The sad thing is that we all had our own stories, our own personal reason to be there. And if things keep going as is, those numbers are going to continue to rise.
- It is estimated that as many as 5.1 million Americans may have Alzheimer's disease.
- The incidence of the disease is rising in line with the aging population.
- Although Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging, the risk of developing the illness rises with advanced age. Current research from the National Institute on Aging indicates that the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease doubles every five years beyond age 65.
- As our population ages, the disease impacts a greater percentage of Americans. The number of people age 65 and older will more than double between 2010 and 2050 to 88.5 million or 20 percent of the population; likewise, those 85 and older will rise three-fold, to 19 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- It is estimated that about a half million Americans younger than age 65 have some form of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. (This is referred to as young onset or early onset.)
- It is estimated that one to four family members act as caregivers for each individual with Alzheimer's disease.
For us artists, it's a fun day.
A day to see some old friends and meet new ones.
This group has always been so great to work with.
As the afternoon wears on, there are concerns as to whether or not we will be able to finish on time.
But we all support each other and it all turns out in the end.
Almost done....
The guests arrive at 6pm.
Cheering section arrives....
complete with all the right things to say.
Friends enter...
Some we haven't seen in a long time.
It's time to sign it
and get a drink.
Grab some food...
And on to the auction.
And before you know it... your piece is gone.
You breath a sigh or relief... it's found a home.
And then it's all over...
Until next year.
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