On September 21, 2026, I sat on a panel discussion moderated by Ginny O’Leary who is the chair of the Berkshire County Alzheimer’s walk and helped bring the Memory Cafe to our county. I first met her along with Jami Rivera-Diaz Fundraising Manager Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts and New Hampshire Chapter back in June of 2026. It was a great meeting because I saw the passion that they had in supporting those with cognitive challenges. As a new nurse back in the nineteen hundred and nineties (LOL) I work with patients with dementia, and I truly loved the work. It taught me patience and how important it was to honor their dignity. They were people who raised families and had successes, and many were veterans. There were some who didn’t have families or their families lived far away, so we became their families. I wanted to learn about their lives because with a disease like dementia those memories start to fade away. I felt if I knew who they were before this disease robbed them of their memories, I could have a connection with them as I cared for them. I have such lasting memories of those who I connected with. I saw that same passion from both Ginny and Jami.
When I was on stage for the panel discussion, I sat with two amazing people. One woman was in the early stages of dementia and her story was heartbreaking. The slow loss of memory as well as the loss of independence can take its toll. She also spoke about how this was impacting her husband. I can’t imagine that everything about you is healthy except slowly your memories are fading. The fact that she could get up on that stage and share her story is amazing.
The second speaker was a husband who is the primary care provider for his wife with dementia. He shared their journey through the early times of this disease which went from just normal forgetfulness to some significant incidents that made them realize it was more than just part of normal aging. He discussed the challenges but the thing that was most notable for me was the love he had for his wife as well as the fear that she might one day forget him.
I wish more people could have been there to hear their stories, especially healthcare providers. As our population ages we are going to see more people coming to us with cognitive decline. When we can understand the challenges that the person and their family are going through maybe we will be a little more compassionate when we may have to repeat what we said ten times or have to constantly redirect Mr. Jones because he forgot he was in the hospital.
If someone would ask me to show them what dignity looks like. I would introduce them to Ginny and Jami, and I would have them talk to the two amazing panelists I met on September 21. Their actions show what elevating dignity truly means.
If you are free, please come to the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Lilac Park, Lenox, MA., and help them reach their goal on the road to end Alzheimer’s.
2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Berkshire County | Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Charles Redd RN
Dignity Freedom Fighter
