Skydiving and Alzheimer's

This past weekend I joined my daughter in Texas and we spent the Mother’s Day weekend skydiving for the first time. Two thoughts became very clear to me. One, there is nothing like jumping out of an airplane and the feeling of falling. And two, as soon as I exited the plane, it hit me; I’m pretty much on my own. If I need something, nobody can be there to help me. I’m just falling through the air.
I’m lucky in that nobody in my family has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. I came to Alzheimer’s Services as a development associate just a little over a month ago. I replaced Tammi deGeneres. Each week, a different employee writes the blog and this week is my turn. Part of my job is the Walk/Run to Remember which takes place on October 15 this year. There is a link on the website to learn more about this event or start a team. Feel free to call me if you have questions. The other part of my job is public relations. I am thoroughly enjoying my employment at Alzheimer’s.
Some days I get to go over to Charlie’s Place to take photos and enjoy the activities. This is one of the perks of my position. Charlie’s Place is wonderful, but to anyone who has seen it, I don’t have to tell you that. You have seen it for yourselves. The first time I visited Charlie’s Place I was not expecting it to be so warm, inviting and happy. We host here at the office a “Cause to Remember” twice a month. We invite folks to come by, have lunch and spend about an hour learning more about us and you get to tour Charlie’s Place. I would highly recommend coming and seeing for yourself. Debbie Little, Development Director is in charge of that. She does an excellent job! Along with this informational event we do several others, like our support groups, Lunch-N-Learns, and various other educational programs. Dana, Julie and Rashida present those well.
Now back to skydiving and that feeling of being in a serious situation without a net or any back-up, Alzheimer’s caregivers don’t have to feel that way. We are here to support you and with our varied programs, I think there is something to help everyone cope with this disease. Give us a call!