“We’re going to make lemonade out of this …” Michael Dziak upon hearing his wife’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s.
On a fateful day in September, Edna Dziak was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She was 53.
Michael remembers the day clearly. After many months of doctors’ visits to identify the mystery behind Edna’s symptoms, the couple was called back to Emory University to meet with the med-ical team.
“We had agree that no matter what we learn, that we will work together to get through it.” In that pivotal moment, Edna seemed to acknowledge her diagnosis with a seemingly tired, “OK.” And Michael made a commitment in that instant that he would keep his beloved, productive, dignified and safe for as long as possible. Secondly, that together, they would find a way to share what they learn from their journey with the disease.
Now, 11 years later, Edna is on hospice care and lives the life of a one year-old (per Michael). Progressive complications of the disease have rendered her almost incapacitated and she spends most of her day in a transport chair in a listless stare. When Edna does answer to her name, usual-ly on the third try, it’s a small moment of celebration for her husband. Edna’s present condition is a stark contrast of a contributing citizen who garnered a 30-year service award from Delta Air Lines (Edna worked for 18 months after diagnosis processing loans until she transitioned to per-manent disability).
In preparing for each step of Edna’s journey with Alzheimer’s, Michael assembled a comprehen-sive team to manage not just his wife’s physical care but her psychological, spiritual, legal, finan-cial and end-of-life needs. He also learned that it was OK to accept help from family and friends – and nd equally important to take care of himself. While Edna’s care is attended to by health care professionals during the day, Michael works close by in his home. At exactly 4 p.m. he shuts down his office to begin caring for his wife’s needs, until the next change of shift at 9 a.m.
The sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., Alzheimer’s claims about half a million lives a year, more than breast and prostate cancer combined. Every 67 seconds, someone is diagnosed with the devastating disease, which remains today without a cure. Thankfully, funds raised thorough initiatives of the Alzheimer’s Association such as the “Walk” go towards finding a cure and providing services for caregivers and those afflicted with the disease and other forms of demen-tia.
The Southern Crescent Walk to End Alzheimer’s has been an integral part of the fight against Alzheimer’s. In addition to the local support groups offered through the Association, Michael and Edna have established life-long friendships by joining the Walk. This will be their 12th year alongside hundreds, each motivated by his or her personal experience. The event will be held in Peachtree City Saturday, Oct. 3.
“The Walk is our opportunity to come together as a community in the fight against Alzheimer’s,” said Sue Shaffer, the Walk Chair. “It’s our chance to support each other and feel the hope of a better future.” To date, sponsors, corporate and family-friend teams have helped raised over 2 million dollars through the annual gathering.
Today, Michael Dziak is unable to answer what the next hour may bring for his Edna. He knows from countless hours of research and testimonies that there may come a time when his beloved may forget how to swallow the food he would so patiently place in her mouth. Or that she may fail to recognize the man standing beside her. But Michael Dziak also holds fast to his faith, and his fight, that a breakthrough in discovering a cure for this unforgiving disease is right around the corner. In the meantime, he will continue sharing their story to benefit others and do everything in his power to care for the woman he had made a commitment to 15 years ago. “For better for worse … in sickness and in health …”
Michael and Edna Dziak live in Peachtree City. For further information on Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Southern Crescent Walk to End Alz-heimer’s, visit georgiawalk.org or contact Emily Richer at eritcher@alz.org.
(submitted by Annie Singh-Quern)
