Alzheimer's Disease does not choose sides.
Alzheimer's Disease does not keep score.
Alzheimer's Disease does not play fair.
On the football field, we may be Blondes and Brunettes, but together we are UNITED as ONE team in the fight against Alzheimer's.
We play for our grandparents, parents, and ourselves. We play because unless we change the course of this disease, it will take a devastating toll on the families of future generations. Game day will come and go, but we will continue to fight Alzheimer's Disease until we win.
Alzheimer's disproportionately affects women, both as people with the disease and as caregivers. As an event created and played by women, Blondes vs. Brunettes sends a message of solidarity: We plan to meet this disease with energy and attitude. We are the generation that can provide both the fuel and the spark in this fight. We are Blondes vs. Brunettes, and we are a team united to tackle Alzheimer's Disease."
I've written before about my grandparents' journey with Alzheimer's Disease. Alzheimer's is, hands-down, the most heartbreaking and devastating disease I have ever come up against. It is the worst feeling in the world to lose someone you love twice - once in mind, and then again in body. Alzheimer's can rob your loved one of everything about them - their memories, their personality, their voice - and their body will continue on as if oblivious to the fact that their mind is gone. Alzheimer's is the nation's 6th leading cause of death (although some research puts it just behind cancer and heart disease, because Alzheimer's is usually not listed as a cause of death - most Alzheimer's patients pass away from other complications, such as pneumonia or heart problems. 1 in 3 seniors does die with the disease, however.), and there is currently no cure and no good treatment option to slow it down. When you are diagnosed with Alzheimer's, you are diagnosed with a death sentence. There is no remission, there are no survivors.
One of my biggest passions is fighting against Alzheimer's Disease. I'm involved with the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Indiana's young professionals group, Great Minds, and have been a part of the Walk to End Alzheimer's for four years now. This year, I joined Team Brunette of the Indianapolis Blondes vs. Brunettes (BvB) game.
Bru Crew at our first practice on May 4!
BvB is an awesome event. On June 28, at Eli Lilly's Colonel Field, the Blondes and Brunettes will take the field in a powderpuff flag football game. The game raises awareness and funds for the Alzheimer's Association - each player has to raise $250 to play on game day. Last year, BvB raised over $30,000, and this year, we hope to raise even more.
BvB recruits young professional women (and men, who often join as coaches and volunteers) to tackle Alzheimer's. It's also not just an Indy event - BvB is nation-wide, with teams across the US (it began in Washington, DC). Alzheimer's disproportionately affects women - both as patients and caregivers. Women in their 60s are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's than breast cancer (Alzheimer's kills more people of both genders than breast and prostate cancer combined). Women are also more likely to be caregivers. BvB also helps raise awareness in general for younger generations - Alzheimer's is not just an "old person disease." When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, it affects everyone around them, and early onset Alzheimer's Disease can be diagnosed in people as young as in their 30s and 40s. Everyone is at risk for Alzheimer's Disease. It does not choose sides, and it does not play fair.
I play in memory of my Granny and my Grandpa, and I also play so that no one will ever have to lose their loved ones to Alzheimer's Disease. If you so choose, you can donate to me here (a $20 donation gets you a ticket to the game and a beer on game day!). We're on our way to tackling Alzheimer's for good. Go Bru Crew!
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