Marlboro Mom Advocates For Alzheimer's Awareness

MARLBORO, NJ — “Remember Me,” a debut poetry collection by a Marlboro mother of three, chronicles the visual decline of Alzheimer's disease as seen through her mother's artwork.

Cheryl Kempner hopes to raise more awareness about how Alzheimer's affects not only patients but also their families.

When Kempner's mother was first diagnosed with dementia, she began writing poetry as a way to express herself. What began as therapeutic writing evolved into an act of advocacy when Kempner realized how many caregivers and families, like hers, lacked a voice.

“Instead of journaling my feelings about my mother's illness, I decided to write poetry, hoping to help others going through the same thing. Watching my mother decline made me realize I wanted her artwork and memories to live on and impact the way others deal with dementia,” Kempner said.

Kempner's mother's writings and drawings are included in the poetry collection.

The first chapter is a collection of poetry written from Kempner's mother's point of view. “I tried to incorporate what I can only imagine my mother was thinking and feeling,” Kempner said. “The second chapter is written for the caregivers who devote their lives to their patients or family. The last section expresses my childhood thoughts about my unfinished relationship with my mother.”

According to the Alzheimer's Association, as Alzheimer's progresses through the brain, symptoms such as disorientation, mood and behavior changes, deepening confusion about events, difficulty with speaking, swallowing and walking become more severe.

“While Alzheimer's patients may not remember, they are not forgotten. We need to remember our loved ones afflicted with Alzheimer's,” Kempner said.

Kempner hopes to next write a children's book about a grandchild's relationship with a grandparent going through the journey of Alzheimer's, which is inspired by her own journey.

“I hope people are informed when they read my book and learn more about what happens and the different stages of this disease. I want people to have compassion for the families going through this journey just like any other illness,” Kempner said.

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