FOR RELEASE ON APRIL 14, 2016

Launch of New Non-Profit Focused on Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

HOUSTON, Texas—The Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care (GWF) has been established to improve the lives of all impacted by early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Our mission is to provide programs, education, resources, and training for patients, caregivers, families, employers, and healthcare professionals.  The GWF does not direct funding towards Alzheimer’s research, as all efforts and funding are focused on programs, services, and support for individuals and families affected by early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is often thought to only impact older adults, however, early onset Alzheimer’s disease impacts people under the age of 65, with symptoms beginning in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. These individuals face many obstacles such as difficulty in receiving a diagnosis; loss of income, work roles, and related benefits during prime working years; many are still raising their families and their children (under the age of 18) assume many of the caregiving responsibilities; they are not eligible for services from Medicare or the Administration on Aging as they are under 60 years of age; and they face challenges finding age-appropriate programs, services, and long-term care placement.

The GWF will work to become the care pathway for early onset Alzheimer’s disease in the greater Houston area. Through this care pathway, individuals and families would have access to a more streamlined approach in obtaining proper medical care, information, resources, support, and programs.  The GWF would be a leader of social change in the understanding, treatment, services, and care for the individual with early onset Alzheimer’s, as well as the family unit that is also impacted by the disease.

Gayle Wells was a native Houstonian. After surviving three separate cancers within four years, and experiencing memory problems that did not improve, Gayle was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2009.  It became evident after her diagnosis, that there was very little information available as to the progression of the disease, as well as minimal programs and services.  Gayle died from early onset Alzheimer’s disease in September 2011.

“Love is the cornerstone through which the Gayle Wells Foundation was created. No one will be denied services and we will provide consistent support and reassurance as we walk this journey with those impacted by early onset Alzheimer’s.  With programs, services, love, and care, we believe that one’s spirit can still shine through despite the hardship of early onset Alzheimer’s disease,” says Laura Sutherland, founder and executive director of the GWF and care partner to Gayle.

In an effort to bring awareness about the GWF to the community, “Get Acquainted” sessions will be held in various locations throughout the greater Houston area. Currently, the following sessions have been scheduled (light food and beverage will be provided at each session):

Saturday, April 30, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: The Montrose Center, 401 Branard (Room 114)

Tuesday, May 3, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Johnny Carino’s Italian Restaurant, 19820 Northwest Freeway

Thursday, May 12, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Johnny Carino’s Italian Restaurant, 21875 Katy Freeway

Tuesday, May 17, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Guad (Texas Chef-Mex), 2925 Southwest Freeway

CONTACT:
Laura Sutherland, LMSW
Founder & Executive Director
832-470-9526
laura@gaylewells.org

It has taken me a few days to gather my thoughts since learning on Sunday about the death of Nancy Reagan.  When I learned of her passing, I had the sensation of being caught in a vortex that gathered me up and dropped me back into 1994…driving in my car and hearing the news report on the radio that President Reagan had announced his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.  In the news report, the announcers shared the grim reality that this diagnosis brings…no treatment…no cure…and the painful and slow progress of this insidious disease.

In 1994, I didn’t know anyone that had ever suffered from Alzheimer’s disease—cancer was the disease that had taken many of my family members and dear friends. But as I continued to listen to the news broadcast about President Reagan’s diagnosis, a bone-chilling fear came over me and I asked God to please not let anyone I love get this disease.  Fifteen years later, it became obvious that God had other plans for my life when He dropped me right into the middle of the Alzheimer’s arena.

As I processed this memory and reflected on the legacy of Nancy Reagan, I was once again reminded of how incredibly special this lady was. She lived her life with passion, dedication, and conviction…as First Lady of the United States, as an advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness, treatment and research, and as the love and protector of her beloved, Ronnie.

I thank the Reagan’s for the courage and strength they demonstrated in going public with his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. I thank Nancy Reagan for demonstrating what it means to be a tireless advocate and protector for our loved ones that have been diagnosed with this disease.  I admire her conviction in advocating for Alzheimer’s treatments and research that fall outside the lines of what is “acceptable” to a political party.  She was a pioneer in bringing awareness to a disease that still carries stigma and is shrouded in misunderstanding.

The life of Nancy Reagan has left an indelible imprint on my heart, as well as the hearts of millions of people. May be we all take comfort in knowing that she and her beloved Ronnie are together again.

“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” –Maya Angelou

On this Valentine’s Day, you may be celebrating or you may be experiencing bittersweet, and possibly painful, memories of what ‘used to be’ on Valentine’s Day. I have been the giver and receiver of red roses, chocolates, and dinners, and I have fond memories of how special all of it was.  And while we each have our own definition of love and ways of expressing it to those around us, I would like to share my thoughts about love through my journey with Alzheimer’s disease.

Love extends beyond the memories contained in one’s mind. Love comes from the heart and it is the most powerful tool of communication.  However, when faced with a disease that robs our loved ones of their memories, thoughts, and the ability to verbally communicate, it is easy to be consumed with what is lost.  We may find that we are quick to anger and lose patience, but this comes as a result of getting caught up in the shadows of fear.  Make a point to let the light of love into each day.  You may be surprised at the gifts that will come from the love you share.

Make a conscious effort to communicate love through the simplest of ways. A hug each day…saying “I love you”…providing a warm touch to their face…a kiss on the cheek…holding their hand…giving them a piece of their favorite candy or dessert…looking through pictures…just being with them. It may sound simple, but these small acts of love and connection can provide your loved one with a familiar assurance in a world that is ever-changing and frightening to them.

By showing love each day, you may be surprised to find your loved one with Alzheimer’s/dementia, demonstrate love back to you. At the end of Gayle’s life, when she could no longer verbally communicate, she would put her forehead against mine and close her eyes.  What a message of love she conveyed to me in that simple gesture.

In twenty-five years of love and friendship with Gayle, I learned the true meaning of unconditional love and acceptance. We had no idea that our journey would take us through three cancers and early onset Alzheimer’s disease, but one of my greatest gifts in those 25 years came at the end of Gayle’s life.  She had been unconscious for two days so we were surprised when she woke up.  I talked with her that day and thanked her for sharing her life with me.  She began talking, but her words were all jumbled, as they had been for a long time.  All of a sudden, she looked right at me and said these words plain and clear…”I love you and you love me”.  I thought my heart would burst.  Those were the last words she ever spoke.

“Through the heart, we exercise the greatest power of the heart – the power of love.”  –Baptist de Pepe