The 22nd Annual Dane County Alzheimer’s Walk is honored to have Joe McNally as their Honorary Chairperson.
“Jill likes to get outside for her walks every day,” Joe McNally says of his wife of 44 years. “She’s in good physical shape and enjoys the outdoors.” Walking is an activity this couple still does together, as often as they can. Jill was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Frontal Temporal Lobe dementia in 2018. It hasn’t slowed her down physically, but it was impacted her memory. “Jill came to me one day and acknowledged she was having problems remembering things. At that time, she wasn’t even 60. We had a conversation and later, we decided it was time to get an evaluation. But it wasn’t that easy since the Geriatric clinic thought she was ‘too young’ and she had passed memory tests at the Primary Care doctor.”
Joe advocated for his wife and almost 5 years later, she was given the Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis. “I called the Alliance. I knew I needed help. Noreen [ADAW’s Dane County Dementia Outreach Specialist] has been a lifeline to me. She’s been there anytime I call.” He recalls that Jill had a hard time watching her own physically healthy father deal with his own journey of the disease. “Jill’s father was an active and proud farmer. Always doing something and to watch his decline was difficult for her.” Like her roots, Jill has a lifelong love of plants and nature. She was a plant technician for many years and brought home “orphaned” plants to nurture in the home she and Joe shared in Blue Mounds.
Today, Jill lives in an adult family home in Madison. “After a crisis moment a couple years ago, I realized Jill needed extra care. It was a tough decision but it was what was best,” Joe states. “I come and play music with her.” Joe, a lifelong musician, plays banjo and Jill joins him on fiddle. Joe and Jill enjoy performing their music for the Arts Memory Café in Madison.
“I came to find out about the Alzheimer’s walks when I met another caregiver. She told me the walks were big at Warner Park. I know this year it’s virtual. It’s pretty amazing to me that the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance puts out free resources, education, services and support and is basically all funded by people walking in your walks every year.” Registration is now open for the 2020 Dane County Alzheimer’s Walk. Visit the website: www.alzwisc.org/alzheimers-walks. Walkers can also register or drop off donations on September 17th from 4-6:30pm at Brookdale-West, 413 S. Yellowstone Rd., Madison or on September 24th from 4-6:30pm at Panera Bread, 3416 University Avenue, Madison. Funds raised for the Dane County Alzheimer’s Walk stay local to provide free programs, education, services and resources from the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin (ADAW) in Dane County.
On Saturday, September 26th, visit www.alzwisc.org/alzheimers-walks to watch special presentation videos and visit the ADAW Facebook page facebook.com/theADAW to hear the live announcements of the fundraising Top Teams from Jennifer Bauer, Executive Director of ADAW.
Noreen Kralapp is a Dementia Outreach Specialist with the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin (ADAW). Please contact Noreen by phone at 608-232-3400 or email her at noreen.kralapp@alzwisc.org . She’s only a phone call or email away to support those who are on the Alzheimer’s or dementia journey.
Photo of Jill McGlauchlin & Joe McNally
The 16th Annual Iowa County Alzheimer’s Walk is proud to announce Martha Boyer as the Honorary Chairperson.
“For the first time in 58 years or marriage, we could not be together to celebrate our anniversary. We could not recount and remember the incredible journey we have travelled filled with sights and places we shared in our lives. My life changed in the last 5 years due to my husband’s vascular dementia.”
Martha devotes a lot of time in caring for her family and others, including going to the hospital in the middle of the night, to be a Spanish interpreter. “Caring for my husband, Bill, is a deeply personal duty for me,” Martha says. “It was a confusing situation when it came time for Bill to go to a nursing home. For so many years, we have been together everyday, day and night. Now that he is in a facility, this has devastated me. I’m not able to sit with him, hold his hand or chat in person. COVID-19 has changed my life. His illness I can deal with, but being so separated is not something I was prepared for.”
Martha’s sentiments are similar to many families with loved ones and friends in senior assisted facilities. The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin (ADAW) has received an increase in calls from caregivers who face much uncertainty due to the pandemic. Now, more than ever, the ADAW is stepping up to provide support, resources, consultations and education for individuals and families on the Alzheimer’s or dementia journey
“I just want to be able to hold my husband again,” states Martha. “When we talk on the phone, there’s a spark now and then. I just miss him.”
Martha finds taking long walks in the countryside or on her property to be therapeutic. She’s reminded of the special moments shared with Bill in the beautiful gardens they planned and planted. “I’m grateful. I have thoughts of him with me when I walk the grounds and center myself. Breathe in and breathe out and be grateful for everything I see. Together we made a path and it helps me to bring me peace.”
The Iowa County Alzheimer’s Walk is virtual this year. Participants are encouraged to walk at home, up their street, or wherever they can exercise safely. Registration is open for the 2020 Iowa County Alzheimer’s Walk. Please visit the website: www.alzwisc.org/alzheimers-walks/ to sign up. Individuals, teams and families are encouraged to walk. Funds raised for the Alzheimer’s Walk stay local in Iowa County to provide free programs, education, services and resources from the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin.
On Thursday, September 3th, participants can register and drop off walk donations at the ADAW tent located in the Grace Lutheran Church parking lot in Dodgeville from 4 – 6:30pm. Free Culver’s scoop coupons will be given to donors while supplies last. Visit www.alzwisc.org/alzheimers-walks to watch special presentation videos and visit the ADAW Facebook page facebook.com/theADAW to hear the live announcements of the fundraising Top Team Log on September 19th at 10:00am.
Heather Moore is a Dementia Outreach Specialist with the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin (ADAW). She provides free support resources and consultations for individuals and families in Iowa, Grant, Crawford and Lafayette counties. Please contact Heather by phone at 608-723-4288 or email her at heather.moore@alzwisc.org . She’s only a phone call or email away to support those who are on the Alzheimer’s or dementia journey.
The 14th Annual Columbia & Marquette Counties Alzheimer’s Walk is honored to have Ardyce Peterson as their Honorary Chairperson.
“Norm and I were married for 67 years,” Ardyce states. “During these years, I was able to work alongside Norm in ministry. He was always a strong leader.” In 2011, Norm was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. “A word we never wanted to hear.” Her husband never fully understood that he had the disease.
In January of 2014, Ardyce and Norm were invited to attend a Memory Café in their hometown of Portage. “How thankful I was. It was always so upbeat, positive, and I quickly found out that this is where we ‘fit’.” Together, the couple enjoyed going to the Memory Café meetings. “He loved to laugh and it was such good therapy for him. I met other caregivers and they truly understood where I was coming from and they became my friends,” Ardyce adds.
“The Alzheimer’s journey can be long and quite lonely when you can no longer have shared memories. However, I am so thankful for the knowledge I’ve received through our participation in the Memory Café and the ADAW Support Group. It is the most valuable resource, and I’m so grateful I didn’t have to walk the journey without the understanding and support I received. I strongly recommended the program to friends who are just starting their journey of memory loss. I feel honored to have been selected as the Chairperson for this year.”
Norm passed away from Alzheimer’s disease this past April. Ardyce is grateful to the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin (ADAW) for connecting her with others in the community on the same Alzheimer’s and dementia journey and finding a sense of belonging, acceptance, respect and sharing of knowledge of this disease.
During this pandemic, the need for ADAW services has noticeably increased. Homebound caregivers are one of the biggest recipients of services from the ADAW. Close to 2,000 residents of Columbia and Marquette counties have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Registration is now open for the 2020 Columbia/Marquette County Alzheimer’s Walk. To sign up visit the website: www.alzwisc.org/alzheimers-walks. Walkers can also register and drop off donations on September 10th from 4-6:30pm at Riverside Park in Portage or on September 13th from Noon-2pm at Rendezvous Paddle & Sports in Montello. Funds raised for the Columbia/Marquette Counties Alzheimer’s Walk stay local to provide free programs, education, services and resources from the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin (ADAW) in Columbia and Marquette counties.
On Saturday, September 13th, visit www.alzwisc.org/alzheimers-walks to watch special presentation videos and visit the ADAW Facebook page facebook.com/theADAW to hear the fundraising Top Teams from Jennifer Bauer, Executive Director of ADAW.
If you or someone you know has questions about Alzheimer’s, contact the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin (ADAW) by phone at 608-232-3400 or email support@alzwisc.org . The ADAW is here to support those who are on the Alzheimer’s or dementia journey.
Photo of Ardyce & Norm Peterson
The 19th Annual Green County Alzheimer’s Walk is proud to announce Ronda Toepfer as the Honorary Chairperson.
“I’ve been involved with the Alzheimer’s Walk for over 17 years. I’ve been a caregiver for just as long.”
Ronda is a Resident Assistant at Aster Assisted Living in Monroe. “I like the feeling when you help someone and have an appreciation for the work I do.” Ronda’s compassionate care is undeniable and she goes the extra mile for those in her care.
She understands the impact Alzheimer’s and dementia has on individuals and the families. “Everybody has been affected; it’s harder to see it affect the family. It’s heartbreaking.”
By participating in the walks, “I’m doing something hopeful,” Ronda says, “it’s about Alzheimer’s awareness and the walks continue to bring hope. Even though this year’s walk is virtual, it shouldn’t be forgotten because the issues with Alzheimer’s are still out there.”
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, this year’s walks will be virtual and not at the Behring Senior Center in Monroe. Instead, walkers are encouraged to “Walk Your Way”. Participants can walk at home, at a neighborhood park or wherever exercise can be enjoyed.
Registration is open for the 2020 Green County Alzheimer’s Walk. Please visit the website: www.alzwisc.org/alzheimers-walks to sign up. Individuals, teams and families are encouraged to walk. Funds raised for the Alzheimer’s Walk stay local in Green County to provide free programs, education, services and resources from the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin.
On Wednesday, September 9th, participants can register and drop off walk donations at the ADAW tent located in the Behring Senior Center parking lot from 4 – 6:30pm. Free Culver’s scoop coupons will be given to donors while supplies last. Visit www.alzwisc.org/alzheimers-walks to watch special presentation videos and then check out the ADAW Facebook page facebook.com/theADAW to hear of the fundraising Top Teams on September 12th at 10:00am.
Teena Monk-Gerber is a Dementia Outreach Specialist with the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin (ADAW). She provides free support resources and consultations for individuals and families in Green and Rock counties. Please contact Teena by phone at 608-843-3544 or email her at teena.monk-gerber@alzwisc.org She’s only a phone call or email away to support those who are on the Alzheimer’s or dementia journey.
Photo of Ronda Toepfer
The 20th Annual Sauk County Alzheimer’s Walk is honored to have Joni Spawn as their Honorary Chairperson.
Joni states, “I have helped out with support groups, dementia friendly committees, and of course the Alzheimer’s walks. I love seeing all the support and love that everyone gives to improve the lives of people with dementia.”
Having worked with people on the Alzheimer’s and dementia journey for over 25 years, Joni strives to provide the best quality of life that they deserve. Before becoming the Executive Director at Our House Senior Living in Baraboo, Joni recalls, “I took care of my Granddad who raised me. He had Alzheimer’s. The biggest challenge I had with my grandfather was losing the man I adored and looked up to.”
Compassionate care and keeping precious memories alive are key to those dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and especially for their caregivers. Joni continues, “I just want everyone to remember that it’s the disease, not the person when they decline. To always know that just because the person may not remember you or your name, that they do know somewhere deep down inside that you belong to them. Don’t give up on your family member, be there to give them all the support you can!”
One of the reasons Joni has volunteered for the annual Alzheimer’s walk in Sauk County is “because the funds raised stay local”. The Alzheimer’s and Dementia of Wisconsin (ADAW) provides free support, education, programs, resources and family consultations in Sauk County. All funded by the annual walk. Joni explains, “The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin is an awesome organization! They have so many ways to support people with dementia and Alzheimer’s and I have seen so many wonderful things happen through their programs!”
During this pandemic, the need for ADAW services has noticeably increased. Homebound caregivers are one of the biggest recipients of services from the ADAW.
Registration is now open for the 2020 Sauk County Alzheimer’s Walk. Please visit the website: www.alzwisc.org/alzheimers-walks/ to sign up, see community sponsors and watch special presentation video. Walkers can also register and drop off donations on September 16th from 4-6:30pm at Viking Village Foods in Reedsburg.
On Saturday, September 19th, visit https://www.facebook.com/theADAW hear the live announcements of the fundraising Top Teams from Jennifer Bauer, Executive Director of ADAW.
If you or someone you know has questions about Alzheimer’s, contact the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin (ADAW) by phone at 608-232-3400 or email support@alzwisc.org . The ADAW is here to support those who are on the Alzheimer’s or dementia journey.
An honorary letter from Karen
My name is Karen Fairbrother and I’m writing to tell you about how our family did our Alzheimer’s Walk this year. My dad, Milford McCauley and his wife Caroline, raised their six children on a small dairy farm near Hillpoint, WI. Our first indication that something was amiss was one day when my dad drove the tractor into the shed and called my brother over and said, “How do you shut this thing off?” His/our battle with dementia was not as long as so many others. He died 10 years ago at the age of 79. Our family has been supporting the fight against Alzheimer’s/dementia ever since.
This year I got the idea that there could be no better way to honor our dad than to have our very own walk on the family homestead. Two of my brothers now own the farm and have done a beautiful job of preserving our heritage there. One of them spent several weeks grooming the farm so that we could have a path around the perimeter of the farm. We had our walk on Saturday, September 5 and what a great day it was! We took our 88 year old mother in a UTV and my brother’s father-in-law in another UTV with several generations of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren (as well as their dogs) walking in our procession. I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes an annual event!
I also wanted to tell you about my own fundraising efforts. For the last several years I have been making mittens from recycled wool sweaters as well as some from blanket fleece. I have been taking them to a couple of craft fairs each year in November and December to sell, with all of my profits donated to the following year’s ADAW walk. The last couple of years my sales have come to over $1,000 and this year I will be able to donate $1,300 to the cause. Unfortunately, with the COVID 19 situation, I don’t think there will be any craft sales this year so unless I come up with some other way to sell my mittens, I’m not sure what I will be able to donate, but we shall see. My husband and I have had three separate scenarios in which we have cared for individuals with dementia and so we recognize first hand how devastating this disease is to families. I also worked as a receptionist at Richland Medical Center for 31 years and had the privilege of working for/with Dr. Robert Smith. I actually assisted with the organization of his Geriatric Assessment Program and interacted with many of those patients and their families. He was instrumental in helping our family with both my dad and more recently (this past year) with assessing my mom.
I would like to thank you and your organization for all of the wonderful programs and assistance that you provide to these families that sometimes don’t know where to turn when dementia strikes. We must keep “stepping forward and giving hope”.
Sincerely,
Karen
