In Memory

In 1998, our father, Gerald F. Cowden (Jerry) was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Our family watched in sadness as this intelligent and proud man gradually lost his memories and ability to enjoy life. Dad’s diagnosis came only four years into a retirement that he had barely begun to enjoy. As with many Alzheimer’s sufferers, while the effects of the Alzheimer’s ravaged his mind, he remained otherwise healthy, physically strong and vigorous. Last year, following several years of painful decline, our father passed away due to complications associated with his disease. He was 73. For us, his disease was marked by a succession of setbacks that gave us evidence that the Alzheimer’s was rapidly progressing. These setbacks were often his loss of ability to handle everyday tasks or having to give up doing one of the things he enjoyed. One of the hardest of these setbacks came two years before his death, when it became too difficult for him to continue playing in his Sunday morning foursome, and he reluctantly put his clubs away for the last time. Alzheimer’s disease steals from everyone - the inflicted as well as their family and friends. Currently, about 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. That number is expected to grow to 16 million by 2050 if no cure is found. This year, in memory of our father, we are holding a charity golf tournament to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzheimer’s Association is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide support to the patients and families affected by this terrible disease. The Alzheimer’s Association provides many greatly needed services such as seminars and support groups, day programs and counseling. The Alzheimer’s Association is also the largest private funder of Alzheimer’s research nationwide. Come join us for what promises to be a great day of golf, food and fun and help us fight one of the most devastating diseases of our time. Mike Cowden Murnane Building Contractors, Inc. Jerry Cowden Sack and Associates, P.C.