For instance, October isn't just Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is also Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, Celiac Disease Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Squirrel Awareness Month (really? Squirrel Awareness??). Breast Cancer though has really won the support of so many of us & for good reason. It is a devastating diagnosis as well as something that is highly publicized.
Today, however, is November 1st. Which means a new month of Awareness begins. Alzheimer's Awareness Month begins today. For me, it is personal.
You see, I lost my grandfather to Alzheimer's disease. So this month is about him. Remembering the great man that he was. Celebrating the memories I have of him. Remember how he helped to shape my life. Missing him - as I do every day.
Did you know that it is estimated that Alzheimer's affects 5.3 million Americans today and it is projected that the number of Americans with Alzheimer's could more than triple to 16 million by 2050?
To learn more about Alzheimer's you can go here. To learn about changes you can make to help prevent Alzheimer's you can go here, here & here.
This disease takes the thing most precious to you. It takes your memories. So, this month, I will remember my Grandfather. Because I still have those memories. And I share the Alzheimer's Association's vision: A world without Alzheimer's.
