Alzheimer's Awareness Archives – A Well Crafted Party

A long time ago I had a series on the blog where I shared more personal items with no real intent behind them other than sharing myself with readers and recording history. I’m getting back into that habit as I feel that it is a great way for you to get to know me! I’d love to hear about what YOU did this past week as well. Share a link or comment in the comment section below!
This weekend was a whirlwind weekend and it looks like the rest of the month is going to be the same.

Saturday we went to a wedding for a friend of my husband. It was set on a campground in Oregon. The weather was perfect, the beer was delicious, and the crowd was laid back and friendly. We enjoyed the sweet ceremony and delicious BBQ dinner afterwards. The couple even made a custom flag that they put up the flag pole after they wed. Sweet touches like that make me happy.

Mainly, we loved getting to spend time together as a family while celebrating someone else coming together as family. There is just something really special about that!

Today was the busiest day our little family has had in a long while. We started the day working the Walk to End Alzheimer‘s in Portland.

I work in the senior living field and this walk is always a big event for us. My personal experiences combined with my work really make the cause of fighting Alzheimer’s a bit of a passion project for me. I love that my family and friends support the cause as well.

I painted around a ton of faces today and I’m pooped! But, it was so worth it!

After we ran home to get cleaned up from the walk we hopped back in the car to head to one of our favorite play cafes in Portland, Pied Piper!

Catherine, of Ten Thousand Hour Mama, hosted a little blogger and kiddos meet-up at the cafe. I met many local bloggers (and mommas) that I had only met online in the past. They were all so lovely. I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it after such a long morning, but I’m glad I made the trip!

What did you do this weekend?

I often find myself content to sit in my own little world of problems, responsibilities, and issues without thinking ahead to what the future might bring or what issues may be plaguing the world that could possibly use my help, my voice. It isn’t that I don’t care. I do, often more than it shows. Rather, sometimes… my own stuff is all I can handle! Lately, however, I’ve been really pushing myself to extend my reach ad lend my voice to issues where I am able.

One of those issues that has really been laid on my heart (cheesy, but true) has been Alzheimer’s Disease. About a year ago I accepted a full-time position as a Social Media and Marketing specialist for a Senior Living company. It has been an eye-opening, humbling and incredible year. I’ve had Alzheimer’s touch my life personally by affecting the people that I love. It took me seeing how MANY people that this disease really affects to make me realize my voice (and money) was needed. What I can do as a single person is not enough though, I need your help!

Facts about Alzheimer’s:

” Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.” — Alz.Org Website

A few facts that really hit home with me about this disease from the Alzheimer’s Association website:

Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States
More than 5 Million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is the ONLY cause of death among the top 10 in America that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.
Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are WOMEN.
More than 60 percent of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers are women.

When advocating for finding a cure for Alzheimer’s I am thinking about the residents in the buildings of the senior communities I work with, my grandparents and my parents. But, I am also being a little bit selfish. I want to know that someday if I receive the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, that maybe there might be an answer out there to help slow the progression or to cure the disease. I advocate for my son so that the burden of my care is not put solely on his shoulders.

About the Walk to End Alzheimer’s:

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a series of walks across the United States that help raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s. I will be participating in the Portland Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sunday, September 7, 2014. My goal is to raise $200 for the cause and as much awareness as possible. I’m about 60% to reaching my goal and am working hard at it! I encourage anyone who can to find a local walk and participate. If you are unable to walk, a donation would be very much appreciated.

Donate to the Cause:

If you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation to help the Alzheimer’s Association advance research into methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure for Alzheimer’s please consider donating today. You are welcome to donate via the Alz.Org website or click this link to help me reach my donation goal! For the millions already affected by the disease, the Association offers care, education, support and resources in communities nationwide.

Information and Facts about Alzheimer’s disease via the Alzheimer’s Association website: www.alz.org For help or more information feel free to call the 24/7 Helpline at 1.800.272.3900.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. This is just a cause that is near and dear to my heart. I wanted to share to help build awareness for this important cause.