Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Will You Add Your Voice?

Dear friends,

I don't talk about it much, but I lost my dad 2 years ago.  I have written a post so many times in my head about him to share with you.  I've envisioned the pictures I will post of him.  I've picked just the right stories to share so that you can understand how much he meant to me. 

But I have never done it.  I've never actually written it.  And I don't know why. 

One day I will.

Today, however, I'm going to tell you that my dad died from Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease.  They believe that people who experience numerous concussions from sports, accidents, etc. are those that are stricken with the Early Onset version of this terrible disease.  My dad played hockey.  He played football.  He crashed his car when he was younger.  And because of that, and his concussions, he left us far too soon. 

Today I signed the petition to make Alzheimer's disease a national priority. Now it's your turn to make a difference. Will you add your voice? It's quick, easy and only takes a few moments.



Alzheimer's disease steals the future from millions of Americans. It robs spouses of their companions and children of their parents and grandparents; it erodes the health and financial resources of caregivers. We have to do something now to stop this devastating disease.

Your signature will be delivered to Congress on September 21, 2010 on World Alzheimer's Day. Sign now at http://www.alz.org/petition.

Together, we can make Alzheimer's a national priority.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. 

T

15 comments:

Ashley said...

I am so, so sorry!! I will go sign now. My old roomie runs the Boston Marathon for Alzheimer's every year and I always donate to her! My OTHER roommates's mom had early onset.
ANd, you just made me a bit anxious because my husband is already a bit older than me and he used to play rugby and he has told me about how many concussions he has had...I did not know this was correlated.

Whitney and the Preppy Puppies said...

T, thank you for posting this. I got the email earlier today and signed the petition right away. My grandmother died of Alzheimer's Disease almost two years ago and know first hand how awful it is. My family does the Memory Walk every year. Do you have one in Small Town, VA? xo xo

Anonymous said...

I'm very sorry to hear about your Dad. God bless you. I'll sign the petition right away! Hugs <3

Jess said...

I didn't know your dad passed away from Alzheimer's...my Nana passed away last April from it and my family and I have been doing a lot of advocating in Maine. I am so glad you brought awareness to this...xo

Ann said...

Done.
So sorry to hear of your loss. I was only too happy to sign the petition

Bethany said...

I am so sorry about your father. Of course I will sign the petition. xoxo

Mrs. Kindergarten...aka...Madame Spoiled said...

I feel your pain! I just lost my Daddy on July 14th. I am still in shock. We all know that this will happen, but it is not easy. My Daddy was only 68...gone too soon. I will be signing the petition as well. Take Care!

Twenty Something Blonde said...

Thanks for sharing something so personal! My Grandad has alzheimer's but has been lucky that it has been a slow progression. I can't imagine what you've been through! I will happily sign the petition!

love jenny xoxo said...

I volunteer at a nursing home and I can see how awful the disease is, not only for the person who has it, but also for their family. It must have been 10 times worst with your dad was so young.

I signed!!

XOXO

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry to hear you lost your dad to Alzheimer's 2 years ago. ((Big huggs)) My grandmother died May 2008 from Alzheimer's :( I know how sad that disease can be. I'm definitely signing the petition and I'm going to post it on FB so all my other FB friends can sign it too! :)
XOXO- Vy

the Hard Way said...

It's the first thing I've crossed off my to-do list this morning! I'm really sorry for your loss, it's a terrible thing to have to watch such a dear loved one go through that. Here's to high hopes for prioritization, prevention and a cure!

Leslie said...

I'm so sorry about your Dad. I just signed the petition and will send it on to other friends!

Meg said...

I am sorry to hear about your dad. I've been hearing so many stories of people losing their parents. I guess it is our age. It is heart breaking. It makes me look at my parents very different now. I will def sign petition.

Meg

Love Cocktails and puppydog tails! said...

I am sorry your father was taken too soon! My Grandmother has Alzheimers and its hard to see her forget simple things..... you are right when you said that it is rarely spoken of but affects so many! I have signed the petition!

TudorCity Girl said...

Oh gosh, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dad. I am so very sorry. It is so truly people don't talk about it until personally affected by it. And down the road, so many families will be. I know a family affected by a similar neurological disorder that strikes early and it is heartbreaking.
I signed. I will do more. In memory of your wonderful dad. Again I am sorry you lost him much too soon...

And Thank YOU.