Thank you Robin Williams!


Can you see the Robin Williams plaque on this Donor Wall at the Cleveland Clinic for Brain Research in Las Vegas, Nevada? Robin's Foundation made a generous donation toward discovering more about Alzheimer's and Dementia. Local residents Lou DeRouvo and his wife have organized successful fundraisers to build this amazing hospital focused for brain research. 
In addition to the modern medical facilities at the Cleveland Clinic, it also has a library with a wealth of resources and books. The clinic staff is very supportive and knowledgeable. The hospital was designed by the famous architect Gehry, who was instructed to make it not look like a typical hospital. The architect used Douglas Fir wood that beautifully guides patients through artistic hallways that resemble an art gallery. The geometric glass ceiling conference room has hosted many Vegas social events and weddings. 
I am one of the pioneers who qualifies for the new Alzheimer's drug 'Lequimbi'. I receive infusions twice monthly and feel the improvement. My husband Chuck receives a vitamin infusion at the same time to keep me company. We both leave the clinic feeling healthier and happier. 💉 

I am also fortunate to have the support of the medical team at this amazing facility. In addition to the knowledgeable doctors and nurses, they offer a therapeutic program of music, art, yoga, ukelele, and support groups. The classes are free to patients thanks to generous donors. I am making weekly use of both the in-person and online classes from home. There is also provide a 'Habit Program' for patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment. We met with our partners for 12 days with a medical team that provided MCI information, support groups, chair yoga, and coping strategies. There are also future follow up sessions planned to check in on our status.

The Lou Rouvo Cleveland Clinic has helped me accept my Mild Cognitive Impairment diagnosis and learn strategies to help my husband and I cope with it. I still feel scared of the future, but am trying my best to enjoy each day. I have a dailty routine which includes online brain games, crochet, exercise, and playing the ukelele. In the summer, the Clinic will offer a ukelele group. For exercise, I walk, go to the gym and do chair yoga. 

I feel supported and fortunate to have this wonderful Clinic in my hometown. I wonder if Robin Williams could have been saved with a clinic like this near him. It is a scary feeling to feel out of control with the  changes in my brain and its future direction. I am doing the best I can to form new habits and to stay positive daily. I am optimistic about my future and am hoping for the best. My supportive husband and children are by my side. I am one of the lucky ones!


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