Patricia “Patsy” Martin
Alzheimer’s disease impacts many people, including many of the Alzheimer’s San Diego staff. Our very own Marci Martin has become a top Walk4ALZ team captain in recent years, with this year being her third year as a team captain.
Marci’s biggest reason for walking is to honor the memory of her mother-in-law Patricia “Patsy” Martin, who passed away from vascular dementia.
“My mother-in-law Patsy had a passion for life. She valued education and worked for many years in that field, beginning as a classroom teacher, then as principal and eventually holding a post as a College Board of Trustee,” Marci says. “Patsy loved to travel and treasured the time spent with her children and grandchildren. Music was always a part of every family gathering, whether it was enjoying her player piano, classical music on the stereo, or the lively sing-alongs to her favorite tunes from The Sound of Music!”
“I saw the progression of memory loss and how her disease slowly robbed her of vitality,” she adds sadly.
For Marci, the walk is about recognizing the tremendous sacrifices of caregivers, too.
“I also walk as a way to honor and thank my sisters-in law, Lisa, Helen and Amy, who bared the brunt of the caregiving so their mom would live her final days with love, dignity and comfort in Arizona.”
Marci was proud to support Alzheimer’s San Diego, even before she was an employee.
“One thing I’ve learned is the necessity to reach out for help. Caregiving cannot be done alone. Even if a loved one battling dementia is in another town or state, Alzheimer’s San Diego can help. I walk to ensure other families will have the critical resources, education and social activities needed for their journey,” Marci says. “I’ve witnessed the stress and heartache families have when they come to ALZSD looking for help. But I’ve also seen the hopeful smiles after they have met with one of ALZSD’s Dementia Care Consultants. While the Walk4ALZ is just once a year, ALZSD is working hard all year long to assist families in need.”
Marci encourages people currently caring for someone with dementia to try and live in the moment.
“Our team name changed this year to Memory Makers, to emphasize the importance of creating special memories for our loved ones while we can,” explains Marci. “I walk to spread the word about Alzheimer’s and dementia and to help raise funds for much needed research for a cure and pray a breakthrough is on the near horizon. I am grateful for the many friends and family who have answered my emails asking for support over the years, and even walking with me on walk day! It’s a short walk, but the impact is tremendous.”
