Of Faces, Traces and Love

It has been an unexplainable experience accompanying photographers who are taking pictures of caregivers and their loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. I am so appreciative to Aaron Hogan and Tate Tullier, professional photographers who have assisted us in this new project. And, photos that are being submitted for the video display are equally amazing.
“The Faces of Alzheimer’s” Exhibit is shaping up to be one of our organization’s most memorable highlighted events in recognition of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in November. I don’t think the Shaw Center for the Arts has ever had such a display of expression, a display of stories told and untold, a display of the journey of Alzheimer’s disease. In the faces, the eyes, the movement…..there are traces of a life there, traces of things far unknown to us, traces of joy and laughter, of childlike inhibitions, traces of reality, endings and beginnings.
Beginning November 2nd through the end of the month, I invite you to visit the Shaw Center for the Arts and view this special Exhibit. If “love” could ever be photographed, it is thriving in the photo displays, the caring of spouses, mothers, daughters, fathers, sons, grandparents, grandchildren, in-laws, cousins, and/or friends.
And though we can’t be immunized against this disease called Alzheimer’s, I hope through this Exhibit that you will begin to lose the “Label” of the disease, that you can look beyond and see the true “faces,” the faces that count, the faces that can have a sustainable quality of life, and even through the reality of this devastating brain disorder, that you will come to understand and see the hope in all of them, and the hope for all of us.
Maya Angelou once wrote, “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at it destination full of hope.”
Viewing the “Faces of Alzheimer’s” Exhibit, I know you will see each face, appreciate a trace of each story, and come to know and understand the root of care for that “Face of Alzheimer’s” is just love, and that love brings forth our hopes.--Dana Territo, Director of Services