" CAREGIVING OFTEN CALLS US TO LEAN INTO LOVE WE DIDN'T KNOW POSSIBLE."
-Tia Walker
This website is in honor of caregivers, the sacrifices they make each and every day, and the support they show to their love ones.
Meet the man behind the movement
Papa Joe, as he's affectionately known, has always been an inspiration to many. His positive outlook and demeanor, care and respect towards everyone he meets, and kind heart has touched many. Growing up with a man like this as your father could only motivate me to always look for the good in people and try my best to spread kindness.
Unfortunately, Alzheimer's disease has not been as kind to our family. Papa Joe was diagnosed at the age of 66 with an early, rapid onset of the disease, quickly affecting his memory in just a few short months - even weeks - throwing us all into a whirlwind of uncertainty. Throughout our journey, and just as my dad would have taught us, we have found an undeniable way to rely on the support and love of family, friends and support system where they may appear.
Alzheimer's disease is a family disease. A lot falls on the family -- but mostly on the caregiver. As the primary caregiver for our dad, our mom is always looking for products or ways of doing things to help make her day a bit easier.
We've heard of some great suggestions along the way. To thank everyone for their kindness, I hope this website finds its way into the homes of others on the uncertain path Alzheimer's and dementia can have on your family.
My hope is to spread kindness and to help caregivers so that they have time to make their days a bit brighter and filled with love.
"Kindness is more than deeds. It is an attitude, an expression, a look, a touch. It is anything that lifts another person."
- PLATO
"Behind every great man is not a woman, she is beside him, she is with him."
As heartbreaking of a disease Alzheimer's could be, it has taught me lessons I will never forget.
Lesson 1 - Alzheimer's may seem like it is breaking a family, but it actually builds the bond of family even stronger. My sister, mom, dad, and I fight a daily battle with this disease. It leaves you vulnerable, but in these vulnerable moments comes love, empathy, passion, and an unbeatable drive to protect.
Lesson 2 - Each day we have is precious. Live in the moment, surround yourself with family and friends you love, and don't ever take one second for granted.
Lesson 3 - Caretaking is one tough job. Without a support system, days seem like they go on forever. The purpose to create this website was just that, to create a support system that bands together, to offer encouraging words to the care takers that need a bit of inspiration to keep going, and to provide products that can make some of the daily hardships a little easier to undertake.
Unpaid Help
"More than 16 MILLION Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias"
What's it worth?
"Caregivers provide an estimated 18.5 BILLION HOURS valued at nearly $234 BILLION"
Looking to the future
"Over $160 MILLION committed to best-in-class research projects in 25 countries."
A face in the crowd
THOUSANDS of participants came together on The Longest Day to fight the darkness of Alzheimer's.
Nearly 300,000 calls made to our free 24/7 Helpline 800.272.3900
Alzheimer's Association
GET IN TOUCH
Please share any questions, experiences, comments or products that could help others in their journey with this disease.