Mary Ellen Klein and Gayle Adams will be joining the movement to end Alzheimer’s disease by taking part in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on September 21 at St. Mary’s Park in Monroe. Registration opens at 10:00 AM and the three mile Walk starts at 11:00 AM with a shorter route also available.
For Mary Ellen and Gayle, this walk is personal. Seven years ago, their brother Dan Adams’ partner of 35 years Max Hancock was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s when he was only 61 years old. As a former Emergency Room (ER) Nurse and ER Manager, Max became concerned with early signs of memory loss. He sought care early on and began treatment – medical and lifestyle – in hopes of slowing down the progression of the disease. Ultimately, the disease has progressed. These days, Max prefers more passive activities, watching TV compared to the active lifestyle he once enjoyed. He also requires cues for basic hygiene and other activities of daily living. Gayle adds, “He still helps care for his dog Sarah Gayle, although Dan has to monitor that too, as Max has been known to feed her 3 or 4 times a day. It’s an honor to walk in honor of Max and his care partner Danny.”
Mary Ellen says, “Max is the smartest man I’ve ever known. A very gentle soul. My children and grandchildren adore him.”
“Max loved the ocean and sailing,” adds Gayle. “An adept oceanographer and former college professor, he enjoyed teaching anyone who had an interest in ocean life or sailing. Ironically, Max believes it was a sailing accident in his early twenties when he sustained a closed head injury that may have contributed to the development of his disease. Besides the water, he also loved birding, horticulture and nature in general. He was also a mechanical genius. He could fix anything – whether it was nautical, automotive or general household repairs – Max knew how to fix it. My neighbors always knew when Danny and Max were visiting as my garden and landscaping always looked pristine.” Gayle adds, “More important than any interests or skills, Max is a good person with a kind heart. Kids love him, and the aged sensed his respect. He would be one of the first by your side in times of need. He is the kind of man you hope your son will become or your daughter or son will marry.”
Special thanks to our Chapter Sponsor Hospice of Michigan and Chapter Media Partner CoSozo/Boomers Rock and our local Media Partner The Best of Aging.
If your family is one of the 180,000 families in Michigan personally affected by Alzheimer’s disease and you want to learn more about how your family can register for the walk, please visit alz.org/mglc or call 800.272.3900.
