I have some "heroes" or maybe just role models helping with my journey down the dark path of Alzheimer's. One being Michael J. Fox and the other being Patrick Swayze.
Michael J Fox, comedic actor best know for his roles as known for his roles as Alex P. Keaton on TV's Family Ties, and as Marty McFly in the movie Back to the Future, was only 29 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He has battled with its effects for over 30 years. In an interview with Smithsonian Magazine he said that he’s been able to remain optimistic because of his love for his family and the fulfillment he finds in helping others who are struggling.
Patrick Swayze, an actor, dancer, and singer who was named “The sexiest Man Alive” in 1991 by People Magazine, died at only 57 after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. His wife, Niemi Swayze, repeated in an interview what he had said to her: playing even a small part in helping change the lives of those who are fighting the disease -- or their loved ones -- for the better is a "great honor." He is another hero of mine as he never gave up. I can only hope that publicly voicing my journey dealing with Alzheimer’s/ dementia, is helpful to anyone who is dealing with any long-term issue to see that we have to rejoice in what time we have, not what time we might not have. What we can do, not what we can’t.
“How do you nurture a positive attitude when all the statistics say you're a dead man? You go to work.” - Patrick Swayze
That's right. Keep going. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Let's look at what we can do instead of what we can't. Let's enjoy the time we have instead of fretting over the time we may not have.
“Alzheimer's currently has no cure and no survivors. But this will change.” – Alzheimer’s Association - @alzassociation
