Personal experience guides Angie Casey in walk chair role

Angie Casey understands the heartache families, who have loved ones suffering from dementia, feel. She has walked in their shoes.

It is that empathetic bond that caused Ms. Casey to get involved with the Alzheimer’s Resource Center’s “A Walk to Remember” last year. She served as the event’s chair during a stressful time in her life as she watched her mother’s health begin to fail.

The disease exacted it toll. Her mother passed away in March of this year. It would have been understandable had she elected to stay on the sideline. However, because she sees the need to help others find answers to their multitude of questions about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, Ms. Casey agreed to once again lead the walk in 2009.

“I was in a different place last year,” Ms. Casey said as she discussed the upcoming walk and her decision to take part in the October 3 event at Westgate Park. “My family was involved in caregiving. My mother had a form of dementia, but it was not Alzheimer’s disease.

“If you’ve been through this, you want to help. It’s not a hard sell. If you’ve been in a position as a caregiver, you get it.”

For those members of the community who have not been touched by Alzheimer’s disease, one of its related diseases or any other debilitating disease, Ms. Casey says just wait. You may see it sooner rather than later.

“For people who don’t know, at some point, they will,” Ms. Casey said. “Their loved one may not suffer from dementia. But, they will be a caregiver, whether by heart attack, stroke.

“There is nothing you can do to really prepare yourself for it.”

Drawing from her personal experience, Ms. Casey says a multitude of thoughts and questions will flood over you once you realize your loved one needs help.

“You will have a million questions,” Ms. Casey said. “That’s why the (Alzheimer’s) Resource Center is here. It’s somewhere to turn (for answers).

“I tell people, if you’re in the midst of something like this - Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia - do not be afraid to pick up the phone and call 702-2273. You will get direction.
“There are no easy answers. But you will get emotional support. They will laugh with you, cry with you. You will feel better.”

Because the Alzheimer’s Resource Center provided support for her during her mother’s two-year battle with dementia, Ms. Casey sees the importance of keeping the local agency’s doors open. She says the funds raised through the walk will make that possible. She believes, even in tough economic times,  the $85,000 goal for 2009 is obtainable.

“I want people to know that the walk is not so much about finding a cure,” Ms. Casey said. “We are raising money to help caregivers. If you’ve been a caregiver, you know how physically and mentally draining it is,” Ms. Casey continued.

“People need to know that the Alzheimer’s Resource Center is here. They can get information. They can ask questions.”

Ms. Casey’s participation as the walk chair this year, says Ms. Jones, is important.

“It makes all the difference in the world to have a chair who has been affected,” Ms. Jones said. “Their passion and compassion come through.

“We were so excited that Angie Casey agreed to chair the walk again this year. We see it as an opportunity to build on what we accomplished through her leadership last year.”

You don’t have to walk to participate in “A Walk to Remember” on October 3.

“If you can’t walk, please give money,” Ms. Casey said. “If you do come, you find it a fun time. There is something almost therapeutic. People can relate to where you are, where you’ve been. You don’t have to walk, but you can take part by being there.”

“We look at it as being a community support group that day,” Ms. Jones added.

For more information about “A Walk to Remember” or the services provided by the Alzheimer’s Resource Center, call Kay Jones at 702-2273 or 1-888-702-8689 or visit http://www.wesharethecare.org.