JOAN'S WEEKEND BLOG -SEPTEMBER 20/21, 2008 - WORLD ALZHEIMER'S DAY

Sunday, September 21, 2008, is World Alzheimer’s Day. It is a day set aside each year by the Alzheimer’s Associations around the world to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease, its devastating impact on families, and to urge people all over the globe to get involved. 

We talk so often on this website about how no one understands what Alzheimer’s Disease really is – how completely destructive it is to not just memory, but personality, behavior, cognition, and abilities; how no one understands the emotional, physical, and financial  burdens the disease places on the caregiver. Well, now is your chance to be heard.

The worldwide Alzheimer’s community is asking you to do your part to SPEAK UP AND RAISE AWARENESS of what Alzheimer’s Disease is, and what is needed to combat it. No one will know if we do not tell them.

Many of our members and some of their afflicted spouses have made the decision to go public in print and video media to tell their stories. It is only through voices like Tony(see blog below), Trish and Bob, Chuck, and Diane Thornton, will Alzheimer’s Disease be understood. It is only through understanding will the funds become available for research and valuable programs and resources. It is only through understanding, will laws be passed to aid, instead of hinder, patients and caregivers.

If you do not think that your one little voice can make a difference, look at this website. It was just me, thinking alone at night, with an idea. 14 months later, this website, and its information reaches readers in 6 countries on 4 continents (Those are just the ones of which I am aware.).

What can you do to raise awareness, you may ask? Are you asking? I hope so, because I am going to tell you.

Click the links for suggestions from the Alzheimer’s Association:

RAISE AWARENESS AT WORK

HELP WIN $1.5 million to fight Alzheimer’s Disease– My chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has submitted a project on EARLY DETECTION MATTERS – Please help us win by voting for our project – at this time, only American Express cardholders are eligible to vote, but very soon, voting will be open to the general public. Click the highlighted link above,and vote for EARLY DETECTION MATTERS.

HOST A TAILGATE - It can be ANY weekend, not just this one.

JOIN OR START A MEMORY WALK TEAM- Of course, I'm hoping you will sponsor me again this year, as I walk those 3 miles!

REACH OUT TO YOUR FAITH COMMUNITY.

Click links below for blogs on raising Alzheimer's Awareness and Advocacy:

Hello Government - Show Me the Money - The importance of research funds - February 23/24, 2008

Washington DC - Here We Come - Information on the Alzheimer's Public Policy Forum - I am going to represent all of us.- April 11, 2008

Alzheimer's Disease Emotional Impact on Spouses - The Importance of Raising Awareness - Part I from the DC forum - FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2008

Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease (EOAD) - The Silent Disease - Raising Awareness – DC Forum II– MAY 17/18, 2008

The True Picture of Alzheimer's Disease - The world needs to know - July 8, 2008

Getting My Chance to Spread the Word about Alzheimer's Disease and its Effect on Marriages - updates on coming attractions - August 15-17, 2008

The Importance of Early Stage Education for New Spousal Caregivers - August 27/28, 2008

This Sunday, September 21, World Alzheimer's Day, tell your story to ONE person, and help spread the word.

©Copyright 2008 Joan Gershman

Feedback to joan@thealzheimerspouse.com

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