Without Warning began in April of 2004. Two people with younger onset Alzheimer’s disease, Marty Bahr and Sandra Shields, were part of the original task force. Their guidance and insight helped to shape the Without Warning program. We are grateful for their leadership and dedication to help others with younger onset Alzheimer's.
Marty Bahr, diagnosed with younger onset Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 49, was determined to find help as he journeyed with the illness. However, he became very frustrated upon learning that programs for individuals his age simply did not exist. With his persistence, our Younger Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force was created.
Our group was appropriately named Without Warning by Sandra Shields, a member of our task force and an elementary school teacher who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 54. She felt as though this disease enveloped her life without warning.
Our Song – Faith
Sandra had a gift for writing poetry. Along with Nancy Swanson, our music therapist, the song Faith was created. This has become a special song to many of our members.
Faith
Although the sun won’t always shine
You must believe it’s there.
And if at times you don’t feel love
Please know that someone cares.
You see faith keeps going on
Belief in things unseen.
Because of course the Master’s eye
Is wonderfully keen.
He sees your every motion
And hears your every thought.
His is the very special truth
That you have always sought.
You see faith keeps going on
Belief in things unseen.
Because of course the Master’s eye
Is wonderfully keen.
Unexpectedly life brings you to your knees.
Just know that there are those out there
That see just what you see.
And so as long as you have faith
Be it small as a seed.
Know your prayers can be answered
Because God knows each need.
You see faith keeps going on…
By Sandra Shieds and Nancy Swanson