Stories of hope: Angela
Angela's step-father, Billie, lived with early onset Alzheimer's disease. Despite his early diagnosis, Billie continued to show a positive outlook. Read Angela's story below.
Angela and her family., including her father, Billie.
If you would like to share your story with us, please contact us via email at communications@alzheimernb.ca or by phone 1-800-664-8411.
Hi, my name is Angela and my step-father, Billie, was diagnosed at the age of 56 with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Upon receiving this terrible diagnosis, Billie continued to show gratitude for the amazing life he had lived thus far and a positive outlook for the life left to live with this disease. Billie was a very hopeful man.
Billie found comfort in the support services offered by the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick, particularly the Memory Café which he attended on a regular basis.
He wanted to give back, so he began volunteering with the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick until he could no longer preform simple tasks such as putting letters into envelopes. Eventually, Billie lost the ability to do most of the things he once loved to do, like swim, drive, travel, garden, hike and even the ability to show love to those he once did so freely.
Billie spent the remainder of his life in York Care, where the disease eventually took away his memories, his dignity and his life.
Although he is missed every day his kind spirit and heart will forever live on in the lives of family and friends that had the pleasure of knowing this wonderful man.
Thank you for reading my story.
Angela Meisner
Fredericton, NB