Why I Walk: Elizabeth’s Story
Elizabeth Shih has been involved with the cause to end Alzheimer’s for many years. This year, she is serving on the Alzheimer’s Association Northern California & Northern Nevada Chapter Board of Directors. She is also an active participant in the San Francisco Walk, raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association research, care and support initiatives. Read Elizabeth’s story below.
My darling husband Bob was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012. Since then, we have been on a journey of changes filled with chaos, rage, frustration, tears, grief, humor, laughter, and love.
Love has never left us as we are surrounded and blessed wth incredible family, friends, colleagues, doctors, nurses, caregivers. No matter what condition Bob is in, I am grateful for his presence.
Bob has been an absolute hero to me in how he managed his diagnosis himself for as long as he could. His self awareness, kindness and love that he shared with our families, friends, and caregivers was inspiring.
If there is one piece of advice for others in a similar situation, it is to be absolutely tenacious in advocating for your loved one. There are many resources out there, but it takes energy to sort through them, and then access them. Take care of yourself (a tough suggestion to follow).
We actively participated in the support group sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association along with classes and conferences they sponsored. Then I began to support the Association personally and through my employer, helping in the funding of education and care programs. I was invited to consider being a volunteer and was thrilled to join the Board.
It is important for others to get involved in the fight because of the frightening statistics of Alzheimers and its devastating impact on our community.
NO ONE should have to go through this journey. We need resources to find a cure, provide sufficient and effective resource for those stricken with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
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Love is the most powerful tool, feeling and strength we have in each of us. Elizabeth and Bob have always been both very insipriing to me because of their love and dedication to each other through the ALZ journey. Even though this horrible diesase takes away memory loss — it will never take away the feeling of love they still can feel with each other to keep them strong through this journey.