Exhibition

The Alter Ego of Alzheimer’s Disease exhibition is photographic documentaries of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s while combining the art of spoken word to depict the individuals feelings and experience while on this journey. Several artist will be utilized to capture their image and incorporate the stories told by the individual, family member and or caregiver. 

Oftentimes, photographs taken in the manner of documentary photography tend to depict shocking and intense images that evoke the viewer’s emotions. 

The purpose of these images are to educate and increase awareness of a disease that is known to be life changing however, for the individuals diagnosed there exist a being that desires understanding, love, human touch and interaction, and an opportunity to live in the moment to the best of their ability.

It is the plan to integrate this exhibition into communities that are at higher risk and begin the conversation about “Alzheimer’s Disease”

If you are an artisan and wish to join others and share your photographic images of your loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or someone you may know with the disease, or would like to learn more about the exhibition feel free to contact Michelle Mason at (773) 383-5553.

They call me “Andy Dandy”

90 years of life and then they hand me, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease

Please! I refuse to believe this to be my faith, aggressively progressing with hate

This disease!

I despise, when blanket eyes, look upon me, with what they see, defining me as lost

I’m here! I rise, escalating in my manhood, like a man should, gracefully aging despite all, accepting my disease not as a downfall

Fighting tall, I rise!

Far from cries for pity, living pretty within me

The question is can you still see the beauty in me

I rise!

Picture demonstrate mild to moderate Alzheimer’s

According to an article in the National Institute of Health publication, Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually even the ability to carry out simplest tasks.  In most people Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear after age 60. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that as many as 5.1. million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning-thinking, remembering, and reasoning and behavioral abilities, to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities.  Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person’s functioning, to the most severe stage, when the person must depend completely on others for basic activities of daily living.

Alzheimer’s disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. Her symptoms included memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior. After she died, he examined her brain and found many abnormal clumps (now called amylois plaues) and tangled bundles of fibers (now called nuerofibrillary tangles). Plaques and tangles in the brain are two of the main features of Alzheimer’s disease. The third is the loss of connections between nerve cells (nuerons) in the brain.

My name is Michael Ellenbogen. I am reaching out to you because I know you will make a difference in my life.

I am a writer. I am a husband. I am a father. I was a high level manager. In 2008, I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease after struggling to get a diagnosis since my first symptoms at age 39. As one of 5.4 million people living with this debilitating disease, I currently live every day to make a difference. In fact, I am now an advocate for the education and eradication of this disease.

Many people think Alzheimer’s disease affects our senior generation, but they are so wrong. I started having symptoms at age 39. They refer to people like me as having Young Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, or YOAD. Not many people are even aware of YOAD. My wife, who is in the medical field, was not even aware of this. The only people who seem to know about it are the caregivers and the people affected, who will most likely pass away within 8 – 10 years. A new person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s every 69 seconds. By 2050, that number will be every 33 seconds. As of today, there is NO cure or any way to slow its progression. Even worse, this disease will bankrupt our health system if we do not act now.

I am reaching out to you because you are one that can influence others. I am prepared to speak to large groups, doctors, and the media; give TV and radio interviews; and even present my own testimony in a documentary. In addition, I have written a book about my struggles that I would like to publish. It is geared toward patients, caregivers, family members, and doctors dealing with this debilitating disease. I am 100 percent open about my condition because I want others to learn and become educated about something that most people are not even aware of.

How can you help me? Get the word out. Become an advocate and spokesperson in support of the disease. Attend and support Alzheimer’s disease functions and pass it on to other colleagues in your field. You see, I need all the help I can get because most who live with this insidious affliction do not want others to know about it due to the associated stigma. Sadly, many can no longer speak, write or even think for themselves. This disease is not like Cancer, HIV or Heart disease. Many of those survivors can speak for others who are sick. Unfortunately, with Alzheimer’s, there are no survivors, and I need your help quickly because my time is limited.

I implore you for your kindness and passion to help me make a difference in the world. Let’s make Alzheimer’s end with me. Just think of the lives and money we can save if that happens. Please feel free to reach out to me so we can move forward. Thank you so very much for hearing my story. I also pray that no one close to you is touched by this debilitating disease.

Regards,

Michael Ellenbogen

Michael Ellenbogen
2372 Phlox Court
Jamison, PA 18929
215-343-9395 Eastern time zone
authorellenbogen@verizon.net

Grace V. Tebalan is the Operations Manager for Alternative Home Care, Ltd and is essential to running day-to-day business.  Her duties consist of recruitment & placement, as well as interpersonal relationships with the employees, facility professionals, the clients and their families.  She also administrates teamwork and leadership, establishing the office into a solid work environment for her coworkers.  But most importantly: she retains her compassion for the elderly and professionalism to meet each of the client’s individual needs.

            Grace started her early career as a successful Sales Director; however, she shifted her focus and efforts onto the healthcare field because she saw a need for quality caregivers. Understanding the physical and emotional needs of the senior community as well empathizing with their family members, Grace has worked with Fe F. Mangulabnan for more than 10 years.  Her hard work and dedication had earned her a place within the Board of Directors for AHC’s sister company, Alternative Home Health + Care, Inc.

Having been in the medical industry for over 35 years, Fe    F. Mangulabnan is an accomplished Registered Nurse, BSN and has since broadened her horizons in the fields of healthcare. She is the owner of Alternative Home health + Care , Inc. and Alternative Home care, Ltd., managing all operations which include administrating and referral consulting within both companies.  Fe continues to be compassionate about her profession, empathizing with those who are still in great need of expert assistance  in the security of their own home.

Taking pride in the quality of care the agency provides to clients, she decided to expand to home health services, thus Alternative Home Health + Care, Inc. was born. Fe established both companies by being proactive within the health care field, building strong lasting relationships with health care professionals working in hospitals, private clinics, nursing homes and rehab centers throughout the Chicagoland area.

Alternative Home Health  + Care Inc.

Alzheimer’s Speak Blog

Alzheimer’s Speak Radio

Aytce

Change Foundation Inc., Chicago, Il.

Eunice Carson Photography, Chicago, Il.

Landis Cosmetics, Chicago, Il.

Legacy Retirement Community, Chicago, Il.

Lisa Bower of Body and Brains Fitness, Westchester Il.

New Foundation of Hope , Chicago, Il.

Paul’s Pizza & Hotdog Inc., Westchester Il.

Ray Silkman, Saxophonist, Chicago, Il.

RH School of Performing Arts, Chicago, Il.

Sava Senior Care, Westchester, Il.

Shelby Thomas of My Secret Place, Chicago, IL.

Tony Smith of LoveLace Photography

Zeigler Insurance Agency, Chicago, Il.

Join Michelle Mason, founder of the Soul Purpose Program and Lori La Bey, founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio on November 11^th. 2011  at 11:00 am EST, 10:00 am CDT, and 8:00 am PST, and become apart of a panel of health care professionals, family members and caregivers that implement programs for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other forms of Dementia, to share ideas of effective programming and brainstorm on how to gain the support of community to end the dis-ease of Alzheimer’s Disease and ensure a continuum of care.

Memories of life a priceless and precious.  For Ty Watts, photography is about preserving the memory in that special moment.  Every picture is a piece of history, captured perfectly and timelessly.  As a father Ty is aware that life changes rapidly and that it is important to capture those beautiful moments. As a professional photographer, Ty finds incredible joy in capturing his clients’ memories.

With a passion for photography—from the technical process to fulfilling a creative vision—Ty pursues every project with enthusiasm and with a meticulous eye. Specializing in family portraits, corporate/special events and nature photography, he is an accomplished professional whose ability is surpassed only by his love for the art itself. Whether he is completing a series of personal portraits, photographing the architectural beauty of a landmark or taking product pictures for commercial purposes, the satisfaction in creating these images is always rewarding.

Ty bases his business philosophy on three principles:

1.   Every photograph should exceed the customer’s expectations; excellence is always a priority.

2.    Strive to always create art through his work and to bring a smile to every client.

3.    The building of long-lasting relationships is a hallmark of customer satisfaction.

By adhering to these principles, Ty maintains exactly the kind of business he has always admired: one where the customer’s expectations are always exceeded and where outstanding service is always provided and to showcase his passion for photography. As an experienced photographer and a person who genuinely loves to build relationships with others, putting these principles into action comes naturally to Ty.

For Ty, photography is truly about storytelling. He would love to tell your story—call today to schedule your studio or off-site appointment. Phone: (708) 514-4909

Ty Watts holds a B.A. in Economics, Eastern Illinois University and resides in Chicago, Illinois.

Lori La Bey, Founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks

Due to the response we have gotten from the pre-show promotions  for “A World Without Dis-Ease Through Finding Your Soul Purpose” -Nurturing the Hearts of Those We Care For , Michelle  and I have decided to schedule a follow-up show  to help others build collaborative efforts in their areas.  The show will be November 11th at 11 am EST, 10 am Central, and 8 am PST.  Our goal is to help others brain storm their ideas so please listen and call in with what you want to see changed and what your ideas are to make the change.  Michelle and I will share our expertise and help you make your dreams a reality in your community.  None of us can change our CARE CULTURE alone.  This is a job which requires buy in at all levels. We look forward to you joining us to  Ignite Your Care Culture Vision