Page 34 - Scene Magazine March 2022 47-03

on-set dementia in 2017. He was only fifty-six years old. Eventually he wasn’t able to work anymore. By the middle of 2020 I couldn’t leave him alone because the dementia had progressed. Fortu- nately COVID had me working from home so I could be with him but I wasn’t able to run as much because I had to be home with him.”
Serene was so busy working and taking care of Don that she didn’t
miss running but at the same time she desperately needed running in her life. “By spring of 2021 his dementia had progressed so much that I was having
a hard time working and sleeping. I couldn’t run at all. Don required twenty four-hour care. Watching the progression of this disease is the most devastating and heartbreaking thing that I have had to deal with. Hospice started helping at home in May of 2021, but I was en- couraged to find alternate care because of safety concerns.” Serene and Don’s home couldn’t provide what Don need- ed. Moving Don into a nursing home was the safest and most sensible option. Don moved into a nursing home in July of 2021. Having Don move away from home has been difficult.
Watching helplessly as her husband was losing his independence has truly been a gut wrenching time for Serene. Having the opportunity to reunite with running has been one positive. “Ev- erything that has happened since July has been an emotional drain but it has given me the opportunity to start running again, which has helped pull me out of depression. I used to not run with others but have met others to run with recent- ly. Ever since I lost Don to this disease running with others has helped distract me through the pain. Running makes
me happy but also provides a way to
be able to be with others who make
me laugh. You can’t beat that. It is my support system.”
Running has something that has defined who Serene is since she laced up her first pair of running shoes in high school. For those who are passionate about this sport it becomes a lifeline. She can’t imagine life without running, especially at this season of her life, “If I can’t run, I might as well go back to bed and die.”
Serene’s journey with running has been a major theme in almost every chapter of her life. She has accom-
plished amazing things through the sport from all state high school performanc- es, to a career running for the Naval Academy, and running a marathon in each state over the course of a decade. As impressive as these accolades are, Serene is the ultimate example of the potential that running has in enhancing one’s life. It all started by turning a shy school-aged girl into a confident athlete, showing her that she could accomplish most anything she worked at. It gave her a much-needed boost of confidence.
It has helped her maintain her health through a diagnosis of lupus. Perhaps more importantly than anything else it is a bright light in her search for something positive to get through each day dealing with a spouse who continues to decline with dementia. Her days are not nec- essarily filled with happiness but for an hour or two each day running can bring a smile to her face. Hopefully, as time goes on, running can extend this smile the remainder of the day.
Editor’s Note: If you need added sup- port for a loved one living with dementia in Calhoun County reach out to Miles
for Memories at (269) 979-1412 or visit milesformemories.org.
Meeting the needs of those impacted by dementia.
DID YOU KNOW:
• 6 in 10 will wander
• Many will be unable to return on
their own
• Law enforcement is engaged locally
• Movement matters
• Socialization matters
• Music matters
• Caregiver support is essential
• Documentation supports caregiver
• Research is finding solutions
• Training helps all caregivers
MILES FOR MEMORIES SOLUTION:
• Personal I.D. Bracelet*
• G.P.S. Personal I.D. Watch*
• Help Home Program
• M4M Marathon
• Vineyard of Memories Art
• Melodious Memories
• Respite Care
• Senior I.D.*
• Annual community updates
• Training 30 minutes to 16 hours
TM
During this time of cancelled events and fundraisers your support can help us to continue to meet the needs of Calhoun County. PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION TODAY. Checks should be made payable to BCCF/Miles for Memories.
Miles for Memories is a grassroots organization of volunteers committed to creating solutions for those impacted by dementia in Calhoun County.
* INCLUDES APP FOR CAREGIVER PHONE
Milesformemories.org • (269) 979-1412 • P.O. Box 2257, Battle Creek, MI, 49016 • Tax ID #: 38-2045459
34 SCENE 4703 I HEALTH ISSUE