SHEFFIELD-What began as meager side thoughts into how to fulfill the wishes of my mother, quickly became a blessing and honor that is turning into a yearly quest to raise funds for caregiver resources and scientific research to faithfully end the battle with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is a disease that has in some form or fashion touched so many lives all over the country. For some families, like mine, it has taken the life of someone we care deeply for.
Several years ago, my grandfather started a battle that would eventually take his life in December of 2018. Alzheimer’s took my hero and turned him into someone I no longer knew. He couldn’t remember my name but would still call me babe, and say, “that’s my girl”. We did so many things together, memories, I hold dear. Watching him suffer was so hard, too hard. Towards the end of his life, I simply couldn’t bear seeing him like that. After losing him that year, I started thinking about my mother and how her memory had taken some serious turns for the worse. My brother and I had to start caring for her, making sure that the little things were taken care of simply because she doesn’t remember how or when to do them. Although the doctors do not think it is Alzheimer’s yet, they are saying that it is a high probability that she will have the dreaded disease with age.
Most of my life my mother, who has not only been a gospel music fan but a gospel music soloist most all her life, would always say that instead of a traditional funeral, she would like to have a gospel singing. With my mother’s memory declining and losing Papaw, at work one day, I was thinking about how I could make moms wishes come true if something were to happen to her. As I sat thinking, God spoke to me and said: “do it now, now while she is here, now while she still can remember, now so she can enjoy the love people have for her and the music she loves so much.” So, I made a Facebook post in a gospel singing group asking if any groups would donate their time for a singing. Before I knew it, all the time slots were filled with groups willing to lend their time and talent to raise money for such a great cause, and I didn’t even have a location yet. I really wanted to have it in January since Mom’s and Papaw’s birthdays are in January. “Lord, would you provide”, I prayed. I reached out to friends. They suggested the Chapel. When I called Mrs. Donnie, she said it was open and I shouted: “thank you, Jesus”. Once the holidays came, I lost track of how fast January was coming. It has been a whirlwind since then. Thanks to a lot of God’s blessings and some pretty amazing people, it has all come together very well. I asked and my friends started helping, The Chapel (The Gathering), the groups, the Long-Lewis Foundation, Morgan Steel Inc. in Memphis, TN, Mikes Meat Market, Muscle Shoals, Alabama Title Pawn, Moulton, Hello Gorgeous Salon, Russellville, Meme’s Bakery, Russellville, Singing River Sweets, Russellville, Dollar General, Mt Hope (my hometown), down to the loan of personal coolers, crock-pots, toaster ovens, bowls, a grill and more. Friends have volunteered to help serve that day. God has truly blessed us, and He blows my mind with every turn. There is even a group already booked for next year. Amazing God!
Why did I choose the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), once I did my research and found out who they were, their mission! The mission of the AFA states that the AFA’s wants to provide support, services, and education to individuals, families, and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure. AFA was founded by a caregiver whose mother lived with Alzheimer’s in 2002 because there was little information available and no support. His goal was to be sure that no one would suffer from this disease alone. The AFA operates a National Toll-Free Helpline, staffed by social workers specially trained for Alzheimer’s caregivers, support, assistance, and local resources no matter where they live. The AFA has a national network of over 2,900 members that serve people in all 50 states. AFA has also been proactive towards brain health by providing a National Memory Screening Program. It provides free, confidential memory screenings all over the US. These sites to date have screened over 5 million people.
So, on January 18, 2020, from 2 pm-9 pm, at The Chapel (The Gathering), 600 North Columbia Avenue, Sheffield, Al 35660, we are going to be hosting the 1st Annual Singing Me Home Benefit Gospel Singing to benefit the Alzheimer’s Foundation Of America. Donations will be taken at the door, and music from Daniel Smith, Joyful Noise, One Accord Trio, One Voice, and Tim Ricketts and Family. There will be vendors (spots still available, $20 each), a silent auction, a full concession stand, serving Pintos and Ham $8 (includes drink), White Beans and Ham $8 (includes drink), Chili with all the fixings $7(includes drink), Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Hotdogs, Corndogs, Nachos, and more. This cause is near and dear to my heart and who knows, I may be the first survivor of Alzheimer’s!
For more information, please call Lori Graham at 256-815-5585, or email at thesavedsouthernerlorig@gmail.com.
To Celebrate my mother while benefiting the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Media Release/Lori Graham
Saved Southerner Ministries Founder
Sing Me Home Benefit Singing Founder
