Today was our monthly Cafe Le Brain, and unfortunately for everyone, one of the co hosts' internet died, so it was a rather disjointed cafe! We had a few topics on the agenda, including with Jerry Wylie's permission, watching a video made about setting his local support group, called the Dementia Warriors.
Therefore to support those who missed out on the video at our Cafe, for Day 16 of Dementia Awareness Month #DAM2020 #WAM2020, we are not only adding that video here, we are highlighting Jerry's journey from diagnosis to now, by posting two videos highlighting his incredible advocacy.
The first is a video recording of a presentation he gave at the ADI conference in Chicago in 2018. The second is a video that was made about setting up his local support group. It has been an incredible journey to partlt share with him; from diagnosis, to depression, to renewed purpose.
Thank you Jerry.
We are so glad DAI was the catalyst to help you see there is still a good life to live, in spite of dementia.
Jerry presents at the ADI Conference in Chicago
As a keynote speaker at the ADI Conference in Chicago in 2018, Jerry shared his deeply personal story, which included him sharing how he had been depressed and even suicidal after his diagnosis, and his passion became one of helping to stop other people's lives being thrown in the bin after their diagnosis like his was!
People who become empowered to live positively and with renewed meaning and purpose is exactly one of the outcomes the original founders of DAI dreamed of. Life is short, so DAI works towards actively supporting people to get back to living their own lives, and also to have fun again.
Jerry Wylie, speaks on founding the Dementia Warriors.
Jerry often said that joining DAI saved his life, and attending a support group over zoom was the first time he had smiled or laughed since his diagnosis. He is now living the his life with true purpose ad passion, and we all applaud and congratulate him for having the tenacity to keep advocating, until this particular dream was achieved.
Well done Jerry, we hope other members may be inspired to follow you, and we are all very proud of what you have achieved, and how you continue to support families facing dementia.
Read the brochure about Jerry's exciting Dementia Warriors support group.
