Friday, November 23, 2012

Marching on

Feet of Memory Inc. marches on toward a successful Walk from Key West to Maine. As we hold public events and fundraisers, we also get the word about about Alzheimer's disease and its effects on lives...not just the one with the disease, but the family and community. Unlike many other diseases, Alzheimer's steals away one's life....past, present and future. Memories, self-awareness, and closest relationships are wiped away as the disease progresses. It may begin at an early age....such as 50s or 60s, but aging beyond 80 is the 'norm.' Researchers continuously seek the reasons why people develop this disease, as well as means to control and even end it.
Alzheimer's stole away Geoffrey's mother Pat...for more than 24 years, she slipped deeper and deeper into the thickening clouds of memory loss. Like many patients, her physical health was pretty good. She was a strong and fit Kiwi woman and to look at her - until the later stages of Alzheimer's disease, you might not know her memory and ability to speak coherently, to tell you her name, or recognize her family....had gone.
Our goal is to walk these 2,400 miles beginning on the anniversary of Pat's birthday 17 March, 2013 and tell her story...which is the story of many... as we journey historic U.S. Rt. 1. More than 32 millions people live within a 25 mile radius of this road, and we want to share her story while raising funds so others won't ever have a similar story to tell.
Thank you for your support.
Feet of Memory Inc is located in Canton, Ohio, with an international goal to present endurances walks to help end Alzheimer's disease...whether here in the US or in other global locations. Additionally, Geoffrey offers several solo theatrical performances to groups. His performances include "Tenacity" which is about his mother's journey with Alzheimer's disease, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," "The Gospel of St Mark," and "Sermon on the Mount." Rose offers Lessons in a Lunchbox to retirement homes, adult day centers and other organizations with people in early to mid-stage dementias.
Contact us at 330-819-8109 (Geoffrey)
or via email: feetmemory@ yahoo.com
on our website at www.feetofmemory.com

Thursday, November 15, 2012

how does your money help


When you donate to our nonprofit organization,Feet of Memory, Inc, your donations help local Alzheimer's Association chapters meet the needs of people wth Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. For example, our local chapter in Canton, Ohio provides numerous support groups, educational opportunities, Safe Return and more. As Feet of Memory helps the Alzheimer's Association by raising funds and awareness, we help provide important services and information.

Monies raised toward the  2,400 mile walk from Key West to Maine along historic US Rt 1 in 2013 help us do our work in order to raise MANY dollars toward research, education and support services. Additionally, the media coverage alone will help build awareness of the scope and issues of Alzheimer's disease.

We thank you for your support of Feet of Memory!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Inflammation

Alzheimer's disease has been in the news a good deal lately as research studies point to some hopeful finds. Aspirin may help prevent inflammation and less inflammation means (perhaps and hopefully) fewer chances for Alzheimer's disease. I know a local doctor who pretty well recommends that everyone take at least one 81 mg aspirin per day...some exceptions apply, but he truly believes that less inflammation is good for just about everything. Another uses the European dosage that equals two 'baby' aspirin.

Inflammation seems to be at least partly responsible for a host of ailments and diseases. Please read this article about chronic inflammation. http://www.lef.org/protocols/health_concerns/chronic_inflammation_01.htmAs always, continue to read up on other points of view and research findings.

Feet of Memory Inc. is dedicated to raising awareness and funds to help bring an end to Alzheimer's disease.

Geoffrey's 2,400 mile walk planned for March-July 2013 is just one way in which we accomplish our goal. We offer theatrical performances to schools that help explain memory loss to youngsters. Geoffrey presents several solo performances ranging from the Rime of the Ancient Mariner to the Sermon on the Mount in King James English. He memorized this in response to the 400th anniversary in 2011 of the release of the King James Bible. He also offers "Tenacity" - an original play about his mothers journey into memory loss and Alzheimer's disease.

Email us at feetmemory@yahoo.com fo details on how to book your own performance.

Saturday, November 10, 2012


We created our first newsletter today  - for a free copy send us a contact email at feetmemory@yahoo.com

Here are some excerpts:


Hartville Market Place/Flea Market on January 26

 We have an exciting promotional opportunity at the popular Hartville Market Place on Saturday, January 26, thanks to the management’s generosity.
 
A sales and promotional table will be at the high-traffic market – where tee shirts, special jewelry and mugs will go on sale, and donations and sign-ups  be accepted.

 The Darlings will be on hand while the table is operating, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 
Special events
  Benefit Wine Tasting
November 17: 6-8:30pm
Maize Valley Winery
 
Winterfest Walkathon
Canton’s Stadium Park/Garden Center
January
 
Operatoonity! Lincoln Theatre, Massillon. Central Caltholic Choir, Bugs Bunny and more! In February!


From the walker - Geoffrey
 
Every step along this walk is a step surrounded by the people we will take with us – some passed, some under the yoke of Alzheimer’s Disease and many, like us, determined to see an end to it.
It’s what St Paul called a cloud of witnesses and it’s a reminder of wherever we go we take ourselves and our influences with us  - but it’s more.
 So many people who have given already to the cause are motivated by their own loss and we keep them in the forefront of our minds as we contemplate the enormity of this task.
No matter how hard, it is possible when we still have our minds, soul, strength – and  spirit.
My thoughts often roam to the early days when my mother Pat noticed her memory was beginning to fade.
She said her thoughts were becoming like thinking through cotton wool. She also predicted that she would live a long life but not remember much of it……she was right.
 I am dedicated to do what I can to help end Alzheimer’s disease. Please help by supporting Feet of Memory Inc. Each step we take is a step closer to finding that end to Alzheimer’s.
I am available to give solo performances of Mark’s Gospel or the Sermon on the Mount or Coleridge’s Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Contact me for information.
Thanksgiving Day is nearly here, although it seems in recent years, it’s the American holiday that is overlooked in the rush to Christmas. Let’s remember the blessings we enjoy and remember to help those in need.

Many families come to the holidays with heartache knowing that “Mom,” who used to love to prepare the feast, no longer recalls what day it is and why they celebrate. It is for those with memory loss that we diligently work toward our mission.

Feet of Memory Inc. formed August 2012 as a certified nonprofit organization in the State of Ohio Nonprofit. IRS 501(c)3  is pending.
 

 

 

 

























www.feetofmemory.com
feetofmemory.blogspot.com
Geoffrey 330-819-8109
Rose 330-639-5378
Geoffrey Darling
5186 Everhard Rd NW Apt 4
Canton, OH 44718
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We value your thoughts
and ideas. If you have a
great idea for a fundraiser,
please let us know.













Wednesday, November 7, 2012

It's been a while since the blue writing appeared - code that it's Geoffrey writing and not Rose -business is no excuse and it's over a week since news of Feet of Memory's walk went coast to coast - literally.

The day the Canton Repository article appeared - the same day we woke to no electricity thanks to Superstorm Sandy - my namesake in Oregon, Geoffrey Darling also, contacted me - long story of finding each other on the 'net 15 years ago - and sharing lifestyle chats and jokes about people that make jokes about our name. He'd been shown the link and hoped we would call in when we do the next walk, the West Coast.

Then a phone call from a newspaper in Maine - really northern Maine and the last spot on the walk, the light at the end of the tunnel as it were. I told the editor how much I was looking forward to seeing her little town - on July 3 next year. She just wanted to confirm all the details of Gary Brown's article were correct and I assured her they were more accurate than if I had written them - ie they contained not even unintentional errors. It was fine work from Mr Brown (noticed any slips in punctuation? - that's me deliberately not using AP style).
Training continues in maintenance mode - that is about seven miles most days and at least two to four every day. I was on a harder surface than the towpath today and left a little soreness - we'll have to watch that. Race walkers tell me the shin soreness goes after a while. It certainly dissipates when I stop.

So now the countdown to the November 17 wine-tasting at Maize Valley - tickets $25/head for the wine-tasting and $18 for non-alcohol drinking attendees.

From time to time Rose and I try try to post a comment to see how hard it is - and find it is like drawing teeth while jumping through hoops. So rather than let it go, as we did, you can contact us on email: feetmemory@yahoo.com - love to hear from you

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Aspirin and Alzheimer's

You may have already read this article from Yahoo. But it's worth a review or a first time read. As always, new research findings on Alzheimer's or any other disease or condition are often the tip of the iceberg and further testing must be done, but this does offer hope. We take our daily  aspirin  - How about you?
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/aspirin-may-reduce-cognitive-decline

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Lewy Body dementia

Yesterday, while attending a Rotary Club meeting, a gentleman approached Geoffrey to tell him of a type of dementia called Lewy Body dementia which is the second leading cause of dementia in elderly Americans. We are looking into this and will share information with you soon.

In the meantime, the Benefit Wine Tasting is coming up! November 17 is the day from 6-8:30 p.m. at Maize Valley Winery. Maize Valley was recently seen on CNN. The television crew interviewed visotors to the winery about their thoughts on the presidential election.


Benefit Wine Tasting



Saturday, November 17 from 6-8:30 p.m.

At Maize Valley Winery

On Rt 619 just east of Hartville

$25.00 per person includes:

4 wine tastings of your choice and finger foods, live music

Additional opportunities at your own cost include:

Wine tickets for additional tastings, food and beverages in the restaurant,

A Corn Hole Tournament, silent auction, 50/50 raffle

Tables of eight receive one free ticket…so bring friends!

Optional non-alcoholic ticket at $18.00 Includes finger foods, water and coffee


Proceeds to benefit the Feet of Memory Inc Walk from Key West, Florida to Maine to help end Alzheimer’s disease.


Geoffrey 330-819-8109