Help End Alzheimer's: One Daughter's Plea From Avon Lake

The following letter was authored by Dave and Audrey Rickey's daughter, Laura. The West Side Walk to End Alzheimer's is Saturday, Sept. 21. Audrey's Army, comprised of Audrey's Army will again participate. Walk to End Alzheimer's will be held at All Pro Freight Stadium in Avon.  

To the Editor:

As some of you know, my mom, Audrey, was diagnosed about four years ago with early onset Alzheimer's disease. This illness changed her life and my family's lives forever.

Early onset is a genetically linked form of Alzheimer's that affects people under the age of 65. It can occur as early as the thirties, but generally occurs in the forties and fifties. It is so devastating because the disease strikes in the middle of people's lives. Victims of the disease have careers, young children, and may themselves be caring for aging parents. 

As a result of the disease, my mother has trouble remembering things like what she had for breakfast or what she has going on that day. Luckily, she has been able to maintain her active lifestyle which includes spending her days volunteering at Community Resource Services, working in the garden, going to yoga classes,  spending time with friends, and most importantly, taking care of Moose!  

This disease, unfortunately, will continue to take her memories over time, but those of you that know my mom understand that her beautiful and infectious spirit will continue to shine through.

The past two years, we participated in The Walk to End Alzheimer's, marching behind the Audrey's Army banner. We were touched by all the people who walked with us and generously donated to the Alzheimer's Association. We are planning on walking again this year and would love your support.

We hope to make a big contribution in the fight against Alzheimer’s and I’d be so grateful if you join our family on the walk and / or sponsor our team. Your support of Walk to End Alzheimer’s will help the Alzheimer’s Association to enhance Alzheimer’s care and support and advance critical research for all those affected by this devastating disease.

Together, we can reclaim the future for millions. Please visit my fundraising homepage to sign up or to donate today.

 If you are interested in walking with us on September 21, 2013 at the Crushers Stadium in Avon, or donating to our team again this year, please go to the link below. If you have trouble with the link, try “Control + Click”. We would love to see you all there!

Walk or Donate. My team is called “Audrey’s Army.”  http://act.alz.org/goto/audreysarmy

Thank you so much for your love and consideration,

Laura Rickey