Sheryl726: (Active Peer Volunteer since October 2009)
"Hi I'm Sheryl, age 62 and caring for my mother age 80 in stages 7 of Alzheimer's. I quit my job in Dallas and relocated to Louisiana to care for my mother and know that I have never regretted that choice.
My background was medical: Medical records in hospital and medical office manager 20+ years in neurosurgery. That field has more than its share of sad outcomes. That being said, this journey that we are on lends such agony and pain that we must find support somewhere and alz.org has been my answer.
Compassion is something that is ingrained in me but the tragedy of this disease causes pain and tears of such proportion that I was looking for the shoulder to lean on in one of those dark nights and low and behold I found Alzheimer's Associations website. Hallelujah! They cry with me, make me laugh, despite myself and have really good help suggestions and resources to share. The forum is great and I enjoy the interaction of the chat room.
This will be my second cycle as a Peer Volunteer (PV). As this role continues for me, I hope to give someone that extra "shoulder" and to let them know that they are not alone in this awful situation that they find themselves dealing with.
(quote from first cycle: People like Johanna, Lisa, Ttom, Alan and Carolina are so remarkable that I feel a little overwhelmed as I move into this position).
The respect that I have for the above people has only grown for they have all made me feel so welcome as a PV and encouraged my responses in forum. This has allowed me to grow in this position and I look forward to doing more of the same. The support from Jaimie the Peer Volunteer coordinate from Alzheimer's Association, responsible for Peer Volunteer and our training, is also remarkable. She will always step forward and help us and you.
Peer Volunteer title is still just someone who is in the same boat you are, but gives us the opportunity to welcome you to a great site.
My heart sings as I continue this journey. I pray that I will continue to be used in this journey of education and fear we all share in positive ways. "
<< Return to Peer Volunteers page
