Linda Isaacs
I had been a nurse all my life. Taking care of people is part of who I am. So when both of my parents became medically needy back in 2001, it seemed only right that I end my career and care for my folks instead. Dad had renal failure and needed dialysis three times a week. Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. With the help of one most-incredible live-in caregiver who would relieve me on weekends, we were able to keep my parents home until they both passed away.
For a difficult and painful four years, I watched my parents slip away from us. Dad passed away in 2003 and Mom three years later. Caring for them was unlike any nursing I had experienced in years past. Watching Alzheimer's disease destroy the very essence of who my mother was -- a woman I adored -- left me with a hole in my heart that nothing could help restore. With a deep-seated need to try to help others through my experiences, I decided to volunteer for the Alzheimer's Association. It was the best decision I could have ever made!
It started out by volunteering in the Poughkeepsie office one day a week. Then I branched out and helped lobby our various lawmakers in Albany, requesting increased funding be directed toward many areas of need. I also signed up with "Trial Match" early on, in hopes of being included in medical research. However, the one thing that has been most rewarding of all has been facilitating a support group for caregivers.
Once a month, we meet at the Starr Library in Rhinebeck for two hours, sharing experiences and information, and just being strong for one another. Not only that, it's helped me come to terms with my own situation, and my healing has come full circle. Although I have helped behind the scenes at the Walk to End Alzheimer's in years past, I signed up to start a team of my own and actually did the walk over Walkway this year!
It has been quite an emotional chapter in my life book, this thing called Alzheimer's, and I am ever so grateful to Elaine, Meg, Liz, Michele, Joan, Karen and all the wonderful people in my support group who have allowed me to be part of the effort to fight this disease. We will win ... it's just a matter of time!
For a difficult and painful four years, I watched my parents slip away from us. Dad passed away in 2003 and Mom three years later. Caring for them was unlike any nursing I had experienced in years past. Watching Alzheimer's disease destroy the very essence of who my mother was -- a woman I adored -- left me with a hole in my heart that nothing could help restore. With a deep-seated need to try to help others through my experiences, I decided to volunteer for the Alzheimer's Association. It was the best decision I could have ever made!
It started out by volunteering in the Poughkeepsie office one day a week. Then I branched out and helped lobby our various lawmakers in Albany, requesting increased funding be directed toward many areas of need. I also signed up with "Trial Match" early on, in hopes of being included in medical research. However, the one thing that has been most rewarding of all has been facilitating a support group for caregivers.
Once a month, we meet at the Starr Library in Rhinebeck for two hours, sharing experiences and information, and just being strong for one another. Not only that, it's helped me come to terms with my own situation, and my healing has come full circle. Although I have helped behind the scenes at the Walk to End Alzheimer's in years past, I signed up to start a team of my own and actually did the walk over Walkway this year!
It has been quite an emotional chapter in my life book, this thing called Alzheimer's, and I am ever so grateful to Elaine, Meg, Liz, Michele, Joan, Karen and all the wonderful people in my support group who have allowed me to be part of the effort to fight this disease. We will win ... it's just a matter of time!
