#As most of you realize, the 9th Annual Up and AATT (Alzheimer’s Awareness Turkey Trot) ‘em draws near – Thanksgiving morning, November 24th, with registration and rally starting at 7:30am and 3k, 5k, or 8k run/walk/ride led by the Lowry Wrestling Team starting at 8am.
#We start and end by our Fitness Park/Splash Pad at the Whitworth Recreation Complex. I have the speech pretty well down as I remind everyone of the value and fun of this wonderful event. With all proceeds staying local for respite and education and an additional emphasis this year on advancing physical fitness opportunities in our community, the generosity of participants is noted and greatly appreciated.
#The Trot also provides me with a chance to reconnect with friends as I pass out posters and registration forms and send a variety of emails and text messages, and I also get to interact with new individuals, groups, and organizations.
#Across the aisle from our ADF-Winnemucca/Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness table at the Lions Club and HGH Health Fair in November, my eyes and those of T.O.P.S. coordinator Linda met.
#Serendipitously, we recognized that nutrition, health, exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization lead to stronger cognitive capacity.
#She invited me to speak at their weekly meetings and naturally I responded yes. My mom was a member of T.O.P.S (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) in Idaho. The support of her group helped her lose unwanted pounds and then maintain a health weight.
#She even managed to slip below her goal, something not necessarily recommended, so to solve the weigh-in dilemma she’d fill her pockets with silver dollars to add the extra pounds.
#While at this meeting I shared my opening paragraph and the group immediately decided to participate – helping with registration and announcements as well as walking together as a united unit for wholesome living.
#When I returned to collect registration forms and funds, a terrific surprise greeted me. Not only did many sign up, the total donation exceeded $750!
#Wow! A story behind this included a grandmother from Hungary who had lived on a farm in the Midwest. When her spouse died, the family sold the homestead and had “Mom” take turns living with each of them.
# However, she did not speak English and much of the family did not know Hungarian and so eventually she found herself alone in a world of many.
#Placed in an asylum, she was diagnosed as “mentally ill”, most likely a false identification. My guess is that in 1950 little was known or understood about dementia and so a quick label was attached to “solve” cognitive decline.
#To me there is little wonder at Julia’s deterioration: alone, unable to communicate, confused, with social and psychological supports upended.
#Who wouldn’t withdraw into a private domain? I dearly hope our outlook has changed.
#Another generous early donation came from a 9-time participant and her family. Although Sheri has had to participate virtually a time or two, her understanding about our dementia awareness cause is so valuable.
#I am thinking ahead now to determine how to best reward Sheri and our other benefactors for making such an enormous difference. HGH, HGH Employees Fund, Horan Trust, Ken Christean Memorial, Keener Dental/Karen Betz, Madhatter (who creates our shirts), and Wade Distributing (who provides my favorite chocolate milk) mean our education and support endeavors endure.
#I’m challenging all local businesses, clubs, organizations, and communities of faith to rally your friends and form teams and join us.
#We’ll cheer you on as you help us help others. I promise you that this is an excellent way to start the holiday – fresh air and fun with turkey and family to follow. The happy faces keep me floating for months to come.
#A quick report on our Alzheimer’s Support Group and Respite Retreat…
#The Support Group meets the second Wednesday of each month at noon at HGH (lunch provided). This is a good way to share fears and changing behavior concerns with a safe gathering of heartfelt listeners. There is no judgment, no direct advice, just suggestions, ideas, and information.
#Respite at the Senior Center is an option for caregivers to leave a loved one in an environment of caring relationships. 11:30am-3pm each Thursday at the Center, we are happily watching this enterprise grow.
#Nutrition, healthy living, exercise, comradery, and friendships are just a few of the benefits. Contact Gini for more information. Together we can discover solutions.