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    Finding Light in the Darkness: A Night of Reflection and Hope

    Finding Light in the Darkness: A Night of Reflection and Hope

    John and Kim’s heartfelt story illuminates the emotional journey of living with dementia and the power of love, poetry, and community.

    At our Gala this past Spring, we were privileged to witness something truly moving: the story of John and Kim, a couple navigating the relentless journey of dementia with courage, vulnerability, and love. For them, dementia is not just a diagnosis—it’s a daily reality that reshapes their relationship, their routines, and their memories. Through poetry, they’ve found a way to express what words often fail to capture: the heartbreak, the humor, and the enduring love that binds them.
     

    Displayed throughout the event space were poems written by John and Kim—raw, beautiful reflections of their shared experience. One poem in particular resonated deeply with guests:

    Still Us
    I forget the words,
    but not the feeling.

    I lose the thread,
    but not the warmth of your hand.

    I miss the moment,
    but not the love that made it matter.

    We are changing,
    but we are still us.

    In the silence,
    in the searching,
    in the soft light of morning—

    we are still us.

    John, once an English literature major, now faces moments where words escape him and familiar places feel foreign. Kim, his devoted caregiver, walks a parallel path—one filled with quiet strength, isolation, and the constant question of whether she’s doing enough. Yet through it all, they remain united, determined to find light even in the darkest corners.

    Their story is a testament to the power of community and the vital role the Alzheimer’s Association plays in supporting families like theirs. From resources and respite to groundbreaking research, the Association is a lifeline—and it needs all of us to keep hope alive.
    As poet Mary Oliver once asked, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” John and Kim have chosen to share their truth, break the silence, and remind us all that dignity and love persist, even in the face of loss.

    We invite you to be part of this journey. Mark your calendars for our next Gala in April 2026. Join us as we continue to raise awareness, celebrate resilience, and work toward a future without Alzheimer’s.

    Together, we can be the reason hope becomes reality.






     
    Local stories

    Finding Light in the Darkness: A Night of Reflection and Hope

    John and Kim’s heartfelt story illuminates the emotional journey of living with dementia and the power of love, poetry, and community.
    August 20, 2025