Celebrities Aid in Alzheimer’s Recognition
July 21, 2006 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
When my Mother became afflicted with Alzheimer’s in the late 1980s, people didn’t talk about this disease very much or admit a family member had it. I’d mention to friends that I thought my mom was developing Alzheimer’s, as her sister had, and they’d look at me with horror. A “How could you say that about your Mother!” expression came over their face.
Then President Ronald Reagan made his public announcement about this disease, and people realized it afflicted anyone. Soon more people, well known to Americans and the world, came forth with their support to raise public awareness.
They often initiated fund raisers to help with research into the causes, cure, and prevention of the disease. One of these events or galas is hosted by Yasmin Aga Khan, daughter of actress Rita Hayward, who was afflicted with Alzheimer’s.
You’ll find more information about these Rita Hayward Galas on the Alzheimer’s Association web site: www.alz.org/Events/RHG.asp .
I will be first. Four days ago I placed my sweetheart of 42 years in a nursing facility. It tore my heart out to let him go. He is only 64 years old. I took care of him and worked full time, but it became too much for me and really for him. I reach for him each night, but his body is no longer there. He has been gone for about 2 years, but I could still hold him. Alzheimers is the worst disease of all. friends no longer come around, family is scarce, and as the patient goes down, she/he take with them all the hope of life. Somehow, someway there must be more money put into this disease. We must find a reason, a cause, and a cure. Please get these messages out to our politicians and make us get noticed. Some day I pray that we don’t have to say good bye to them each day while they silently slip away from us.