Donate to the care for those with Alzheimer and Dementia
On January 31, I'll be joining friends to ski the Camel's Hump Challenge, a wilderness tour of close to 15 miles that circumnavigates Vermont’s third highest peak. We'll be skiing over 6 hours to raise money for the Vermont chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association which provides free educational programs and services to Vermonters and their families who suffer from this disease.
I’ll be skiing for my mom whose severe dementia has radically changed her life trajectory over the last five years. Despite losing independence and the experiences that energized her - golf, family & friends, sunsets - she has gained a retirement community that wraps her with kindness and care in an environment which allows her to thrive.
When my sisters and I spend time with her, we look for the "butterfly moments" - a split second of beauty or joy, like the brief passing of a butterfly. We lend presence when her eyes sparkle, her laugh comes easily, and her replies are witty. We feel deep love during her warm embraces of remembrance.
We're grateful for the skilled caregivers that empower her and protect her, as well as engage us so we can navigate her needs together.
This support is a source of strength and moves us to shed light on the dark, to pause our lives and appreciate the gifts from our tight family bond, newfound approaches to wellness, and finding peace in the aging process and nature's dynamism.
Thank you for joining our adventure - the search for butterfly moments and the peaceful sliding on snow in Vermont's magical backcountry. By donating to my fundraiser, you'll be alongside us and the countless others that share similar situations involving Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia.
Worldwide, 55 million people are living with Alzheimer's which is a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.
Thank you for helping this important cause!
My Updates
The Family That Plays Together Stays Together
My mom taught me how to ski. Bristol Mountain, our local resort in update New York with 1200’ vertical rise may not have topped the popular winter destination lists but what it had in spades was heart and community. My friends and my parent’s friends were all on the lifts and in the lodge inhaling peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. My sisters and I goofed around in the Bristol Brigade ski program and took the school bus for icy night skiing.
I look back at how we groaned as teenagers when dragged out of bed on Saturday mornings and were told, “the family that plays together, stays together.” But what I mostly remember is how my mom was the ultimate enthusiast and cheerleader as we lapped the groomers and moguls. She was adorable in her one piece Bogner suit as she embodied the Suzy Chapstick era of her generation. She loved the ski culture and off the slopes she worked at Snow Country, the local ski shop, where we annually updated our winter gear.
Decades later, my mom taught 4- year old Austin and Carson to ski. During her winter visits to Vermont, we’d go to Sugarbush, pair up with one of the boys on the double chairlift and descend tightly gripping a ski harness while calling out reminders for ‘french fry” and “pizza pie!” As the boys grew up to be nordic ski racers, she was their number fan.
Which is why I’m her number one fan now, witnessing her small triumphs and the joy she finds in the present moment despite her memory eluding her and her slowing down. It’s hard to watch at times but I try to take pause when I see the familiar spark in her eyes, the way she lights up when something or someone makes her happy.
The butterfly moments with my mom are beautiful and precious. I find them elsewhere, too, especially outside during winter when I can't help but notice the cold air, still forest, and pureness of the snow. That I know the feeling of sliding and gliding, of movement both effortless and vigorous, is a gift from my mom, is a love we share. I'll keep skiing for her.
Thank you to my Donors
$150
Joanne Grogan
$100
Karen Sharpwolf
I hope you all stayed warm today!
$100
Ashley
For MOM & all the other families that might be helped! Go Kelly go!
$100
Debbie Postel
What a beautiful way to honor your Mom, my sister,❤️ You are all amazing!
$100
Nancy Simas
I’m so excited to be a part of this!! Good luck to you 😍 Love, Nancy
$100
Jared Katz
Way to go, Kelly!
$100
Jocelyn Guite
$100
Sandi And Bob Wolf
Supporting our dear long time friend with love
$100
Roger Murphy
$55
Deborah Deale
$50
Jim Kurtz
$50
Mark Johnson
$50
Joan Campo
Loved you Mom and your Dad! Hope she is doing as well as possible Good luck in this endeavor BLESS YOU! joan & tony JLSarasota friends
$50
Amanda Van Vranken
Happy skiing!
$50
Libby Edwards
Thanks for taking such good care of Patty. 🙏
$50
Kristina
You are amazing Kelly! Your mom would be so proud! I sure am.
$35
Doug And Amy Day
Good luck and have a great time! 🤗
$35
Jordan Jiskra
$25
Anonymous
❤️
