The Project
The Reason
Creative activities for those with dementia provide a sense of accomplishment. In addition, it challenges different areas of the brain, enhances cognitive function, and helps motor functions. For myself, on the days where I haven't lost all my patience I reap the reward and comfort of emotional connection with my mom.
My Mom
Mom has PCA, the right side of her brain is shrinking, underlying cause - Alzheimer’s. A genetic disease that has struck three generations of our family. I have 1 of the 4 variants.
Alzheimer's changes a person in ways you can't imagine. Looking back I see the similarities with my grandfather and my mother. They are similar to a loon. No longer a social bird, a solitary creature or at least in their mind. She relies on a support system much like a loon relying on water
She's always been a great artist but as her disease has progressed her ability to follow direction and spacial awareness has decreased. She can't sit still. She wants to have a job. She wants to help find a cure.
The Objective
Winters are hard - when all the other birds fly south. Mom stays up North with me. Last year I noticed a pretty big set back in cognitive function. I feared this winter and how I could keep her stimulated enough while I worked a full time job.
I have no idea how I thought about prints - but thought ultimately if I could carve it - she could stamp. As time has passed, she continues to decline and I continue to morph the project so she can still participate.
The Mission
I read somewhere (ironically I can't remember where) that some spiritual cultures believe that water is a symbol for dreams and multiple levels of consciousness - therefore, Loons teach us to follow our hopes, dreams and wishes.
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It is my hope that this project gets us through this season and many more seasons of change without more setbacks.
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It is my wish there is a cure for my moms dementia, a cure for Alzheimers.
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It is my dream that this project raises money to help find a cure for future generations.
This is our journey to raise money to find a cure, to spread kindness, awareness, love and inclusivity through The Loon Project.
50% of each sale will be given to the Alzheimer's Association in support of their mission and the rest will go toward supporting our mission.