Be that One.

I very much enjoyed learning about both the American Red Cross and the Alzheimer's Association this morning. For all I thought I knew – I realized I really knew very little at all. I didn't realize I was supposed to blog about this so I missed the cut off before our presentation. I can't tell you anything here that wasn't already said in that meeting. Except this ...

The single most important thing I walked away with ... was the desire to GIVE BACK. GIVE MORE. DO MORE. United Way supports some amazing agencies that our community needs now more than ever. Funding has already been cut back for many of these agencies which makes it even more important to GIVE NOW. Life is unpredictable. You never know when you will need one of these agencies yourself. Wouldn't it be terrible if these agencies no longer existed should that time arise?

Even ONE dollar can help someone in need. Even ONE hour of volunteerism can help an agency that is understaffed. Be that ONE.

Alzheimer's Association presentation

Alzheimer's, perhaps more than any other disease, imposes a difficult and sometimes painful burden on the primary caregiver. Imagine what's it's like when your spouse of many, many years suddenly has no idea who you are ... looks at you as if you were a complete stranger.

Here's some stats we were given: at age 65, one in eight Americans will have Alzheimer's disease. At age 80, it's one out of two. Very scary odds.

Here's a recent video from CBS News on the effects of Alzheimer's on caregivers.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6502929n&tag=api

You can see why victims and caregivers benefit from the programs of the Alzheimer's Association -- things like the 24/7 toll-free help line, care consultations, support groups-- much of which is made possible by funding from the United Way. Here's a link to their site, actually straight to the page showing the 10 Warning signs of Alzheimer's, something those of us who are caring for aging parents should be aware of.

http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp

Alzheimer's Association / American Red Cross

Alzheimer's Association:

• 25,000 Middle Tennesseans are suffering from Alzheimer's Disease
• Every 70 seconds someone is afflicted
  
• By 2011, the there will be over 10 million people suffering from this disease
  
• Most medications don't help, because it's brain damage
  

American Red Cross:

• ALL volunteers are trained
• They receive no government funding but are mandated to provide their service
• They provide immediate relief: shelter, clothing, food
• The team helps with referrals for any long-term needs