Terrie & Laurie: Spotlight Bonnie Ekholm Erickson

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Terrie and Laurie from the podcast, a remarkable individual from Billings, Montana. Bonnie, married to Marc since 1982, embarked on an adventurous journey, moving to Montana just three days after their wedding. They share a life filled with outdoor joys, camping, rafting, and riverside moments. Proud grandparents, their grandson affectionately calls Bonnie "Jama." Known among friends as the "Entertainment Director," Bonnie's creativity shines in event planning. From Derby Parties to mountain seafood boils, disco bus Christmas light tours, and Griswald Christmas Vacation parties, her zest for life knows no bounds. Professionally, Bonnie devoted herself to business administration, notably serving as a Program Analyst with the Department of Homeland Security for 18 years. However, unforeseen vascular incidents led to early retirement at 58, with a diagnosis of white matter disease and early-stage vascular dementia. In March 2023, Bonnie faced another challenge with an early-stage frontotemporal degeneration diagnosis. Undeterred, Bonnie sought help within the online community, becoming a staunch advocate for those with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia. Her advocacy spans the National Alzheimer Association's Early-Stage Advisory Group, Dementia Alliance International, Dementia Discussions for Dementia Action Alliance, and active participation in the Montana Dementia Coalition. Engaging in research, Bonnie also founded and currently leads www.dementiaminds.org, the National Council of Dementia Minds. Bonnie's mission is to raise awareness about MCI and dementia, addressing specific needs and breaking down associated stigmas. Her resilience and advocacy make her a beacon of inspiration. Please join this week's episode of T & L WTD as Terrie and Laurie delve into Bonnie's remarkable journey, shedding light on the importance of understanding and supporting those living with dementia. We kindly ask for your support for the "T & L WTD Let's Talk About it Podcast" by contributing to our valued sponsor, the Non Profit - Paint Clover Purple Association. Your donation can make a significant difference in empowering individuals living with Early Onset Dementia, Alzheimer's, or Brain Change.

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