Dave Myers, an avid traveler and motorcyclist, was first introduced to the Alzheimer’s Association when his wife, Cheryl, was diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s in 2012 at the age of 47. Dave spent the next seven years as Cheryl’s primary caregiver until her passing in April of 2019. Since then, his commitment to volunteering at the Alzheimer’s Association has been driven by the need to help others and share his story.
Dave has volunteered his time on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s planning committee, he conducts several programs and webinars as a community educator and also now sits on the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter Board of Directors.
Teaching others about Alzheimer’s disease and sharing his first-hand experiences with Cheryl has become his personal form of therapy. When asked why volunteering is so important to him, Dave said: “I have gotten through the last year by opening myself to others. There is something in providing hope, information, courage, empathy or just an ear to listen that helps you make it through the tough days.”
Getting involved with the Alzheimer’s Association has also allowed Dave to “feel like he’s part of something bigger”. He is using what he learned on his Alzheimer’s journey to educate others and to let people know that they are never alone. Thank you, Dave, for everything you do to in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
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