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| Monday, July 09, 2007 |
| Vote Now! |
Taken directly from an email I received from the Alzheimer's Association:
Add Your Voice!
Vote by July 15th
Help Make Alzheimer's the American Express Members Project
Thanks to hundreds of American Express cardholders who are champions for our cause, the Alzheimer's Association has been chosen as one of the top 50 projects in The Members Project, a new initiative from American Express that will award up to $5 million to a project selected by American Express cardholders.
Now is your chance to put your VOICE into action again: Vote from now until July 15 to make sure the Cure for Alzheimer’s Project is selected as one of the top 25 projects!
TAKE ACTION!
All you have to do to cast your vote is visit www.membersproject.com. Users who have already registered can search for CURE for ALZHEIMERS or Project ID 01909.
You’ll be directed to the project details page, where you can click “Vote For This Project" at the top of the page. That’s all there is to it!
If you haven’t already registered, have your American Express card number ready and go to www.membersproject.com. From there, you’ll be asked a series of questions, and after completing them you’ll be able to vote.
Spread the word to make sure we advance to the next round: Forward this email to your family, friends and colleagues and ask them to help more the cause forward today by registering and voting for our project.
Someone new develops this disease every 72 seconds in the United States alone. A few clicks of your mouse can help us move closer to a world without Alzheimer’s — vote today! Labels: Alzheimer's |
posted by FINY @ Monday, July 09, 2007   |
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| Saturday, May 19, 2007 |
| Maybe Sometimes It's Better Not To Know |
Uncle Al's beep booming baritone would always turn my name into four syllables, instead of it's typical three. It had almost a sing-song sound to it every time he wrapped me up in those kinds of hugs that completely envelope you.
It's been a long time since I've had one of those hugs. Even longer since I've heard him say my name. Uncle Al has Alzheimer's.
I think the first time I noticed something was wrong was at my college graduation party. He was talking to The Ex about the time he spent in WWII - something he hardly ever mentioned, let alone told stories about. He was having trouble remembering specifics, and I remember thinking it was odd he was talking about it at all, but just assumed the muddled memories had something to do with it being so long ago.
Perhaps his decline was slow, but to me it seemed as if he just suddenly fell off a cliff. Living so far away, and only seeing him at the holidays, the descent into the disease appeared more pronounced to me, not seeing the day to day battle. Two Easter's ago, he knew enough to know that he should remember who I was. This Easter, I think I only heard him speak two words. He no longer has the lucidity to know that he should know me.
And perhaps that's best. I can't imagine the frustration, the confusion, that comes along with suffering from Alzheimer's. To be conscious of the fact that you're slowly losing the memories you held so dear. Maybe it's better not to know. But then again, there's no way for us to tell. By the time an Alzheimer's patient reaches that level, how are we to know what's going on in their thoughts?
I was struck by this again today, as I was volunteering at an assisted living facility on the upper west side. Most of the residents on the Alzheimer's floor are in the middle to later stages. Still cognizant enough to socialize, but who will most likely forget I was there this afternoon by the time they are sitting down to dinner.
But then there was Dess. Odessa is a recent arrival at the facility and one I had not met before today. Dess used to be a scientist with Kraft (though it wasn't called that when she worked there), and it was in those labs that she met her husband with whom she had three children - all girls. The oldest of the girls died a while back at the young age of 42. Dess holds tightly to the two that remain and the five grandchildren they've given her, though she's desperate for one of them to get married so she can meet her great grand babies.
At 85 years old, you wouldn't peg Dess as an Alzheimer's patient right away. But she occasionally forgets that she's no longer in Florida with her husband. And each time she remembers, it must be like realizing that he's died all over again.
I didn't ask Dess how recently her husband had passed away, but I am assuming it was not that long ago. Her youngest daughter is in Florida now trying to sell the house. She made it very clear that she wasn't happy being at the facility. With so many around her in the later stages - she's lonely. And she clearly knows what's in store for her.
I can't help but wonder if maybe Uncle Al doesn't have it just a little bit better right now. Maybe sometimes, it's better not to know.Labels: Alzheimer's |
| posted by FINY @ Saturday, May 19, 2007 |
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| Monday, May 07, 2007 |
| An Exercise in Pictoral Excuses |
Yes, I have been absent over the last few weeks, months, etc. But really, I've got some pretty good excuses.
First, I went to a Sox game at Yankee Stadium where I watched Dice-K pitch and the Sox win:
And ate a lot of peanuts:
After the game, I got way too wasted when the Twin showed up at Prof. Thom's after a 6 month absence. But he wasn't alone, he had the new-me with him. I held it together while at the bar, but the evening ended with me crying on the sidewalk in the Welshman's arms. Look for a post soon about the rules of post break-up behavior. I think The Twin needs a memo.
So the next day I was hoping the Sox would cheer me up when I attended the second game in the series. That didn't happen, since they lost, but at least I got to watch Wakefield pitch.
The third game in the series was watched at Thom's. Much beer was imbibed during the day. And into the night. 12 straight hours of drinking does not a good blogger make:
After a few days break in which I recovered from said weekend, I went to a very swanky and very successful Alzheimer's Association Junior Committee gala:
At which I was the PICTURE of decorum:
Two days later I was at a Cinco De Mayo party in Boston:
That didn't end until the sun was rising:
Long story short? I'm such an ass that I am not even going to promise that I'll be blogging more now (even though I will, no really, I swear).Labels: Alzheimer's, baseball, blogging, Boston, dating, drinking, misc., NYC, photos, Red Sox, sports, travel |
| posted by FINY @ Monday, May 07, 2007 |
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| Monday, April 23, 2007 |
| A Great Night For A Great Cause |
For those of you in NYC (or who feel like traveling to NYC) I cordially invite you to the 5th Annual Alzheimer's Association NYC Junior Committee Gala.
This event, which the Junior Committee spends countless days, weeks, and months planning, is our biggest of the year. Last year 300 people attended the event, which raises funds for the chapters programs and services.
Between my Uncle Al falling further and further into the later stages of the disease, my recent volunteering at the assisted living facility, and my trip to the Alzheimer's Association National Public Policy Forum, I am more convinced than ever of the importance of the work the association does. So if you happen to be in NYC, and want to be shocked by the sight of me in something other than a baseball hat and jeans, you can buy tickets at www.alznycjc.org.
 Labels: Alzheimer's |
| posted by FINY @ Monday, April 23, 2007 |
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| Wednesday, October 25, 2006 |
| THANK YOU!!!! |
I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who sponsored me for this year's Memory Walk. You were all so amazingly kind, and I can't tell you how touched I was by your generosity. With your help I raised $725 - over $200 more than the goal I had set for myself.
The walk was incredibly successful. Our team raised over $25,000 which will be put towards programs and support services for individuals with Alzheimer's as well as their families.
If you're still interested in supporting the cause, the Memory Walk is still accepting donations. My donation page is here.
Thanks again, I really really really appreciate it.
 Labels: Alzheimer's |
| posted by FINY @ Wednesday, October 25, 2006 |
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| Monday, October 16, 2006 |
| The 2006 Memory Walk! |
Well, Memory Walk 2006 is now less than a week away so it's time for me to start begging people for donations.
As a bit of back story, the reason I am as involved with the Alzheimer's Association as I am is because it has, in the past, and is continuing to, affect my family. My great aunt passed away due to the disease and one of my great uncles is currently suffering from it. Alzheimer's has a reputation as being an "old people" disease, but I think what a lot of people who have not dealt with it on a personal level don't understand is how profoundly it changes the lives of those who care for people who have it. It is absolutely devastating to watch a loved one lose their memory. To watch as your mother or father, sister or brother, aunt or uncle, slowly forget who you are. Or how to bathe. Or feed themselves.
So for that reason, I obviously feel very strongly about supporting an organization that gives time and money to research, outreach, and education, in the hopes that one day we will find a cure. I'm well below the $500 goal I had set for myself. But if I can get 20 of my friends, family, readers, etc. to donate $15 a piece I can reach that goal. I know this is a tough time of year. We're all getting bombarded with charity walks that are all equally worthy. But if you happen to have an extra $15 laying around somewhere, I'd really appreciate the help.
My personal donation page is here.
Thanks for all your support, guys. I really appreciate it.Labels: Alzheimer's |
| posted by FINY @ Monday, October 16, 2006 |
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| Wednesday, September 20, 2006 |
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It's time, yet again, for another great fundraiser from the Alzhiemer's Association NYC Junior Committee. A week from today, Wednesday September 27th, we will be holding an event at the Boat Basin. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the door. If you're in the NYC area and are interested in joining us, click on the invite below for all the details.
 Labels: Alzheimer's |
| posted by FINY @ Wednesday, September 20, 2006 |
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| Thursday, August 10, 2006 |
| This.Is.Not.OK. |
I know I haven't talked about the Sox much lately, and I know it may look to the casual observer that I'm not paying attention to my beloved team. That is not the case, a girl can just only write about so much stuff at once. So let me just say this about tonight's game.
It's not Ok.
Sitting at Shea Stadium tonight with The Twin, The Welshman, and a host of others for Alzheimer's Awareness Day at Shea, we watched the score of the Sox game on the scoreboard. And maybe I got too comfortable with it. It stayed at 4-3 for so long, I stopped looking. Even when I got home and called the Twin to let him know I had arrived safely, the game was still tied.
And then, just now, I checked in. 5-4 Royals. The mother-fucking Royals. Game over.
Not Ok.Labels: Alzheimer's, Red Sox, sports |
| posted by FINY @ Thursday, August 10, 2006 |
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| Thursday, July 06, 2006 |
| Alzheimer's Awareness Day at Shea |
Well, as most of you long-time readers know, one of the causes that I care very deeply about is the Alzheimer's Association. Though I took a bit of a hiatus from the group, I am once again a member of thier NYC Junior Committee, and we've got an event coming up, so I figured it's time for a little promotion.
On Wednesday, August 9 the Alzheimer's Association is having an Awareness Day at Shea Stadium. The Junior Committee is getting a block of tickets together in the $16 section - so please come join us! It's cheap, it's fun, and it's for a really great cause. To purchase tickets, please contact Taryn Lubin at tlubin@alznyc.org or 212-983-6906 x221. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
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Please Join Us
for
Alzheimer's Awareness Day @ Shea
Wednesday, August 9, 2006 @ 7:10 p.m
Mets
vs.
Padres
Available Seating & Ticket Prices
Upper Level Reserved - $16.00
Mezzanine Reserved - $27.00
Mezzanine Box - $41.00
Follow these steps to order online:
1. Click here to go to the Mets Group Ticket Window.
2. Please use these codes to Sign-in:
Sign-in: ID:ALZ
Password:METS
Please use all CAPS
The Alzheimer's Association, NYC Chapter will only receive a portion of each sale when using the above codes.
Sit Together with family, friends and fellow supporters of Alzheimer's Awareness in designated Upper Level Reserved, Mezzanine Reserved or Mezzanine Box seating.
The New York Mets will rebate a portion of each ticket sold (through the Mets Group Ticket Window) to the Alzheimer's Association, NYC.
All persons ordering through the Mets Group Ticket Window will receive a flashing Mets Logo Pin.
Your group will be welcomed on the Shea Stadium scoreboard (groups of 25 or more).
A pre-game ceremony with special recognition for Alzheimer's will begin after 6:30 p.m. on the field.
If you are unable to attend the game, but would like to support Alzheimer's Awareness Day and the Alzheimer's Association, we would be pleased to donate any tickets purchased to caregivers for a day of respite, nursing home residents, adult day care center participants, or any group of your preference. Please indicate to us your wishes. Thank you!
For additional information, please call Taryn Lubin, Events Manager, 212-983-6906 ext. 221.Labels: Alzheimer's |
| posted by FINY @ Thursday, July 06, 2006 |
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| Tuesday, October 25, 2005 |
| Thank You, Internet! |
| I just want to take a minute to thank everyone who helped me raise money for the Memory Walk. The team that I was a member of (The Alzheimer’s Association of New York Junior Committee) had, I believe, 44 members and we raised over $23,000. You all helped us become the top non-corporate fundraising team. I was amazed and touched by your generosity, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. You are all fabulous. Labels: Alzheimer's |
| posted by FINY @ Tuesday, October 25, 2005 |
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| Wednesday, October 12, 2005 |
| Memory Walk 2005 |
I know that this will eventually give away my "real" name but the main reason I don't use my real name around here is because I don't want people to just be able to google the site using it. I just want to get the word out a bit more, so below is the email I sent out to basically everyone I know. There should be a Memory walk in your area too. So get involved!
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Hi Everyone,
It's that time of year again! On Sunday, October 23, I'll be participating the the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter Memory Walk. This is a cause that many of you know is close to my heart. I know that many of you have had loved ones who have been affected by the disease, as have I, and I wanted to invite you all to participate in the walk, and or donate to the cause.
Proceeds from the Memory Walk go directly to improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer's, currently more than 200,000 people who live in the 5 boroughs of New York City, as well as their family members and caregivers.
If you're interested in walking with us, or donating to the team, visit my donations page. Thanks, everyone, and I hope to see you on October 23rd!
~FinyLabels: Alzheimer's |
| posted by FINY @ Wednesday, October 12, 2005 |
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