Aloha, I have just returned from a place in LA which should be an example of what care partners and diagnosed persons should have available to them in every city, province or just plain near by. The name is Leeza's Place and I was invited there, as a person with dementia, to discuss the story of dementia.
Leeza's Place is planned with heart and covers the minor details to the overwhelming areas, including preserving memories lost with these diseases. The organization helps the recently diagnosed and the care partners in a way that touches the soul, spirit and heart of every person walking through their doors.
After 16 years of trying to get people to listen (including medical staff), Jamie [Huysman], Leeza Gibbons and others heard me. It was like my 16-year journey finally had purpose.
I struggled for a diagnosis for 6 years and found a life raft on the Internet called DASNI . (Dementia Advocacy and Support Network International). This family has kept my spirit crying out to be heard. I have spoken in Oklahoma, Montana, California, Oregon, Washington, Canada and Spain, promoting my book (Just Love Me) and DASNI.
Now back in a place where only my lectures allow me to be heard, I have become VP of the Council of the Americas. My job is an important part of DASNI - to upgrade information about the group. My plans are big and with the help of my special friends, Leeza's Place and, above all, my DASNI community and I have a new avenue to run, to laugh, to cry, to promote awareness. My goal is to make sure that every person wanting to learn how to join the journey with a PWID (person with dementia) you love and or care for, can hear it from Leeza's Places and DASNI.
From every bone in my body I thank Leeza's Place(s) - for the co-partner and family they represent and for how they stand for DASNI.
Aloha and Thanks,
Jeanne L. Lee
