I have participated in walks for various causes but not for
Alzheimer’s. This disease brings to mind the movie, The Notebook, where a love story is repetitively retold by a husband to his wife because she can not remember. Likewise, a friend recommended a
book, Still Alice, about a 50 year old Harvard professor that struggled with
the disease. At the breakfast this morning,
the radio Master of Ceremony’s eyes watered and voice quivered, when she recalled her own
father’s struggle. I thought, “you never know the trials that others are enduring.”
I wondered how many people have been
affected by this disease, a disease with no cure.
Then I learned from the fact vidio that Alzheimers is the 6th
leading cause of death. I was astonished how often this disease affects women-
60% of the cases are women. The testimonials of three people who were diagnosed in their 40’s, 50’s ,and 60’s and who are fighting before they forget, impacted me to walk for them. As one speaker put it, we all have a brain, and
this disease takes away the essence of who we are.
Many of us support different causes and we can’t do all the
walks. However, in my new tool box, I will remember to try support a new cause when I can, stay informed, or support a friend's cause. I am walking on Eveline Young team on October 11 this year! Join me on Eveline's team.
Being aware of social causes is also part of Maslow journey
to self actualization or reaching the best you can be. As noted in the Everything I need to know I learned from a Little Golden Book, “savor the season as they roll around” and do not take the time for granted.
Spiritual Reflection
Whenever trouble comes
your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your
endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow for when your endurance is fully
developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. (James
1:2-4)
Life trials are difficult when you are going through them but when your
make it to the other side with Gods help, you can use the experience to reach
out to others.
Other sources
Still Alice http://www.bookreporter.com/reviews/still-alice
The Notebook https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC6biTjEyZw
Alzheimer’s
association http://alz.org/