imagine waking up one day
finding that your basket of memories
had been scattered about
try as you might to gather them up again
some of them remained out of reach
"Landmark data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) in their report Dementia: A Public Health Priority show that around the world a new case of dementia occurs every four seconds. That is the equivalent of 7.7 million new cases each year. In the words of global health expert Dr. Peter Piot, dementia is a ‘ticking time bomb.’" Some of you may know I have been touched personally by this disease. My mother, Alice, developed vascular dementia in her last decade of life. I see patients with this disease in increasing numbers and help them and their families struggle with its many challenges. This year I will be taking part in the Walk for Memories with some of children and perhaps even my grandchild. The goal is to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society of York Region which runs day programs for those affected by this disease and offers education and support to caregivers and family members. I am one of the newest board members of this wonderful organization.
This coming saturday my family and I will be walking in memory of Alice and we would appreciate it if you might consider making a donation. I chose to make my campaign private so I will not show up on the list of walkers. If you would like to donate you can click on the left hand side to make a donation. You could put a note in the last box on the donation page ear marking this towards to Walk for Memories, Seneca College King campus under my name Margaret Glinski-Oomen. Then Please leave a comment here and I will enter your name in a little giveaway for an indigo dyed crochet covered stone. Any donation 20 dollars or more will receive a tax receipt.
thank you so very much
xo
margie
Forget-me-nots are my favourite flower. Never before has dementia been described to me so clearly. You have my attention.... I'm following the link. thank you
Posted by: Annie | May 23, 2012 at 12:03 AM
Glad this walk came at a time that I can help.
I knew the numbers were increasing with the increase age of the world population but never read statistics like this. Your personal story and facts make it so real for those of us who haven't been affected by the disease directly. Thanks
Posted by: joanie | May 23, 2012 at 01:38 AM
Wow your words and pictures touch my heart...
Posted by: Chezchouke | May 23, 2012 at 02:04 AM
Gorgeous photos for a beautiful & meaningful cause. Wishing I could have come walk with you guys.
oxoxo
Posted by: Cozy Memories | May 23, 2012 at 05:51 AM
Just beautiful Margie!! Your words, and your photos touch my heart so very often..I am off to work, but I promise to return here 1st thing in the morn, and make a donation in honor of your lovely Mama:) She would be so very proud of you, and all that you do...XO
Posted by: Michaelanneneal | May 23, 2012 at 08:01 AM
Bravo! Excellent post .. love the photos ♥
Posted by: Lisa | May 23, 2012 at 12:34 PM
Your photos of the forget-me-nots are beautiful. I especially love the tiny baskets. I've been picking forget-me-nots on my walks with Meeko lately. My grandfather died of Alzheimer disease. It is a devastating disease for the individual and their family. There is a beautiful novel about a middle-aged woman with Alzheimer's disease called Still Alice by Lisa Genova. xx
Posted by: Kathleen | May 23, 2012 at 10:42 PM
My Father is in the final stages of Alzheimer's disease. To see your loved one lose their precious memories and connections is devastating. Thank you for your important and wonderful work. I will follow your link and donate.
Posted by: Karen | May 24, 2012 at 02:08 AM
Their illness may make them forget us, but we cannot forget them. What a beautiful tribute to your mama, Margie!
Posted by: Nicole | May 24, 2012 at 07:11 AM
Margie..I just made my donation as promised. As a RN I work with alot of people who are afflicted with some type of mental illnes..This is such a worthy, wonderful cause..XXOO
Posted by: Michaelanneneal | May 24, 2012 at 08:07 AM
I am not sure what is more lovely- your words or your photographs. As someone already said- your Mom would be so proud of you!!! Love, Ivana
Posted by: Ivana | May 24, 2012 at 09:40 AM
I just made a donation in honour of your Mom and my grandfather.
Posted by: Kathleen | May 24, 2012 at 12:38 PM
You make this lovely basket of forget-me-nots so eloquent, Margie ! You always bring so much sense to your posts, enlightening us in a touching and positive way. I'ld be pleased to add my little drop to this cause you support beautifully. Love.
Posted by: Nanou | May 24, 2012 at 03:42 PM
Done & done. I'm honored to help out in any way. In loving memory of lovely Alice! ♥
Posted by: Geninne | May 24, 2012 at 09:30 PM
tks for your sharing. it is very good. nice article. I just made a donation in honour of your Mom and my grandfather.
Posted by: Daisy | May 28, 2012 at 09:07 PM