December 9 Update -
I had my fifth of thirty six infusions this morning. Everything went well. Limited side effects so far.
We have not been able to sell our former business trailers and equipment. Once they sell, we will some financial breathing room. Until then we are struggling to pay our mortgage and our rent.
Any size donation will help us.
Thank you.
My Alzheimer's Journey - by Greg R https://share.google/9H1WExIuWNus9TJkY
I want to provide an update on two fronts: Greg's treatment and our finances.
Tuesday (December 2), Greg had an MRI scan at Duke Health. These scans are required on a somewhat frequent schedule due to Lecanemab's high risk of causing brain swelling and bleeding. His results came back yesterday and there is no brain swelling and bleeding. This is great news for us. The MRI did show that his brain has shrunk since my last MRI two weeks ago.
I am noticing a worsening of Greg's short term memory. Additionally, his ability to process information and make decisions is becoming more difficult.
Greg's depression has been much worse this week than it has been in recent months. This may be a combination of factors -Alzheimer's progression, winter weather, and financial stress.
Speaking of financial stress, our friends in South Carolina are busy cataloging all the business tools and equipment, so a sale can be held in January. We have two trailers and one van to sale. If you know anyone interested in construction and woodworking tools, please let me know.
We can certainly use your support. Small donations add up!
Please share our Go Fund Me link with your social media networks.
Thank you.
Hello!
My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in August of this year. He is 68 years old. Greg was a lifelong entrepreneur and business owner until this horrible disease changed his life.
We were certainly not expecting, or prepared, for his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. It has turned our life upside down. Emotionally, financially, and practically.
Greg is being treated at Duke Health in Durham, North Carolina. He receives an infusion of Lecanemab every two weeks. These infusions will be administered for 18 months. This drug comes with great risks and side effects. If the infusions are successful, it will slow down the progression of his Alzheimer’s. In other words, the infusions could extend Greg's life.
Greg and I do not have any children. We have three cats. One of the cats (Big Bit) is Greg’s emotional support animal. She is a daddy's girl!
We recently moved from the upstate region of South Carolina to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to be near Duke Health. We own a home in South Carolina. We have rented an apartment in Chapel Hill. Furthermore, we hope to rent the South Carolina house by the end of January. It needs several updates and minor repairs before it can be rented.
Greg had to close his construction business when we moved. Due to his illness, the business had been struggling financially for the past year.
I am humbly asking for your generous support.
Our immediate needs are:
- Assistance with our apartment rent until the South Carolina home is rented. We have a two-bedroom apartment and the rent is $2100 per month.
- The South Carolina house needs some minor repairs before it can be rented. We estimate this to cost about $3500.
- The relocation costs were much more than expected. The movers estimate was accurate; but, the apartment deposit, utility deposits, and additional insurance were more than we estimated.
- We have hired two people to close the business, liquidate the equipment, and pay all the debt. This is a monumental job. The net cost will be about $8000
- Finally, our living expenses in Chapel Hill are significantly greater than they were in South Carolina. We have noticed a significant increase in grocery prices
Greg’s business’s always generated good income; but, never enough to invest for the future. I guess we enjoyed traveling a bit too much. At this point, we are dependent on our Social Security benefits. We have started an online store; but it will likely be months before it generates a profit.
You can learn more about Greg's story by reading and subscribing to his blog: Greg's Alzheimer's Journey
Greg has started an online store as an additional source of income.
Anything you can give will help us. Thank you.