Alzheimer's Association

"As a kid, I grew up in a memory care unit." 

One could say 19 year-old Daniel grew up in memory and dementia care units. Even before his dad Gene was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at age 55, Gene and Daniel would visit people in memory care and sing to them. At age three, Daniel was playing the ukulele to residents.

“It didn't faze me to be around people with dementia,” says Daniel. “It is just what I always knew with my dad and many of his relatives.” Daniel was just five when his dad was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s.  

Much of Daniel’s childhood involved hanging out at the memory care unit at the Veteran’s Home where his dad lived for six years. “People there became like family to me. It’s where I learned to play pool and brought friends to play. I was the ‘resident kid’ there.”

Gene lived with Alzheimer’s for eight years until he passed away in 2018. “Even in the latter stages of the disease, Gene always recognized Daniel,” says Barb, who was married to Gene for 18 years and is Daniel’s mother. “Their bond was so deep. Even when Gene could no longer speak, he would just light up when Daniel was around. That always remained.”

Honor Gene and those we have lost to dementia and Alzheimer’s with a gift to the Alzheimer’s Association. Your gift will help other families on this journey to access our no-cost classes, support groups, 24/7 Helpline and resources, and ensure that we can continue to advance critical research. Please make your donation online now or by phone at 952.830.0512. 

When you give, you'll join us in our vital mission as we lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia. Your generosity will help us:

• Be a resource and offer emotional support through our no-charge 24/7 Helpline

• Hold support group meetings for those in the early stages of the disease and caregivers 

• Conduct no-cost classes for individuals and families, businesses, faith groups, and community organizations

• Advocate for federal and state legislation to fund research, assist caregivers, and provide awareness about the disease

• Work with primary care physicians in health systems and community clinics to improve Alzheimer’s detection, diagnosis, and care for all

Thank you in advance for your support!*

*Unless you choose to donate anonymously, you will be opting into emails from the Alzheimer's Association about this campaign.