Monday, November 19, 2012

Why you might ask???



Why am I doing this project?  For my mom and others with Early onset Alzheimer's now and in the future.  I feel like there are so many families out there who are on the same journey we are on.  A journey that as a family we are taking one day at a time.  A journey that no one could prepare us for...a journey that we didn't know could affect someone so young.
For the past 3 years our family has done walks, tailgates, and donations to help Alzheimer's but over all I have been keeping a lot of my feelings in.  I didn't really want people to know what my mother is going through.  I didn't want to even talk about it at times.  I think it's time that we all talk about it because keeping it in isn't helping my mom and others like her.  I think it's time to spread the awareness that this could affect individuals before they even become grandparents.  Below are just a few facts about Early-onset Alzheimer's that people might not know.

-Early-onset Alzheimer's is an uncommon form of dementia that strikes people younger than age 65.  Of all the people who have Alzheimer's disease, only about 5 percent develop symptoms before age 65. So if 4 million Americans have Alzheimer's, at least 200,000 people have the early-onset form of the disease. Early-onset Alzheimer's has been known to develop between ages 30 and 40, but that's very uncommon. It's more common to see someone in his or her 50s who has the disease.
So this leaves 200,000 people who have this early form and who are still social, working, parents who might still be raising kids.  These are people who still like to dress themselves, get their hair done, nails done, and be the established adult that they've worked so hard to become.  This is where I found my passion.  My mom still loves to wear her jewelry and look like a beautiful 59 year old women.  I have been trying to find a necklace or bracelet that has her information in case she or someone else needs it.  Something that doesn't make her look like a lost puppy with a dog tag.  Something that doesn't make her feel incompetent.  Something beautiful.  That's why I am making her a Guardian Necklace.  

Friday, November 16, 2012

About Me


Welcome to my blog...this is my first post and I couldn't be more excited about sharing my new project and passion with you.  My name is Rikki and I've been married to the most fantastic man for 5 years!  We have a beautiful and sassy daughter who is the love our our lives...we are kinda obsessed!  I'm starting this blog and the Guardian Jewelry line for my sweet mother Janice who was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's 3 1/2 years ago at age 56.  She has always been an extremely strong and independent women who raised 4 kids on her own and ran her own business at the same time.  We have watched this heart breaking disease change her into a women who is now 100% dependent on her "sent from heaven" husband, caretaker, and family.  She has sadly reached the point where she could easily become physically separated from one of us and it would make me feel better if I new she was safe no matter what might happen in the future.  This is why I wanted to create a jewelry line that she can wear and it can give us all peace of mind that she will have the information she needs in case of an emergency situation.