Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s gathering

October 11, 2014 at 4:39p.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Sherrin Stambaugh sadly recalled the type of lifestyle and personality her mother had before Alzheimer’s disease changed everything.

“She was a florist. She was fun-loving …” Stambaugh said, unable to hold back the tears and finish her sentence.

The Leetonia woman was referring to her mother, Lou Deffenbaugh, who was diagnosed with the irreversible and progressive form of dementia in 2000 at age 61.

Fourteen years later, Deffenbaugh is a resident at Blossom Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Salem and is in the advanced stages of the disease. As a result, she’s nonverbal and unable to recognize family members and loved ones.

Nevertheless, she was recognized and fondly remembered during Saturday’s annual Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s gathering that began in Youngstown State University’s Watson and Tressel Training Site.

At least 71 teams, as well as many individuals, took part in the walk around the campus to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s care, research and support, noted Helen Paes, the walk’s development coordinator.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the country’s biggest event for those purposes, organizers said.

Stambaugh was one of about 20 members of “BuBu’s Bunch,” a team named after Deffenbaugh’s nickname.

“If I had to pick a second mother, it would be someone like her,” said Bobbie Billet, a longtime family friend and team member.