Our story ran today in Newsday and I have already been contacted by friends as well as strangers. The outpouring of kindness, love and prayers is amazing. This kindenss renews my faith in mankind.
I don't have everyone's information personally so for those I don't have, I wanted to thank you all for your offers of help. You took the time out of your busy day to contact me, so that alone is amazing. Thank you all and God Bless.
Follow You, Follow Me: A Young Family's Journey With Young-Onset Alzheimer's Disease
16 comments:
I read your family's story in Newsday today. I don't know if I have ever heard of such loving devotion. I am so sorry that this has happened to your husband, and to you and your children, but how fortunate Mike is to have such wonderful people in his life. Your honesty and willingness to share your story will undoubtedly make a tremendous impact, and will help others who are going through situations similar to your own. I am glad that people like you, your kids, and your parents live in my community. God bless.
I read your family's story in Newsday today. You and your children displayed a lot of courage having your story printed for the world to see. You are all truly heros and your husband is blessed to have such a loving family. Don't ever think you are not doing enough, because the awesomeness of the task you have each day is not one that everyone can perform. It takes very special people to do what you do every day. Never forget that!
I hope that your story helps others who are going through similar situations. I lost my Dad to complications from Dementia last December. We took care of him at home for 2 years and could no longer do it. He spent the last 2 years of his life in a nursing home.
May God bless you and give you all the strength you need to get through this time.
I read you family's story in Newsday today. Karen, you devotion to your husband is remarkable. What an amazing woman you are. And to have raised such two beautiful children through it all. May God bless you, Mike and the children. What an example you are of what love really means.
After reading your story, and seeing the pictures of you and your family, I realized that you are a St. Brigids family. I too am part of that parish, and I recall seeing your family at many masses through the years. I thank you for sharing your story. You have a beautiful soul, and have done an amazing job caring for you husband and raising your children. You are truly an angel on earth.
May you and your family have peace in your hearts. May you have strength and courage to face the difficulties that lie ahead.
God bless you.
It took me all morning to read your entire Newsday story because the tears got in my way. Karen, you and your children and your parents are the true hero's in this story. Your dedication and honesty touch my heart. Not to mention your strength and determination in being a loving wife and caregiver, mother, daughter and employee! You have earned a very special place in Heaven for sure!
Your story reminded me of my own childhood. I was ten years old, like Courtney was, when my own Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimers. Of course this was 38 years ago, but growing up with all those emotions is something I can identify with. My Dad passed when I was pregnant with my second son, nineteen years ago, but the memory of living with, and taking care of my father is still with me today.
I realize you don't know me, although my Mom is still living in NHP today (we attended Corpus Christi Church), yet somehow I want to let you know that I am willing to help you in any way I can. I am also hoping that through your story, you will be able to get the support that you need. I'm proud of you for being an advocate for this disease. You're an amazing woman. God Bless!
Sincerely, Diane
I know you are probably overwhelmed with responses to your story in Newsday today, but I felt compelled to write you. When I sat down to read the paper this morning, I found myself so involved with your story. I read it word for word, every line, every caption. I never knew this horrible disease was so bad. I always just thought it was just "memory loss". Now I see it is sooooo much more. You are such a brave woman. And your children are angels. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
Hi Karen, Courtney and Brandon,
God Bless your family to start. Your story is amazing on the love and caring you've been to your husband and kids. I just read your blog about the boy scouts and Brandon and the memory of the camping trips with him. God bless you for going and enjoying your son. I'm a nurse and has seen what people with Alzheimer's and their families go through. My grandmother started with it when she was in her mid 80's. We had someone taking care of her. It is much harder on the families then the the person with the disease.
I've looked at your picture in the paper and read the two of you met in NHP. Did you work in Friendly's Ice Cream Shop in NHP? If you did then I worked with you. I worked there in the early 80's.
I started reading your story yesterday and finished it today. I am so moved by your devotion to your husband, as well as your children, your parents and your caregiver. God Bless all of you. Is there anywhere I can make a donation for you and your family. It wont be much, but I know a little would help.
I also read your story in Newsday & would like to know where to send a donation to your family. My heart goes out to you & your kids. You've all been through so much. I'm so sorry there is so little support available. My grandmother has Alzheimer's @85. If I lived near you, I would offer my help. I hope that your community rallies around you. May God be with you & lift you up in strength.
I read your story and am so touched by your dedication to your husband. You are a very strong woman and I am sure your beloved husband knows how much you care.
Please remember to take care of yourself, as you are an important part of your children's lives also.
Bless you and I wish you all the best.
Thank you for sharing your journey - You are all amazing and have made an impact on me. I am presently dealing with what I thought was a difficult situation - caring for my 95 year old Mom in my home - feeling so unprepared for all that happens to someone with dementia - broken hip - wheelchair bound etc. However, the course of your lives was altered at such an early stage - your challenges are so much greater than mine. I hope I can handle it with the same grace and courage you and your family have shown.
Karen, your story is awesome. I just read a novel about EOAD called "Still Alice", but the character who gets sick is 50. I cannot believe your hubby was 36 at diagnosis. I have been a hospice volunteer for 8 years now and I was moved by your story. You and your kids and your husband are all amazing!
Karen Courtney and Brandon, it took me all morning to read your story and now I'm passing it along to others. I'm a CHHA working hospice cases and I'm also graduating to be a medical assistant. I would love to help you out. Even if I'm not able to be alone with Mike I certainly would love to assist you now that Courtney has left. Or even just to keep you company on a Sat evening. I live nearby so just say the word and I'll be there
Dear Karen, I too read your family's story on Sunday and I have not been able to stop thinking of you all. My husband ,Mike, and I knew Mike from the lumber supply and I believe we actually met once or twice while you were visitng him at work. I know that what you are going through requires "many hands" to help carry the burdens you are facing every day. I would like to offer my help in any way possible - cooking ,cleaning , shopping, etc. Please know that you will be in my daily prayers and I hope you will call on me to help.
Karen C.
I just read your story in newsday. I am so sorry for what you have to go through however your spirit and unconditional love really shows what marriage and family is all about. You and your children are amazing and I am sure your husband knows how much you love him. I learned alot from the story...more than I can put here. I wish you the best of luck and the power to find the strength when you think you have none. Your fellow Long Islanders are praying for you.
Dear Karen,
I read your story in Newsday last week. My heart goes out for you. I know you and your family is going through very difficult time and it must be hard to share all that with everyone else. God bless you all. I never knew that Alzheimer can affect a person at such a young age. You are doing a terrific job taking care of your family. You and your family will always be in my prayers.
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