“C’mon Mom, just step forward.  You won’t fall”

I might as well have asked her to leap into the Grand Canyon.

I’d never seen behavior like this from anyone, let alone Mom. We didn’t know it at the time, but Mom had Lewy body dementia.  She had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease years earlier but was always so sharp mentally. Then this! We attributed the hallucinations to new surroundings and stress – and Mom always had a tendency to worry. But not being able to step from carpet to tile?  Wow.

We went on-line and researched the symptoms.  Sadly that day, we discovered Lewy body dementia. A few days later, her doctor confirmed it. Fortunately, we also discovered the Lewy Body Dementia Association. In the 2 ½ years that Mom lived after that day, we visited the LBDA web site frequently. While we knew Mom’s condition would not improve, we learned how to help her, and also learned that we were not alone. 

Lately, running has become sort of a personal passion.  I do some of my best thinking with each step.  Not a day goes by that I don’t think about how Mom couldn’t walk at all as her LBD progressed. 

So in tribute to her and to help all LBD families, I am going to donate $5.00 for every mile I run during October, LBD Awareness Month. My goal is to run 150 miles in October, and you are welcome to donate per mile! We hope to raise at least $5,000 for LBDA. Join me in supporting LBDA by donating on this page during the month of October! Remember, every step we make is a step forward to help LBD families.

Please join us as by Standing Strong for LBDA, and stepping forward for those who can’t.

Together in Service,

Angela Herron
President, LBDA Board of Directors