Alzheimer's started with my maternal grandparents, Hubert and Martha Wyrick.  It also affected four of their nine children.  My uncle, Arnold Wyrick and aunts, Pauline Sexton and Judy Long as well as my mom, Helen Liles.

Though my grandfather died the year I was born, I know my grandmother cared for him after he became sick.  When I was in elementary school, Gram moved in with us.  I loved her dearly and was excited at the time.  I watched as this wonderful woman became more and more different than the person I knew.  My mom cared for her for 8 years.  

My mom was my best friend, but she was also a friend to the community.  She always smiled no  matter what was going on.  She helped anytime anyone asked.  When she started showing signs, I talked her into going to the doctor.  It had been years since Gram was sick, there had to be a treatment, right?  She received a prescription, then laughingly said that she couldn't remember to take a memory pill.  I'm not sure that the medicine helped, but Mom didn't get sick in the exact same way.  It was Alzheimer's all the same.  My Dad had promised her that she would never go to a facility of any kind and she didn't. We don't know what she knew because she didn't speak for over a year. 

There are more people in my extended family that have fought this disease. The stories of my aunts and uncles are not mine to tell.  I will say that their spouses and children have suffered as well. 

Please help us STOP THIS THIEF!!

We have to Make Alzheimer’s a Memory. I am sure you know someone touched by dementia. Alzheimer's disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S. and more than 120,000 Tennesseans are living with it today. I am going to Walk to Make Alzheimer’s a Memory to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Tennessee. They support local families who need services now as well as research for better treatments and a cure. Please join me at the Walk to Make Alzheimer’s a Memory or make a donation. And for more information about Alzheimer’s Tennessee, please visit www.alztennessee.org