I'm a SOLE SISTER...dedicated to the vision of a world WITHOUT Alzheimer's!!!!
Since committing to Co-chair the 2019 Wine, Women & Shoe event benefiting the Alzheimer's Association, my family has experienced unimaginable loss. My Aunt Joan passed in May, my Dad's identical twin Don passed on November 6th, my Aunt Gladys passed on November 30th, and then unexpectedly, my dad, Doug passed peacefully on December 10th. ALL WERE LIVING WITH ALZHEIMER's. My Dad's older brother, Paul also suffered from the disease and brother Jack was showing signs when he passed several years ago.
It was agonizing and very upsetting to watch them all slip away as the disease progressed, ESPECIALLY with no cure in sight!! Can't believe they are all gone within months, we are heartbroken! Three years ago, I decided that I needed to learn more about this horrendous disease and find out what services were available for my family members...I found the Alzheimer’s Association. At that time, I knew I had to get involved and support this organization which not only provides assistance to all those affected by Alzheimer's, but also advances research in hopes of eliminating the disease and promotes brain health to help reduce the risk of dementia!! Enter...the fabulous Wine, Women & Shoes event organized by the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter. As a long-time event professional, I volunteered on the WWS planning committeee the last 2 years and am thrilled to be involved again this year as the event's Co-chair with Rachel Black!! Last year we raised over $190,000 - our goal this year is to raise $300,000!
I do this in honor of my Dad, Doug, my Uncles Don, Paul & Jack and my Aunts Joan & Gladys!!! I do it for the caregivers, my mom Betsy, my Aunt Kathy, my Uncle Bob and my Aunt Gladys who cared for Paul before his death. I do it for me, my siblings, my cousins, my nieces and nephews and all familes affected! I do it so one day....there is a world without Alzheimer's!!!!
Did you know that ...Since 2000, deaths from heart disease have decreased by 14% while deaths from Alzheimer's have increased by 89%! That is alarming!!!
This statistic stands out to me especially since my dad did everything he could in an effort to avoid heart disease so he would not die of a heart attack like his father. Dad ate right and exercised regularly throughout his life...never ever did he think it would be his brain that would stop him from enjoying his later years!! :-(
Another statistic that hits home...35% of the caregiver's of Alzheimer's and Dementia report that their health has declined due to care responsibilities compared to 19% of those who care for older people without the disease.
As part of my involvement in the production of the WIne, Women & Shoes event, I joined the Sole Sisters (interested in getting involved, let me know) and have pledged to personally raise at least $5000 for the Alzheimer's Association before April 7th. Any donation made towards the effort to end this terrible disease via the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley is very much appreciated!!! The entire Frey family thanks you!!!
With much love and gratitude,
Xoxo Kate
For more details about the Sunday, April 7, 2019 Wine Women & Shoes event click here!!
