Whew....I've been so busy planning and working toward the Launch that I've hardly had time to sit down and write to you. So I will start the day here, instead of there....
For those of you in the Canton/Akron/Massillon area of Ohio, we do hope you will pop in to the launch of Feet of Memory Inc on Wednesday, October 24 from 5-7pm at the Jackson Library on Fulton Road. Meet the Board, Founders, hear a dramatic original presentation by Founder and CEO Geoffrey Darling, aka our Walker. Other presenters include Loren Veigel, Artistic Director of VOCI,Inc. will share his family's journey with Alzheimer's disease, and a representative from the Alzheimer's Association will update research news. Rose Darling, Co-Founder and co-CEO gives a sample from her "Lessons in a Lunchbox" - a faith-based non-denominational, interactive program for those with mild to moderate memory loss, and their caregivers and family members. A Balloons of Memory flight will be launched immediately after the official launch of the organization at 6:15.
Additionally, you may munch on Nuts 'n Chocolates and shop specially designed and crafted products in "Pat's Corner," named for Geoffrey's mother Pat who died in 2012 at the age of 90 after 24 years with Alzheimer's. Lynn Marie Jewelry offers beautiful aquamarine necklaces, and Feet of Memory tee-shirts will be available to order.
We will see you there...only a month away!
Check out our website for details about Feet of Memory, and information about the extreme walk from Key West to Maine...a journey of 2,400 miles we take in 2013. www.feetofmemory.com
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Early Onset Dementia
Feet of Memory Inc. funds will go to help the Alzheimer's Association continue their research, education, advocacy and support services to help find an end to Alzheimer's disease. Many of the chapters offer education and support groups to help those with early-onset dementia and their care givers/partners.
Geoffrey's mother, Pat, developed early-onset dementia at around age 65, perhaps even earlier, and once told Geoffrey that "I will live to a great old age, but I won't remember any of it." Sadly,she was right. She lived five days past her 90th birthday 17 March, 2012 and did not remember anything for about a quarter of her years. Feet of Memory Inc. and Geoffrey's extreme endurance walks are in honor of her, and those like her....and to help end this disease.
Another friend has a rare form of early-onset dementia called frontal lobe dementia....he is about 70 years old...in a wheelchair. Unable to speak. Knowing and understanding almost nothing. And growing worse by the day.
Please help us help them. Ask how you can support Feet of Memory Inc. During Geoffrey's walk from Key West to the Canadian border in Maine, you will have opportunities to walk with him, attend special dramatic stage performances, and donate to Feet of Memory Inc. read more about us on www.feetofmemory.com. Contact us via email at feetmemory@yahoo.com.
Thank you.
Geoffrey's mother, Pat, developed early-onset dementia at around age 65, perhaps even earlier, and once told Geoffrey that "I will live to a great old age, but I won't remember any of it." Sadly,she was right. She lived five days past her 90th birthday 17 March, 2012 and did not remember anything for about a quarter of her years. Feet of Memory Inc. and Geoffrey's extreme endurance walks are in honor of her, and those like her....and to help end this disease.
Another friend has a rare form of early-onset dementia called frontal lobe dementia....he is about 70 years old...in a wheelchair. Unable to speak. Knowing and understanding almost nothing. And growing worse by the day.
Please help us help them. Ask how you can support Feet of Memory Inc. During Geoffrey's walk from Key West to the Canadian border in Maine, you will have opportunities to walk with him, attend special dramatic stage performances, and donate to Feet of Memory Inc. read more about us on www.feetofmemory.com. Contact us via email at feetmemory@yahoo.com.
Thank you.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Early-onset Alzheimer's
Yesterday, a friend shared with us that two of his sisters have early-onset Alzheimer's...one is in a nursing center at age 60.
This is why we established Feet of Memory Inc- to help END Alzheimer's disease: This robbing of human thought and mind - often while still rather young. Of course, we all know there are no guarantees of long, healthy lives for any of us, but the kind of drawn-out dying of memory, thought, personality and body brought about by Alzheimer's disease is especially agonizing for the individual, the family and the community.
Please help us help find an end to Alzheimer's disease by supporting Feet of Memory.
Geoffrey's 2,400 mile walk honors his own mother who had early-onset Alzheimer's disease that lasted 24 years...nearly a quarter of her life when she did not recognize her own children and family. She could no longer enjoy her special hobby of building little ponds with lily pads, nor respond to holidays and birthdays, and life in general.
As he walks from Key West to Maine, each step is to honor her and to help raise funds to help the Alzheimer's Association in its many research, education, advocacy and support services as they work to end Alzheimer's disease.
This is why we established Feet of Memory Inc- to help END Alzheimer's disease: This robbing of human thought and mind - often while still rather young. Of course, we all know there are no guarantees of long, healthy lives for any of us, but the kind of drawn-out dying of memory, thought, personality and body brought about by Alzheimer's disease is especially agonizing for the individual, the family and the community.
Please help us help find an end to Alzheimer's disease by supporting Feet of Memory.
Geoffrey's 2,400 mile walk honors his own mother who had early-onset Alzheimer's disease that lasted 24 years...nearly a quarter of her life when she did not recognize her own children and family. She could no longer enjoy her special hobby of building little ponds with lily pads, nor respond to holidays and birthdays, and life in general.
As he walks from Key West to Maine, each step is to honor her and to help raise funds to help the Alzheimer's Association in its many research, education, advocacy and support services as they work to end Alzheimer's disease.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Event dates
We are busy, busy organizing the walk and fund and awareness raisers to make it possible. This weekend we will look at an RV that may be a donation for the duration. Our new Creative Team is helping us with the planning and implementtation of these events.
So if you are in the Canton, Ohio area, here are a few dates for your calendar.
Launch Reception: October 24 from 5-7 pm at the Jackson Library on Fulton Road. Meet our Board of Directors, enjoy guest presenters, Nuts 'n Chocolates, the official launch with Balloons of Memory at 6:30. Please join us!
We are tying up loose ends for a fun fund-raiser at Vinoteca. Dates to be verified but should be November 16 and/or 17. Meet a past "King of Olde England," enjoy wine and a cheese/bread board, and live entertainment by professional musicians and Shakespearean actors. Details and ticket prices to be announced soon.
In December, come to the "Christmas Party Hop"! Again, details are now being confirmed and will soon be posted.
January features a Winterfest....hope there's some snow this winter!
February has an extra-fun, special event for the whole family to enjoy....but it's a secret for now......shhhhhhh.
As you see, we are very busy....if you can volunteer or help us out in any way, please write to us at feetmemory@yahoo.com
Feet of MemoryInc is a nonprofit organization with the purpose of raising awareness and funds for research, education support services oto help end Alzheimer's disease. Through extreme walks, such as the walk planned from Key West to Maine on historic US Rt 1 in 2013, Geoffrey and Rose Darling, along with a support team will present programs and walkathons from town to town along the way. Visit www.feetofmemory.com for more information. FInd us on Facebook, too.
So if you are in the Canton, Ohio area, here are a few dates for your calendar.
We are tying up loose ends for a fun fund-raiser at Vinoteca. Dates to be verified but should be November 16 and/or 17. Meet a past "King of Olde England," enjoy wine and a cheese/bread board, and live entertainment by professional musicians and Shakespearean actors. Details and ticket prices to be announced soon.
January features a Winterfest....hope there's some snow this winter!
February has an extra-fun, special event for the whole family to enjoy....but it's a secret for now......shhhhhhh.
As you see, we are very busy....if you can volunteer or help us out in any way, please write to us at feetmemory@yahoo.com
Feet of MemoryInc is a nonprofit organization with the purpose of raising awareness and funds for research, education support services oto help end Alzheimer's disease. Through extreme walks, such as the walk planned from Key West to Maine on historic US Rt 1 in 2013, Geoffrey and Rose Darling, along with a support team will present programs and walkathons from town to town along the way. Visit www.feetofmemory.com for more information. FInd us on Facebook, too.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Pat's Place
Lynn Marie Jewelry delivered several of her handcrafted genuine aquamarine necklaces today, and they are so lovely! The soft blue color is peaceful and gentle, and the little silver fairie at the clasp set them off so well. The necklaces are in memory of Pat Darling, Geoffrey's mother who had Alzheimer's disease for 24 years. She passed on in March 2012, just five days after her 90th birthday. It is in her honor that Feet of Memory Inc presents these pieces of jewelry. Soon, other products will be added to Pat's Place.
The purchase of these necklaces (that come in various carats) will help Feet of Memory Inc in its goal to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association and the many services they provide. Please email us at feetmemory@yahoo.com for details and prices.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Where does all the money go?
When we give money, time and abilities to organizations, we always want to know it is going to help meet needs...we usually expect to see some results from our donations.
People who give to religious organizations expect certain results, while those who support health care organizations expect other results. Organizations that deal with teens must meet needs while services to the homebound need to meet their specific needs.
Here at Feet of Memory (FOM) we raise funds to help well-established organizations in the field of Alzheimer's research, education and services. Our Board established that 75% of funds raised in 2012 and 2013 will go to the Alzheimer's Association with the other 25% to Feet of Memory operations to help us plan and implement Geoffrey's walks and the events needed to raise awareness and funds. These numbers exceed a standard of 65% to services.
We chose to support the Alzheimer's Association in 2012/13 because they offer a tremendous number of services to families, caregivers and individuals dealing with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The human touch element of the Alzheimer's Association's services supports the many emotional as well as health needs that AD brings. These services alone are well worth Geoffrey's extreme endurance walk from Key West to Maine. But this organization also supports research and education...each of which requires a great deal of money.
As you support Feet of Memory you are supporting an organization that knows and appreciates the numerous services of the Alzheimer's Association .Through our walks, we help by raising greater awareness and funds on their behalf and that of the countless families served across America.
People who give to religious organizations expect certain results, while those who support health care organizations expect other results. Organizations that deal with teens must meet needs while services to the homebound need to meet their specific needs.
Here at Feet of Memory (FOM) we raise funds to help well-established organizations in the field of Alzheimer's research, education and services. Our Board established that 75% of funds raised in 2012 and 2013 will go to the Alzheimer's Association with the other 25% to Feet of Memory operations to help us plan and implement Geoffrey's walks and the events needed to raise awareness and funds. These numbers exceed a standard of 65% to services.
We chose to support the Alzheimer's Association in 2012/13 because they offer a tremendous number of services to families, caregivers and individuals dealing with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The human touch element of the Alzheimer's Association's services supports the many emotional as well as health needs that AD brings. These services alone are well worth Geoffrey's extreme endurance walk from Key West to Maine. But this organization also supports research and education...each of which requires a great deal of money.
As you support Feet of Memory you are supporting an organization that knows and appreciates the numerous services of the Alzheimer's Association .Through our walks, we help by raising greater awareness and funds on their behalf and that of the countless families served across America.
Friday, September 7, 2012
The other foot
In case you've ever wondered about who writes most of these blogs, it is I, Mrs Rose Darling. Geoffrey is out again in this 'stinkin' humidity, walking and keeping up his training. We have a board meeting tomorrow and the two of us have much to prepare.
"Lessons in a Lunchbox" (c) 2002, packs illustrative items into an old-fashioned domed lunchbox for use in sharing the biblical story. A favorite 'lesson' is that of Ruth from the Old Testament. It is a story of family love and devotion, of strength in the midst of hard times, and faith. Songs and traditional hymns, psalms, and activities accompany the storytelling. Family photos, stalks of barley wheat and other tactile items also help stimulate the senses and memories.
When it was first introduced to an Alzheimer's unit in 2002, a reporter from the Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, wrote how caregivers as well as those with memory loss were touched by the program. Several had tears in their eyes as they witnessed their loved one singing and even discussing some of the topics.
Anyway, while Geoffrey is walking, I will offer this program to retirement homes, adult day service centers, Alzheimer's support groups and others.
For many years I worked in retirement services as an activities director and in marketing/pr. It was while I was "Church Visitation Director" (a marketing position) for Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services Foundation that "Lessons in a Lunchbox" was written in response to a pastor's request to give church groups appropriate materials for use in services in retirement communities and nursing homes.
"Feet of Memory" is NOT a religious organization and "Lessons in a Luncbox" is NOT in any way an attempt to win people over to one way of religious thought. The two ("Feet of Memory" and "Lessons in a Lunchbox"are not inter-related. This is my interjection into the journey. I have to have something more than sight-seeing to do while he is walking! :-)
"Lessons" is a program based on traditional and historical songs, hymns, biblical verses and interactive discussions. I love presenting the program, and each time, I've been amazed at the response of people who rarely respond to anything! Family members and caregivers are invited to attend.
So, if you know a retirement community or other group similar to those mentioned above who would like to know more about this program, please contact me at feetmemory@yahoo.com. The program just costs $60.00 and I provide the leadership, all illustrative items, song sheets and take-home projects. The facility provides at least one helper, or more depending on group size, and refreshments, if desired. The program lists suggested snacks.
About Rose M Darling
EDUCATION
American Military University. MA in International Relations
Western Illinois University. BA in General Studies
Kent State University. Studies in music performance and journalism
Many courses in fundraising and development
SELECT EXPERIENCE
Music director/organist/choir director for several churches across Ohio and in New Zealand. Presently with First Church, Canton, Ohio
Freelance journalist/writer in Ohio, New Zealand.
Co-authored "The Elf Princess."
Playwright "Songs Sung Blues" and "Benders at 11"
THE HOME SIDE
Wife of Geoffrey (2005 to forever)
Mother of three sons Charlie, David and Jeffery
M-I-L to Brenda, Vikki and Lynn
Grandma to Dylan, Morgan and Peyton
Sister to Victoria and Faythe
Cancer survivor through the grace of God, modern medicine and the TLC of those around me.
Me in Dublin, Ireland,
October 2011
As Geoffrey pounds the pavement in his extreme walk from Key west to Maine, I plan to present a special program I co-wrote and presented numerous times for older adults with mild to mid-memory loss. It's a faith-based program, non-denominational, interactive and illustrative especially developed for small groups of about 12 people, but may be presented (successfully so) to much larger groups. "Lessons in a Lunchbox" (c) 2002, packs illustrative items into an old-fashioned domed lunchbox for use in sharing the biblical story. A favorite 'lesson' is that of Ruth from the Old Testament. It is a story of family love and devotion, of strength in the midst of hard times, and faith. Songs and traditional hymns, psalms, and activities accompany the storytelling. Family photos, stalks of barley wheat and other tactile items also help stimulate the senses and memories.
When it was first introduced to an Alzheimer's unit in 2002, a reporter from the Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, wrote how caregivers as well as those with memory loss were touched by the program. Several had tears in their eyes as they witnessed their loved one singing and even discussing some of the topics.
Anyway, while Geoffrey is walking, I will offer this program to retirement homes, adult day service centers, Alzheimer's support groups and others.
For many years I worked in retirement services as an activities director and in marketing/pr. It was while I was "Church Visitation Director" (a marketing position) for Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services Foundation that "Lessons in a Lunchbox" was written in response to a pastor's request to give church groups appropriate materials for use in services in retirement communities and nursing homes.
"Feet of Memory" is NOT a religious organization and "Lessons in a Luncbox" is NOT in any way an attempt to win people over to one way of religious thought. The two ("Feet of Memory" and "Lessons in a Lunchbox"are not inter-related. This is my interjection into the journey. I have to have something more than sight-seeing to do while he is walking! :-)
"Lessons" is a program based on traditional and historical songs, hymns, biblical verses and interactive discussions. I love presenting the program, and each time, I've been amazed at the response of people who rarely respond to anything! Family members and caregivers are invited to attend.
So, if you know a retirement community or other group similar to those mentioned above who would like to know more about this program, please contact me at feetmemory@yahoo.com. The program just costs $60.00 and I provide the leadership, all illustrative items, song sheets and take-home projects. The facility provides at least one helper, or more depending on group size, and refreshments, if desired. The program lists suggested snacks.
About Rose M Darling
EDUCATION
American Military University. MA in International Relations
Western Illinois University. BA in General Studies
Kent State University. Studies in music performance and journalism
Many courses in fundraising and development
SELECT EXPERIENCE
Music director/organist/choir director for several churches across Ohio and in New Zealand. Presently with First Church, Canton, Ohio
Freelance journalist/writer in Ohio, New Zealand.
Co-authored "The Elf Princess."
Playwright "Songs Sung Blues" and "Benders at 11"
THE HOME SIDE
Wife of Geoffrey (2005 to forever)
Mother of three sons Charlie, David and Jeffery
M-I-L to Brenda, Vikki and Lynn
Grandma to Dylan, Morgan and Peyton
Sister to Victoria and Faythe
Cancer survivor through the grace of God, modern medicine and the TLC of those around me.
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