My mom has been battling dementia for a while. They tried several medications, none of which worked. Now they need to do a PET scan to confirm Alzheimer's disease. She's on Social Security and in order to have the test done, they are asking $2,000 co-pay upfront. We cannot afford that, but she desperately needs the test. She gets worse every day. I promised I'd never put her in a home. I'm an only child and her unpaid caretaker.

Unfortunately, along with her memory loss, she’s argumentative and is becoming combative. She's fighting with everything she has in her. Last week, she had healthcare workers come to see her. An occupational therapist, physical therapist, and home healthcare nurse all worked with her. However, after a few sessions with each of them, she was discharged from their services when she told them, “I know you’re right. I know I need to do that. But I’m not going to.” So she was discharged from their services. She still likes to think of herself as independent, but that is, unfortunately, not true. That's why I'm here to take care of her.

Each day is a little harder. Our hope is that, with a proper diagnosis, they can identify a treatment that can help her by possibly slowing the progression of the disease, perhaps even improve her behavior, which is something the memory clinic she goes to told us was a possibility. With this PET scan, upcoming MRI, and genetic testing bloodwork, they hope to start infusion therapy with the goal of slowing the disease's progress.

If you know someone with Alzheimer's or you've been a caretaker, I'm sure you know what we're going through. I’m trying to do everything I can to help her. This test is a huge and important step in her treatment and care. However, we need to pay first to have it done, even with her insurance. Please help my mom fight a horrible, progressive disease by taking this important step and donating today.

I know there's no cure for Alzheimer's but I am hoping against hope that there's help.

Thank you for your time and consideration. If you are able to help, my mom thanks you, too.

(Photo is of my mom's favorite flowers in her garden, the Ruby Red Tiger Lily, after a rain storm. Taken by me.)