I'm fundraising (and skiing) for...
I am skiing for my mom. For my self. For my family and friends, and everyone who has merged into the orbit of Alzheimer's. For most of life, Alzheimer's has been just a word, held at arm’s length. Not something I wanted to know too much about to be perfectly honest. We had Alzheimer's in the family. “Katie has Alzheimer's”. A knowing nod, oh. Katie was young, even by teenager standards as I was at the time. Katie died young. “Your mother has Alzheimer’s.” A knowing nod, okay. Still a word, still at arm’s length. Sure, she forgets things. She’s 84. Now, a year later, Alzheimer’s is no longer at arm’s length. It’s a bit like standing in the ocean near the shore. Sometimes things are relatively calm, normal’ish. And then a wave hits and everyone is tumbled over, mixed-up, and often hurting. Now I want to know a lot. I crave information, stories, common experience. I am grateful for the continued research that is supported by the Alzheimer's Association, and also for the resources and information the organization provides. How to better support my mom. How to better support myself. Having accepted this is very likely in my future, I am trying to learn and do what I can now. I see my teenage daughters, seeing me, seeing my mom. I wonder if they think about what their role might be 30 years from now. Probably not, but maybe. Either way, I want to go forward eyes wide open. For me, part of that means to support and utilize the resources provided by the Alzheimer's Association.
Regarding this particular challenge, well, I skied the loop last year but not as part of the fundraiser event. I will just say, it was challenging. Glorious and amazing, and challenging. For me, a little bit like childbirth. When it was over, while grateful for the experience, I honestly wasn’t sure that it was anything I ever needed to do again! Thankfully, with the passage of time, I am ready. And this time, honestly, very much looking forward to the long, slow tour, immersed in the woods and creeks and hills surrounding Camel’s Hump. A time to reflect, and restore, and feed my soul with an amazing group of people.
If any of this is near or dear to your heart, and you would like to support this effort, please donate. I greatly appreciate it and thank you.
I'm fundraising for...
By participating in this event, I've committed to raising awareness and funds to advance the care and support efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association®.
Currently, more than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, and that number is expected to grow to nearly 13 million by 2050. Our future is at risk, and we must come together to change the course of this disease.
Please support my efforts by making a donation. Funds raised support the educational programs and services offered free of charge by the Alzheimer's Association, Vermont Chapter. Thank you for joining the fight against Alzheimer’s disease!
Thank you to my Sponsors
$250
Jeff Schoeny
$100
Anonymous
$100
Keith Downes
Awesome cause. Thank you Leslie for the inspiration.
$53
Douglas Mullins
Have a great ski!
$50
Kurt Janson
A very worthy cause, Leslie. Hope you enjoy the ski!
$50
Leslie Badger
$50
Anonymous
Your family is so proud and behind you 100%!…not literally, as that loop is crazy.. Good luck and stay safe.
$50
Jen Dreimiller
Go ski divas!
$35
Donavan-schneider’s
Let it snow! Enjoy the ski.
$25
Hannah Badger
👁️❤️🐑
$21.20
Jocelyn Lorrey
$21.20
Brian Just
Thank you for sharing some of your story, Leslie. Good luck!
$5
