Margaret T. Morris Center

Margaret T. Morris Center Letter

Dear Friend,

It starts so softly, so subtly, it's easy to overlook. They're getting old after all – your parents, your spouse, someone you know – they're entitled to forget a few details, misplace a few items, repeat themselves a few times.

It's nothing, right?

But, somewhere along the way, it changes. Jim's wife, Ruth, unpacked her suitcase on a trip, only to comment a few hours later that someone else had hung her clothes up for her.

On their return trip home, he took Ruth to the doctor, hoping for the best, but that's not what happened. The diagnosis: Alzheimer's Disease. And he was left wondering how this terrible disease had slipped so silently into their lives.

"Ruth started having problems with routine tasks," said Jim. "I started laying her clothes out for her. One day, I went to prepare breakfast. She didn't come out. I finally went back to the bedroom to see what was wrong. She was staring at the clothes. `I don't remember what to put on first,' she said."

The Facts

Alzheimer's Disease is rapidly reaching epidemic proportions. Fifty percent of people aged 80 years and older will suffer from the disease and younger people are being diagnosed with it every year.

Statistics tell only part of the story. They say nothing about the caregiver's struggle to manage day after day. They don't speak of friends and family members forced to watch their loved ones slowly decline one day at a time. They tell nothing of the isolation, the guilt, the pain – the memories lost forever.

The Hope – The Margaret T. Morris Center: Continuing Care, Keeping Families Connected

While research goes on, the best we can do is ease the burden of caregivers and give the best quality of life to persons with Alzheimer's Disease and other memory impairments. That's what The Margaret T. Morris Center is all about. This beautiful, assisted-living facility is nestled in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by a canopy of trees – a perfect setting for people in need of special assisted living. The professional, caring staff maintains a safe, comfortable and nurturing community for each of our residents. Activities, outings, family gatherings and medical oversight are all part of the care at The Margaret T. Morris Center. You can be a part of that caring environment as well by becoming a Margaret T. Morris Silver Sentinel.

Throughout history, sentinels have protected and kept watch over their charges. Now, you too can join this honorable tradition. The Hellman Family has issued a challenge grant for the Margaret T. Morris Center – dollar for dollar will be matched up to $50,000. By becoming a Silver Sentinel, your contribution of $1,000 is actually worth $2,000. We understand $1,000 is a substantial amount of money, but think of all the good $2,000 can do.

It can help people like Jim and Ruth. At first, Jim labored to care for Ruth himself. Adult day care was a great help for many months. "While taking care of her, I started to get sick myself. I lost 10 pounds and began to have heart fibulations. That's when I learned that caregivers often die before the ones they are taking care of. And that's when I knew I couldn't do it alone anymore."

Jim then brought Ruth to the Margaret T. Morris Center. "Now, I don't have to worry...Instead, we're able to enjoy each other's company. I still sit with Ruth and we can remember the old times together."

That's the secret of Margaret T. Morris Center. It's not just a place that cares for people – it's a places that honors the love, the memories, the unspoken promises. With your donation, you too will become a part of keeping the love alive...now and into the future.

The Difference You Can Make

Your $1,000 donation will allow us to continue providing a safe, respectful and dignified place for people with Alzheimer's Disease and memory impairments, and to lift the physical, mental and social burdens of their family members.

Become a part of the love, the memories and the promise. Please become a Silver Sentinel by sending your tax-deductible donation with the enclosed card today. Our matching challenge grant expires February 15, 2001.

As a special thank you for becoming a Silver Sentinel, you and a guest are invited to a special Silver Champagne Brunch in your honor at the Hassayampa Golf Club on January 21. Come join with other Silver Sentinels who share your commitment to The Margaret T. Morris Center.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Susan J. Rheem Executive Director