Long the Family Honorary Chairperson at Crawford County Alzheimer’s Walk
Diane Long, who is pictured with her husband Steve, will serve as the Family Honorary Chairperson for the 2019 Crawford County Alzheimer’s Walk/Run.
Prairie du Chien resident Diane Long will serve as the Family Honorary Chairperson of the inaugural Crawford County Alzheimer’s Walk/Run, Saturday, Oct. 5, at St. Feriole Island in Prairie du Chien.
Diane, who is the caregiver for her dementia-affected husband, realized something wasn’t right when he kept misplacing items and making repetitive statements. Diane took Steve to the doctor, and he underwent cognitive testing, a CAT scan and questions about family history.
Diane cared for her husband at home but experienced health challenges of her own. Since her husband had become a fall risk, she came to the difficult decision of placing Steve in a skilled nursing facility.
“For eight long years, my duties were as a caregiver 24/7,” Diane said. “Now, I can help others on their journey because I understand how difficult it is for them.”
Diane said she is thankful to the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin (ADAW) for offering support group meetings in Crawford County.
“The ADAW support group helped prepare me to accept when my vibrant, physically fit husband became a man who could no longer walk, talk or recognize friends or family,” Diane said. “The ADAW offers hope and help. They will save your health and sanity.”
Mark and Ann Grunwald, geriatrician and family practice physicians, are the Medical Honorary Chairpersons for the Alzheimer’s Walk/Run. They have first-hand experience with families diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Join the Long and Grunwald families at this year’s Crawford County Alzheimer’s Walk/Run on Saturday, Oct. 5. Registration starts at 8 a.m. at the Jaycee Shelter on St. Feriole Island in Prairie du Chien.
To register or pledge support, contact Heather Moore, ADAW Dementia Outreach Specialist for Crawford County, at (608) 723-4288. Find the organization on Facebook at TheADAW.
Proceeds from the Walk/Run help ADAW provide services, support and education to Crawford County residents impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia.
