tries to remember who she is.

It is painful for all involved.

My sister and I are determined to make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. By participating the 2010 Central Florida Memory Walk®, we're committed to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer research, care and support.

Currently more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's, and 78 million baby boomers are at risk – unless we find a way to change the course of this disease.

Please take a few minutes to visit my secure donation website and make a small contribution.  Even a few dollars will go a long way towards helping to find a cure for this horrible disease.

More Information:

Image via Wikipedia

• Alzheimer's Fast Facts (lifescript.com)
• Hundreds join Alzheimer's 'memory walk' in Heaton Park (menmedia.co.uk)
• Children of Alzheimer's sufferers want to know their risk (cnn.com)

Image via Wikipedia