NYCRun2Remember

Friday, November 4, 2011

SPOTLIGHT:Karen Bensch

Each week we will be picking members to spotlight to tell their Alzheimer's story and why they are running in this year's New York City marathon. Check in each Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for new updates on who will be spotlighted and get to know your teammates...(each person is picked at random)

I would say a that a big case of the nerves has delayed my “spotlight” entry until now.. It just makes it official – that I am about to run my first marathon! 26.2. With three weeks to go, the tapering (after months of training) has begun, plane tickets purchased from California, hotel rooms booked, and with just a slight case of runners knee, the nerves are gone and excitement has set in!

But why with R2R? My story starts in April of 2008, when my sister age, 27, who had lived in NYC for a time, was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). Just four days after her diagnosis, cancer ended her life…but not her shining light or charitable inspirations. For the past few years, I have raised funds for the Mary Claire Satterly Foundation, MCSpirit.org, a charity that supports organizations and individuals, with a focus on finding a cure for leukemia and improving the quality of life for patients and their families. I have also gained a compassion for so many, who like myself, have lost family members dear to them, no matter the cause.

Like cancer, Alzheimer’s has affected so many loved ones of family and friends and work colleagues. Over the past few years, I have often said, on a whim, I am going to run the NYC marathon, something that my sister and I always said was a “life goal.” I am grateful for R2R for allowing me to be a part of this group. Not only have I learned so much about Alzheimers, from those very personally affected, but I have also dedicated and will continue to dedicate my time to spreading awareness and helping to raise funds to find the causes and a cure for this disease.

Living in California, I call myself a “virtual” trainer with the R2R team – absorbing tips, reading the blogs, channeling the support from coaches and following the training runs. Although the distance has kept me from running with the group, I have joined several local running groups and just yesterday finished the Nike Women’s Half in San Francisco in preparation for the big day in three weeks. To have the opportunity to run in amazing places, to meet others who share my “new found” love of running is just a bonus of being a part of this amazing cause.

With the spirit of my sister and the energy of this group with me, I am completely inspired to lace up the shoes for a cause that I pray our chidlren will not have to know! Looking so forward to connecting in person!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Sean Phelps

When I was asked to do the spotlight it was something I was never really interested in doing as I am not an open person. But then I started reading others' spotlight stories. Seeing how courageous others were in telling their very personal stories made me wonder how could I not share mine?

Alzheimer's has become a very scary disease for me personally. In my family, we have always had a history of heart related issues. However, with something like that you can help prevent it with diet and exercise. Alzheimer's is something totally different. On my father's side of the family there has been four cases of Alzheimer's - 3 aunts and 1 uncle. My uncle has since passed away.

My own father has had other health issues that has diminished some of his memory abilities but I fear Alzheimer's could be playing a factor. The doctors have not officially diagnosed him with it...yet.

A little over a year ago, my daughter was born. My Dad was there the day of the birth and has had numerous visits with her since. She brings such joy to his life and he lights up just even talking about her. I would never want him to be unable to recall these precious memories.

Seeing how Alzheimer's affects your family makes me want to do everything in my power to help prevent it before another family member. As a father I would not want to pass on a gene that could be detrimental to my child. Alzheimer’s has a multitude of effects on family, I have seen how it can bring my family together to provide the best care possible. Unfortunately, I have also seen how those suffering with Alzheimer's can be taken advantage of.

I have to thank Meghann and Chuck who got me into running over the past few years. They convinced me to apply to run with Team 2 Remember and train for my first Marathon. I am glad I did. I have met many inspiring people in the group which helps keeps me motivated when the running gets tough. I am proud to be a part of a team that has demonstrated hard work and dedication to help find a cure for this disease. I look forward to completing my first marathon for a cause I truly believe in.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Elizabeth St. Lifer

There are a couple of factors that led me to join Team R2R. First, I had decided a number of years ago that I wanted to run the New York City Marathon this year. I had volunteered to hand out medals at the finish line and one of the women I gave a medal to was beaming at me as I was congratulating her and putting the metal around her neck. She told me that she was 75 and was proud of herself for having just finished the Marathon. She inspired me to run on my next “big” birthday. So I ran my 9 races and volunteered and got a number (which I turned in a couple of years to make sure I had one for this year).

Then last summer, while running in Central Park one weekend morning, I saw a group of women running with Alzheimer’s Association shirts on. As my father has Alzheimer’s it piqued my curiosity. When I got home I went on line and discovered that the NYC Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is a Charity associated with the NYC Marathon. In the meantime, for the past 3 summers I have been riding my bicycle and raising money for MS. While it is a worthy cause, it is one that, fortunately, I do not have much of a personal connection to. I found it rewarding to take an activity I enjoy and combine it with helping a worthy cause. So it did not take much to make the leap to running the Marathon and raising money for a cause that is near and dear to my heart.

My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease about 5 years ago. He has been on medication and his progress has been relatively slow. We have been lucky – my father still knows his family and surroundings, but little by little he is losing his ability to function on his own. My mother has been so wonderful with him and her patience incredible. I admit, I don’t like to talk about it too much as it often brings tears to my eyes as I think about how my father has become a shadow of the man he was. We are also lucky in that he has not gotten angry or violent and has maintained his sweet loving nature through it all.

I know there are many families out there who do not have the resources (financially and time wise) to take care of their loved one who cannot take care of him/herself and I know that the programs and assistance offered by the Alzheimer’s Association are crucial to those people. For me, I would just like to see a cure for this disease, so that others do not have to go through what my family and I do and helplessly watch as the disease progresses with their loved one.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Laura Zausmer

Memories are a funny thing; they take us back to a place and time, a feeling, a smell, a sensation, an emotion, or a loved one. I feel blessed by my memories, good and bad, for they make me the person that I am today. Imagining life without them brings an uncertainty and fear to the landscape of my mind. I’m running this marathon with you in hopes of raising enough money and awareness to help in the battle against Alzheimer’s disease.

My Grandmother, Evelyn Krueger, was a daughter, twin sister, friend, and mother. All of which were stripped away slowly as she succumbed to her battle with Alzheimer’s. My grandmother raised three children in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. My grandfather worked at Chrysler and grandma was a stay-at-home mom. My father, her second oldest, was interested in the performing arts. Grandma would take him to auditions and helped him rehearse for hours. When he was offered a spot on the Auntie Dee Show in NYC at the age of 16, she would go with my dad to New York on Thursdays where they would tape the show on Friday and then fly back to Michigan on Friday night. She stood behind her family and was a tough authoritarian. She was the strong roots of our family tree.

As a child I loved going to my grandparent’s house to play dress up and make believe with grandma in the basement of her home. She had a way of making childhood even more magical. When I graduated from college, I moved in with my grandma until I could manage on my own. She gave me the gift of time, support and lots of unconditional love.

We noticed that something was wrong when my grandmother started to wear clothes that seemed unkempt. My grandfather had passed away a few years previously and wasn’t around to catch the subtle clues that something was not quite right. She used to go walking in the Northland Mall every day for exercise. When she was found lost and confused outside of Macy’s early one morning, it was evident that she was not well. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, grandma moved in with my parents for three years at which time the agonizing progression of the disease took its toll. I watched as my parents took care of grandma and the huge burden it put on each of them emotionally and physically.

My grandmother passed away ten years ago after her battle with Alzheimer’s. We were left with a hole in our hearts and in our family.

I run today to raise awareness and the funds needed to search for a cure to end this horrible disease. The statistics of an estimated 5.4 million people affected with Alzheimer’s is staggering.

I’m honored to be running with you and Team R2R! Your stories have touched my heart and fueled my fire to fight for a cure.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Carol Holmes

For 4 months this Spotlight of writing “why” I’m running with Team Run 2 Remember has encumbered me. Coach Brian wanted it sooner but my story is a difficult one to comprehend. I can say “I am so lucky to live in New York City and have had the opportunity to train with such passionate coaches and fantastic teammates every week.”

Keeping it positive, I run for a second year because funding an END to ALZHEIMER’S is utmost. Secondly, because the friendship and camaraderie of teammates help you get thru the tough times. I realized last year that I am not alone in this journey and I met teammates that were dealing with there own pains and loss from this wretched disease. It does help to have teammates who share the same passion to find a cure to end the pain and honor our loved ones at the same time.

My wonderful Mother who turns 90 this Nov.17 has Alzheimer’s today. She has always been my best friend, my hero, my life. I would give anything to help my Mother as I did 5 years ago. I moved from NYC to care for her and my Father in San Diego, CA. and gave them both the care they needed. I was my Mothers live in caregiver out of an un- devoted love to her. She thrived from her 24 hour care and called me “My Good girl Carol.” The sparkle came back in her life and It was the greatest gift for the both of us. All was well until sibling dysfunction ensued.

I have spent the past three years in Family Court attempting to stand up for my Mothers rights. Beyond your wildest imagination, I have been accused and persecuted by controlling dysfunctional siblings. My 90 year old Father has been manipulated so terribly all you can do is forgive him for his actions. My Mother always instilled in me to stand up for right versus wrong and that I continue to do along with a sister Julie.

Today I am living back in New York and all I can do is attempt to call my Mother everyday. The sad part is I am denied repeatedly and told “Your Mothers not well and will not be getting better.” Click. Running definitely helps ease the heartache! As weird as it sounds, on my training runs I find myself zoning off to wonderful memories with my Mom. She always gave of herself to other’s and adored and loved all her children.

It is devastating enough to have a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s but then to lose her again to Family dysfunction is a double blow. Running helps cope, one foot in front of the other. Our court systems are not set up to deal with Alzheimer’s so efficiently, maybe the Alzheimer’s Act will address this. Sadly, my large family has crumbled under the diagnoses of Alzheimer’s. I wish no family to suffer as ours and finding a cure is the answer.

My Mother always planned to watch me run a Marathon in NYC, but instead my sister Julie will cheer me on. Teammates, coaches, sisters, brothers, grandparents, FATHERS, MOTHERS, grandparents, friends....the list will stop when we find the cure. I look forward to honoring all who have been afflicted by this disease on Nov. 6, 2011. My Mother Eleanor’s photo will be so proudly on my purple jersey. Go Team Run 2 Remember, our efforts will make a difference.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Robert Hofbauer

It was the first Sunday in November and it was my first year living in New York. I had a cup of coffee in hand and I was leaning out of my window onto 1st Avenue watching the runners gracefully stride up the avenue. I was so enamored by their perseverance, determination, and the crowd support. At that moment I knew it was something that I wanted to do. Finding out this year that the Alzheimer’s Association was a participating charity I could not think of a better way to raise money for a wonderful charity while pushing my physical limits.

I decided to support the Alzheimer’s Association because the simple answer is I HAVE LOST TRACK. I can no longer count the number of people I know who have been diagnosed and succumbed to dementia on one hand - they include my great uncle, my cousin, my grandparent’s friends (including a husband and wife), my parents friends' parents, and friends’ grandparents. One in two individuals over the age of 85 has dementia. With life expectancy increasing and the rates of Alzheimer’s disease rising, this epidemic needs to be addressed. Being part of the Run to Remember Team, I hope to have an impact on and get the message out regarding this horrible disease.

This year I made the commitment to live in New York, become an American citizen, I also decided it was time to support a charity close to my heart, and push myself to take on the NYC Marathon. This year I am the one who will be cheered on, while still cheering for my Run2Remember teammates. This year, we will all be part of this New York experience while raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: Katie Crook

His name was Hubert Patrick Keenan. He was “Hubie” to most; “Pa” to me. He loved Strawberry ice cream. That fact is most beloved to me, and you’ll see why.

When my brothers and I were young, each time my grandparents were leaving to go back home to Chicago, Pa would slip us each a few dollars and say “go get yourself some ice cream.” He would serenade me with old Irish songs, play hide- and-seek with me until (sadly, I now realize) I was too old to care, and his New York accent never disappointed (I was born and bred an Indiana girl, what can I

say). His memory was impeccable—with any moment in his life, small or large, he knew the date, approximate time of day, and day of the week it occurred, no matter how long ago. Once you got him started with memories, his stories wouldn’t stop. I loved it, not only to see his love of times past but to hear his rich accent.

His wife, his rock, my Nana passed away in 1996. She endured a difficult end from a brain tumor—one that was swift and final in 3 short months. While it was both mentally and physically exhausting for the entire family, the impact of her death on Pa was immediately apparent. Shortly thereafter, he was shedding large amounts of weight, unable to properly feed himself. Reports were coming in from his

neighbors in both Chicago and Florida that he was driving erratically, on the wrong side of the road. Usually a “spiffy” man, he was unshaven, disheveled and aloof. He was no longer himself.

Pa was notoriously stubborn, so it was no walk in the park when my family decided the best place for him was to move in with my parents and I in Indiana. My mom, the middle child of 5, was his only daughter. She was tireless in her efforts to make our home feel equally his. At the time, I was 15 going on 16 and high school was enough to worry about let alone to understand Alzheimer’s disease, how it was affecting me, or what it meant for my Mom and Dad to be caretakers. In the year he lived with us we hired a home aide to take care of him while my parents were at work, but as the disease progressed and he became more verbally aggressive and irrational our family placed him in a nursing home which specialized in care to those with dementia. If you could ask Pa now he would say without a doubt the best part of his new home was that it had its own built-in ice cream parlor. Luckily, one of the 3 flavors on rotation was, indeed, Strawberry. After complications with pneumonia, and a difficult, unpredictable journey for us all, Pa passed away on October 1, 1999 at age 81.

In 2010, at age 64, my Mom was diagnosed with Early On-Set Alzheimer’s. While I’m older and wiser this time around, it’s not any easier. It’s only going to get harder. I’m aware of how it felt to blindly navigate the experience of this disease with Pa. As the youngest child of 4, my Mom’s only daughter, I now have a shred of empathy for the emotions and heartache my Mom faced caring for Pa. Just the same, my Dad cared for him as he would have for his own father. At this point, while the memory lapses and losses are becoming greater and more frequent, my Mom is still largely independent and for that we are grateful. As the process of this disease is alike in no two people, we are hopeful that she will maintain this high-functioning state for as long as possible.

I run in memory of my Grandpa Hubie and for my Mom’s hopeful future. I run for my Mom’s selfless courage to give Pa the very best in his worst days and for strength and patience for my Mom, my Dad and our family in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. It was very emotional, indescribable, to have my Mom cheer for me during my inaugural run with Team R2R last year; I can’t wait to have her there with me again this year.

My Mom’s favorite ice cream is Strawberry, too. I hope she never loses that. You can bet we’ll be celebrating together with some shortly after crossing the finish line!