Alzheimer’s Research – Little Help?

A few years ago, I lost both of my grandparents on my father’s side to Alzheimer’s.  At first they seemed okay, just a few more ‘senior moments’ than they used to have, but hey, that’s growing older for you, right?  But pretty soon they were losing track of people’s names: good friends and neighbors, even family members became ‘honey’ or just an embarrassed pause.  Faces went next, and then finally the shared history they had lived with other people.  Parts of their lives simply vanished.  It was as if certain people ceased to exist for them, to the point of having them introduce themselves to their own relatives.

Sometimes you’d find that they hadn’t eaten that day, or taken their medication.  They became fearful and paranoid, even enraged at times.  It was a terrifying experience for them and a heartbreaking one for the family.

The reason I’m bringing this up is to ask you to please give a few dollars, whatever you can spare, to fund Alzheimer’s research.  This whole area  of research is chronically underfunded, so there’s no shortage of good places that could use your help, but if you’re not already connected with a particular group then please consider donating to Tess Gerritsen’s War on Alzheimer’s fundraiser campaign.

She will match the first $25,000 dollars that we donate, so this is an excellent chance to double your impact.  She’s also sweetening the pot with a chance to name a character in her next novel in her TV-adapted bestselling Rizzoli & Isles series.  From her fundraising page:

EACH $5 DONATION ($25 donation = 5 chances) ENTERS YOU IN A RAFFLE TO WIN:

TWO GRAND PRIZES
– Two opportunities to name a character in Tess’ next “Rizzoli & Isles” thriller, coming in 2014. The named character’s role in the story is up to the discretion of the author.

Three runners-up “Rizzoli & Isles” prize packages including:
– Signed copy of Tess’ most recent hardcover, LAST TO DIE
– “Rizzoli & Isles” baseball cap, tee shirt and surgical scrub top
– Handcuff earrings

Tess has pledged to match total funds raised up to $25,000 – let’s help her get there!

From Tess: Why I chose to donate to The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI):

– It’s ranked as one of the most influential scientific institutions in the world (Source: Thomson Reuters), and is one of the world’s largest independent nonprofit organizations for biomedical research.

– TSRI has produced a steady stream of medical breakthroughs leading to new therapies for a wide range of illnesses.

– TSRI’s 1200 scientists include three Nobel Laureates and 26 fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The institute attracts scientists from around the world.

– For the third consecutive year, TSRI has been awarded a four-star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator for fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

– With research centers in both California and Florida, TSRI facilities are located in geographically creative hotspots, fueling collaboration and cross-pollination with other research institutions.

Please help if you can.  Here’s Tess: