My grandmother Jeannette was from the mountains of Kentucky. She was raised to create a life for herself, taught sustainability, and ultimately lived a humble existence surrounded by her 9 children. The woman was hard. She was not the grandmother you think of as soft, sweet and lovely. She was strong and disciplined. She was proud and unwavering. When she was first showing signs of dementia, we honestly just thought she was growing more reclusive and impatient. She had been somewhat that way her entire life. But then it got worse and ultimately she lost all ability to complete any activities of daily living. We had to feed her, help her in all aspects of life. It was horrifying because she would never have allowed it. I still don’t know if she ever realized what was happening because she progressed so quickly, but if she did, it would have killed her. And that’s why I walk. To help preserve the dignity of hardworking proud people like my grandmother and educate families about the disease so they can give their loved ones the best existence possible.
Melissa Bailey
Brookdale Williamsburg Champions
Williamsburg Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer's Association Southeastern Virginia Chapter 