Nana Deb

Debbie was diagnosed with early on-set dementia over eight years ago. Deb was a strong woman, she was truly the matriarch of the family. She guided without being overbearing, she provided without suffocating - - she was the balance that kept the family in check. You really didn't question her, you didn't need to - and also if you did - she may slay you with her words. 

So it was devastating when she got this disease. The strongest link slowly become the weakest. 

If  this disease has taught us anything, it is to appreciate life.  There is no guarantee that you will live to be a certain age, that you will enjoy your retirement as you planned, that you will see your grandchildren be born and grow. 

Dementia robs a person of everything they planned for but will never enjoy. It affects not only the person with the disease but their entire circle of family and friends. 

And there is no cure. 

And it goes on for years. 

And many people don't have the money or the family or the means to help for as long as the disease lasts. 

We hope that the money we raise with this campaign will help ease the burden of those that suffer with this disease and their families. We pray that a cure will come. 

For those of you who may feel sad for our story we will say what Debbie would say - "get a grip". Instead of being sad, help us make a difference. Reach into your pockets. Your donations will go directly to the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.  

On behalf of Deb and our entire family, we thank you.