Alzheimer's Club

By Nanci G. Hutson

For Bob Brophy, a musician and Manhattan sightseeing tour guide with an off-beat sense of humor, nothing is even slightly amusing about Alzheimer's disease.

"I'm angry about it," said Brophy, whose mother, Peggy, died of Alzheimer's six years ago and whose beloved father-in-law, Joe Michael, 90, the retired national sales director for Encyclopedia Britannica, was diagnosed with it 18 months ago.

Brophy used his anger to become a driving force behind New Milford's first Memory Walk for the Connecticut chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. The May 3 event will raise money for research.

The 10 a.m. walk -- 1.5 to 3 miles -- around the New Milford Village Green will be preceeded by registration at 9 a.m.

Brophy learned about the walk, a national event, from the Senior Center Alzheimer's support group his mother-in-law, Mieke Michael, attends.

He engaged Joe, a born salesman, to ask store owners to hang fliers in their windows.

"Who could say no to Joe?" Brophy queries.

Brophy enlisted his wife, Felicia Michael, and their band, The Blue Yodels, to play for the walk's early March kick-off.

They then formed a 12-member Blue Yodels' team, with his in-laws as honorary members. To date the team, one of about 30, is the event's top benefactor, raising $5,000 of its $10,000 goal. The walk has some $16,500 in pledges.

Brophy also arranged for a pasta dinner fundraiser Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. at S. J. Barrington's Cafe & Grill on Route 7. Admission, $10 per person, includes a dinner, cash bar and raffle prizes.

Brophy is a nearly constant companion for his father-in-law, regularly taking him to play pool, darts or run errands.

"Joe's always itching to do so something," Brophy said.

Mieke, 88, is Joe's main caregiver but requires regular respite.

Alzheimer's Association education and training coordinator Carolyn DeRocco said the Michaels are fortunate to have caring family members to offer support as they cope with the disease.

"They're so creative in compensating for what (Joe) can't do," DeRocco said. "They keep him very active."

In past years, Brophy and his wife have donated their time and talents to other charities, including two AIDS bike rides from Manhattan to Boston. This cause, though, touches a much deeper chord.

In the words of his wife, Brophy said, there are two reasons to perform: "Love or money."

This is clearly for love, he said.

"If this is the least we can do for my mom and for Joe, then we should do the least."

Memory Walk pasta dinner benefit
WHAT -- complete pasta meal with cash bar and raffle prizes. Music by The Blue Yodels and Doug Mahard.

WHEN -- Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

WHERE -- S.J. Barrington's Cafe & Grill, 48 Kent Road (Route 7 North), New Milford.

HOW -- $10 tickets can be purchased in advance by calling the restaurant at (860) 355-9222.

For more information -- visit blueyodels@aol.com or call (646) 354-0041.

Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk

WHAT -- the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research.

WHEN -- May 3 with 9 a.m. registration and 10 a.m. walk (1.5 to 3 miles)

WHERE -- New Milford Village Green

HOW --Sign up with a team of friends or family, with an organization, or as an individual participant.

Source: newstimes.com (23 April 2008) [FullText]

Labels: Alzheimer's advocacy