Billings

Hundreds Walk to End Alzheimer's

Posted: Sep 24, 2012 4:34 AM by Callie Eike - Q2 News
Updated: Sep 24, 2012 4:34 AM

The Walk to End Alzheimer's was an absolutely unforgettable event.

"Well it's hard to describe, I've looked forward to it for quite some time," said Jean Castberg who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's one year ago.

The event Sunday drew in hundreds of people from all around to Riverfront Park in Billings.

"We're here today to remember those people that we've lost to Alzheimer's disease, and also to create hope for those that have Alzheimer's now and their care givers," said Susanne Belser the executive director of the Alzheimer's Association. "We're here to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer's disease."

For people suffering from a disease which robs them from their memory, today was a walk down memory lane.

"I was diagnosed a year ago with Alzheimer's, and my first reaction was it's going to be the end of my life," said Castberg. "Since that time I've done a lot of reading, and have had a lot of support from my boys. I've decided all we have is just the moment that we're in and we have to make the best of that."

Because Alzheimer's primarily effects the aging elderly, the roles are often reversed: The adult becomes the child and the child becomes the adult care giver

"Bill has been my rock. He's just taken care of me and looks out for me, and makes sure that I'm safe," said Castberg."I try to thank him and he says ‘mom, you're my mom and I'm your son, that's what I'm supposed to do.'"

It's a crucial role that these care givers provide as they protect and nurture those they love.

"It was tough because I had mother that was 100% behind me all my life, and she was the smart one in the family. She's slowly losing that and that bothered me," said Jean's son William Castberg. "Now I'm getting used to it and it's fun. We have a lot of fun together...she has problems, I have my problems, but we work through it every day."

Life is a series of Kodak moments, and if each day has to be a clean slate then today is a snapshot worth cherishing

"Life was meant to be enjoyed... lets enjoy every minute of it. Maybe that's all we have, but let's give it our best," said Jean Castberg.