Alzheimer’s volunteers make a big difference. The Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association says thank you

On Saturday I attended a volunteer recognition reception hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter. It was an enlightening afternoon.

As you may know, my mother has Alzheimer’s disease. Even though our family is fortunate to have each other and the help of professional caregivers, I often feel overwhelmed — with worry, sadness, responsibilities …

Then, I’ll meet someone who is also struggling with this awful, awful disease and will be reminded that my family is far from being alone. At the reception, I met Bob O’Keefe, who received the Maine chapter’s highest honor, the Marilyn Paige Founders Award.

Marilyn Paige’s husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 1982.  She couldn’t find a support group so she started her own. Two years later there were 14 in Maine and Marilyn founded the Maine Alzheimer’s Disease Association. In 1987 it became affiliated with the National Alzheimer’s Association and was incorporated as the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter.

Today, the Maine chapter provides comprehensive education and training programs throughout the state and maintains a 24/7 telephone Helpline. Bill Kirkpatrick, the program director, has assisted my family more than once by meeting with us and helping us work out some challenging issues. Most recently, he facilitated a telephone conference call so that my out-of-state siblings could participate. Those meetings have been enormously helpful.

Bob O’Keefe receives Marilyn Paige Founders Award
Back to Bob O’Keefe. Bob was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 4 years ago. He first reached out to the Alzheimer’s Association as a client looking for information and support. He soon became one of its most ardent volunteers, seizing every opportunity he can to talk about his disease. He says the opportunity has changed his life.

“I only can say I do what I do because if I don’t do anything I’ll only slip away,” says Bob. “My wife and I have decided that’s not the way that we want to do this. I know there’s no cure and I know eventually I’m going to begin that ‘long goodbye.’ I can’t imagine where I would be without this association. The people, the programs, the determination and the willingness to help of everyone at the Alzheimer’s Association of Maine. It has changed my life for the better. I will continue to volunteer for as many things as I can.”

Deborah Johnson receives Robert Stram Award for Advocacy
Deborah Johnson’s husband was in his 40s when he was diagnosed. They’re in the sixth year and the disease has progressed.  They’ve reached the point where he shouldn’t be left alone anymore. Deborah works full-time and gets help from her husband’s parents and a caregiver who comes in to make lunch three days a week. It’s no longer enough.

They’re drained financially and Deborah is in the process of applying for MaineCare and looking for a nursing home for her husband. She is also drained mentally, physically and emotionally and yet, she finds the time and the strength to volunteer for the Maine chapter. She even went to Washington recently to advocate for increased funding for Alzheimer’s research.