IN MEMORY  

In all my years of nursing, I would have never said that I would be teaching about Alzheimer's or any other forms of dementia .

At the age of 53 my husband was diagnosed with a rare brain disease. Little did I know what I was going to be facing that following year. I searched and searched for answers but could not find any.

It wasn't until after his death when an autopsy confirmed Rick had died from a very rare brain disease called Hereditary Diffuse Leucoencephalopathy with Spheroids (HDLS) . Because this disease is so rare, little is known about it. The Mayo Clinic has instituted a specific research team to study this debilitating and terminal disease. Hopefully, someday soon, we will have the answers. Just as Alzheimer's disease was identified as a form of dementia and is more widely understood nowadays, the enigma surrounding HDLS will someday be uncovered.

My heart aches for people who have to go through what I did and this is why I am reaching out to you. I have been there and felt those same feelings and I have asked those same questions.

I am dedicating this teaching course in memory of my husband, Rick

As a Registered Nurse in the State of Florida, I have been in nursing for over 26 years and have had the privilege to experience many facets of the nursing profession.  When tragedy struck my life, my mission in the nursing profession became one of wanting to help others who are experiencing similar losses and the pain associated with those losses. This is one of the areas I focus on in my life. 

I could have never imagined or understood how devastating it would be to lose a loved one, until I lost three family members in just one year - one being my own husband. 

I know the emotional and physical pain you are experiencing; the feeling of devastation that overcomes you when faced with the loss of a loved one. This is why I want to reach out to you, because I do understand.    

Becoming certified by the Dept. of Elder Affairs has been a difficult task, but well worth the effort.  If any of you would like to have a better understanding of Alzheimer's disease or any other form of dementia, I would consider it an honor to share with you all that I have learned.