September is World Alzheimer’s Month which is a global effort to raise the profile of Alzheimer’s and its devastating impact on individuals, families and communities. More than 35 million people are living with dementia worldwide, and in the United States, nearly 15 million individuals are serving as unpaid caregivers for someone with the disease.
It’s going to take all of us to end this disease, but together, we can move toward a world without Alzheimer’s. Meet our everyday heroes who make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease:
“The End of Alzheimer’s Starts With Me because a cure for this disease MUST be found, to stop the pain of so many families seeing their loved one slip away long before they die.”
Susan Dawson –Tibbits, President, Alzheimer's Association – Central Illinois Chapter, Attorney at Law, concentrating in the legal needs of the elderly, shown here with National Alzheimer's Association Spokesperson David Hyde – Pierce.
“The End of Alzheimer’s Starts With Me because I lost my mother at the early age of 67 to this dreadful disease. Ever since she was diagnosed, I became passionate in my support for the fight to end Alzheimer’s. I watched my mom slip away from me and I saw how my father struggled as her primary caregiver. It’s extremely important to continue our support for those affected by the disease and their families. I will continue to fight for the elimination of this disease!” - Diana Faust, Loan Officer, Heartland Bank and Trust Co. Quincy
“The End of Alzheimer’s Starts With Me because in 1997 I lost my mother, someone I loved with all my heart, to this heartbreaking disease. Being her primary caregiver I was devastated not knowing what the future held for her or me. At that time I turned to the Alzheimer's Association for their help and direction and to educate myself regarding the disease. My goal as a board member is to be that “Someone to Stand by You” in the epidemic of Alzheimer’s and to be an advocate in education and research to those in this journey now or in the future.” - May Meister, retired, Alzheimer's Association – Central Illinois Chapter board member.
“The End of Alzheimer’s Starts With Me because my loving wife Judy has dementia with symptoms indicating it is probably the Alzheimer’s type. After her diagnosis several years ago we were like most families. How could this be happening to us and why? After going through the denial and anger stages of dealing with this new road block in our lives we realized we had to move on and accept it for what it is. To help us do exactly that we visited our local Alzheimer’s Chapter in Peoria to see what support and help were available to us. Since our first visit to the Association I have taken advantage of most of the educational programs that help a caregiver understand and better prepare for the challenges of being a caregiver. Caregiving is a difficult full time job and without the educational programs provided by the Alzheimer’s Association it would be almost impossible to provide the care a spouse deserves. We both have met so many good people through the Association who are in the same circumstances that we are confronted with. Judy and I have attended the Early Stage Support Group for couples and found it to be very helpful in dealing with the disease. Since then we have joined the advanced support group for couples called the PALZ group. In summary I cannot imagine doing what I’m doing today as a caregiver without the knowledge and support I have received from the Alzheimer’s Association. - Ken Niekamp, caregiver, Peoria
Why I Walk to End Alzheimer’s….Joanne Milby with granddaughter Hailee Clancy
“I walk to say thank you to the Alzheimer's Association that supported me in my time of need. The Association reaches out in so many ways and I want to give back what was given to me. You feel like you’re alone, but going to a support group meeting you can vent and see that you’re not alone. There’s a bond in these meetings. I have also created the Boo Milby 5k Memory Run as a way to keep my late husband’s memory alive. A lot of people who knew my husband understand that it’s a passion for me and that motivates them to participate.” - Joanne Milby Comptroller, City of LaSalle, Former caregiver to her husband, Welby “Boo” Milby Illinois Valley Walk To End Alzheimer’s, Peru
“I walk because it is very important that others be educated about Alzheimer’s disease and by increasing awareness we can all join together in the fight against it as well as help provide research funding for a cure. I have known a large number of families, including myself, who have had a family member that was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. As a member of the medical field I have had the opportunity to learn and help educate others on the importance of finding a cure to this devastating disease. It would be wonderful if we can destroy it instead of allowing it to destroy us or our families.” - Christina Juarez, Canton Walk To End Alzheimer’s Committee Member
Social Services Admissions Director, Sunset Rehabilitation & Healthcare and Canton Walk To End Alzheimer's Association
“I walk for the courageous battle every Alzheimer’s patient endures and the many Alzheimer’s disease patients who have touched my life over the many years I’ve worked in the field of geriatrics. I walk for every Alzheimer’s caregiver and family member who is grieving and struggling to help his or her loved one battle this disease. I walk for every person who suffers today. I walk as a friend with hope, courage and strength to put an END to Alzheimer’s disease. Please join me on this rewarding journey to raise funds for critical research and program and educational services.” - Wendy Hughes, Quincy Alzheimer’s Advisory Committee, Walk Committee, Volunteer and Advocate Quincy Walk To End Alzheimer’s
“I walk because it is a great opportunity to meet others whose lives have been affected by the disease. My mother died from the disease in 2009 at the age of 86. Once she began to accept that she had Alzheimer’s disease, our mother-daughter bond grew much stronger. It was a really good experience the last year and half of her life. We are so lucky to have so many worthwhile educational programs hosted by the Alzheimer's Association. I recommend everyone take advantage of them because you never know when this disease will affect one of your friends or family members.” - Beth Moeller
Former caregiver Henry, IL River Valley Walk To End Alzheimer’s, Chillicothe
“My father lived 15 years with Frontal Lobe Dementia and passed away in May of 2010. His sister passed away 2 years earlier. I feel that there is no better group for me to help than those with memory loss. It is very apparent to me that many of my friends and colleagues at WIU have suffered from a form of dementia and that is does not matter if you have a PhD or you have an IQ of 150, you can still get fall victim to these mind destroying illnesses. Along with the officers and members of AARP who have made up the Macomb AARP Team, I have been the top fund raiser at the walk 4 years out of the last 5 years. The Macomb Area AARP Team has raised over $3,000.00 for the Walks every year since 2006. When I became the president if the Macomb Area AARP Chapter, in 2005, we made the McDonough County Memory Walk our yearly fundraising project and we plan to raise $3,000 in 2011 as well.” - Lynne Ruben Roseville, IL McDonough Walk To End Alzheimer’s
Jewel Winters with her late husband, Leo.
“My team walks in memory of my late husband, Leo Winters, who died last year. My team is made up of my family – kids, grandkids, great-grandkids. I belong to the Monmouth Auxiliary 2301 VFW, and every year they contribute money towards my team, which I dearly appreciate. After Leo was diagnosed in 2000, I attended Alzheimer's Association meetings and support groups and learned valuable information on how to cope with the disease and it helped me a lot. By attending programs, you find out that you aren’t the only one having problems.” - Jewel Winters Former caregiver, Galesburg Knox-Warren Walk To End Alzheimer’s
Bernie McFalls with her dog Lady and members of the Team Louie Team last year.
“We have a 15-member team, Team Louie, that raised over $8,000 last year through bake sales, plant sales, garage sales, cookouts and asking other people for donations. I walk because I don’t think you understand the magnitude of the disease until you’ve been around it. After taking care of my late husband, Louie, and seeing what it’s like, it bothers me that there is not a cure. We need to raise funds so we can have more research. It is very important to me to do all I can to help find a cure.” - Bernie McFalls Former caregiver, Sterling Rock River Walk To End Alzheimer’s, Dixon
“I walk because the Alzheimer's Association helped me face the difficulties and challenges of the disease that affected my late mother, Norma Stallings. The monthly support group meetings helped me to cope with the different levels of the disease. The group was my rock, offering suggestions and advice as well as being an outlet for me to laugh or cry when I needed it. I have introduced a friend to the support group as it is a dedicated group of people that meet monthly to help new people.” - Jill Roepenack Former caregiver, Retired teacher, Tazewell County Walk To End Alzheimer’s, Pekin
“My brothers and I walk with our team, the JWalkers, in honor of my dad, Joe, who has the disease and in memory of my mother, who died in 2010. She was my dad’s primary caregiver; she was a dynamic lady and very caring and devoted to my father. She was 13 years younger than my dad and her death speaks volumes to the role of caregiving. It is an immense responsibility and my mom gave it her all. A lot of people need encouragement and to know they are not alone and it’s what motivates me to walk for the cause. It’s good to see people walking at the Peoria riverfront and by participating my brothers and I feel loved and supported.” - Margy Mazzola, Peoria Family member Peoria Walk To End Alzheimer’s
