Monday, August 29, 2016

Gene Wilder Dies at 83 from Alzheimer's

Gene Wilder, Star of ‘Blazing Saddles’ and ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,’ Dies at 83


I have enjoyed watching this very creative actor on-screen. I was surprised to learn of his passing the other day and that he has passed from Alzheimer's. Adding him to the long list of celebrities and individuals that have died from this disease is so sad.  I found this image of him that shows him towards the end of his battle. Frail, sick, not the "Gene" everyone knew. This is one of the things that happens with the person. Drastic appearance change. Of course he was aging, but I can say from experience the change that happens from Alzheimer's is shocking, and if you have not experienced it yet, when you do it is a shock to the system, because it is something you don't expect to see or happen as part of the disease.  We focus on the mind.  The disease starts with the mind but then ravages the body.  RIP Gene Wilder. You will be missed Mr. Willy Wonka.



Gene Wilder in 1979. (Photo: Steve Wood/Rex/Shutterstock)
By Joel Ryan

Gene Wilder, the blue-eyed, frazzle-haired actor who elevated panic to a comic art form in frequent collaboration with Mel Brooks (The ProducersYoung Frankenstein) and Richard Pryor (Silver StreakStir Crazy), died on Sunday in Stamford, Conn., from complications from Alzheimer’s disease. His family confirmed the news to the AP. Wilder was 83.
Wilder perhaps is most fondly remembered as the captivating candy man and “Pure Imagination” crooner of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Blazing Saddles, helmed by Brooks and co-written by Brooks and Pryor, and Bonnie and Clyde are two other classics among Wilder’s roughly three dozen TV and film credits.
Though associated with funnymen Brooks and Pryor — he worked on three movies in all with Brooks and co-starred opposite Pryor in four — Wilder was quietly adamant that he was not a comic.
“I am really not — except in a comedy film,” Wilder said in 2013.
Maybe because others perceived him as an actor first as well, Wilder was the rare comedy star who was made welcome at the grownup table. He was twice nominated for an Oscar: a Best Supporting Actor nod for The Producers and a screenplay nod for his and Brooks’s Young Frankenstein.  
Wilder was previously married to Saturday Night Live star Gilda Radner, and in the wake of her death in 1989, he became a leading proponent of ovarian cancer screening and research. He’s survived by his fourth wife, Karen Webb.
Born Jerome Silberman on June 11, 1933, in Milwaukee, the future star became a comic actor almost from the start — and for a tragic reason: His mother suffered from heart disease, and since it was feared stress would kill her, laughter was demanded. Wilder, who went on to be one of the screen’s leading neurotics, would trace his own neuroses to the experience.
“My mother was suffering every day of her life, and what right did I have to be happy if she was suffering?” Wilder told the Washington Post in 2005. “So whenever I got happy about something, I felt the need to cut it off, and the only way to cut it off was to pray. ‘Forgive me, Lord.’ For what, I didn’t know.”
Wilder’s mother survived into his early 20s; she died, as Radner would decades later, of ovarian cancer. By the time of his mother’s death, Wilder was already a veteran actor, having been drawn to the stage as a teen. His early life took the familiar course of the draft-era young man: college (University of Iowa, then England’s Bristol Old Vic Theatre), then the Army, then back to civilian life. The former Jerome Silberman marked his return with a new name: Gene, depending on the source, chosen either in honor of a Thomas Wolfe character or his late mother, Jeanne; Wilder, for the author Thornton Wilder.
Wilder began to appear on the Broadway stage in the early 1960s. The 1963 play Mother Courage and Her Children paired him with Anne Bancroft and brought him into the orbit of her then-boyfriend Mel Brooks.
Four years later, in 1967, and a few months after he’d made his film debut in Bonnie and Clyde, Wilder starred in Brooks’s The Producers. (Because the future classic was a slow starter, to put it mildly, The Producers was not released in New York and Los Angeles until 1968.)
In Bonnie and Clyde and The Producers, Wilder played mild-mannered types driven to hyperventilation by bank robbers (the former) and a scheming Broadway impresario (the latter).  The parts arguably were his destiny: “When God saw Gene Wilder,” Brooks wasquoted as saying, “He said, ‘That is prey. And we’ll put him on Earth and everybody will chase him and have some fun.'”
In his mid-30s, and amid the “New Hollywood” revolution, Wilder was suddenly a leading man. He was not, however, suddenly everywhere, in everything.
“I was always very selective,” Wilder said of his movie choices. “No, selective isn’t the right word.”
“Egomaniacal,” he decided, was what he was looking for.
For the choosy Wilder, Willy Wonka, a musical rendering of the Roald Dahl children’s book about greed, chocolate, and one good kid, was just his fifth film. At the time of its release, in 1971, and for a few years after, it was portrayed as a flop because, box-office-wise, it was. For a time, even Wilder spoke of Willy Wonka as being one of the films that “ended” the first part of his movie career.
“I started all over again with Woody Allen in Everything You Wanted to Know About Sex,” Wilder said in 1976.
True enough, Wilder was a comic star anew for playing a doctor who falls in love with a sheep in Allen’s anthology. Then he reteamed with Brooks for Blazing Saddles andYoung Frankenstein, both released in 1974, and he was a comic superstar.
While Brooks wrote and directed the Old West spoof Blazing SaddlesYoung Frankenstein was Wilder’s baby. He started with the title and worked it into a full-blown, homage/parody of the black-and-white Universal horror classics. Brooks would end up directing that movie too, as well as rewriting the script with Wilder.
“While we were making Blazing Saddles, we worked on the second draft of Young Frankenstein,” Wilder recalled.  
Wilder and Brooks never collaborated in any significant way after Young Frankenstein. There was no falling out; there were just different styles.
“Our ideas of comedy are quite different,” Wilder told UPI in 1977. “Mel likes the fall-down stuff. I favor romantic humor.”
Wilder began directing himself, in 1975’s The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother, and 1977’s The World’s Greatest Lover, and found a new comedy partner in Pryor, starting with the 1976 heist comedy Silver Streak.
“At the end of a take,” Wilder recounted to the New York Daily News of his first day shooting with Pryor, “we burst into the same song at the same time. … From then on, we began trusting each other in a way I haven’t experienced with any actor.”  
Silver Streak was a hit, as was the prison-set, Sidney Poitier-directed Stir Crazy, released in 1980, months after Pryor’s life- and career-changing self-immolation suicide attempt.
It would be almost a decade before Wilder and Pryor teamed up again, in 1989’s See No Evil, Hear No Evil. In the interim, Wilder had acquired another screen partner: Radner.
The two met on the 1982 crime comedy Hanky Panky, also directed by Poitier. Wilder and Radner married in 1984 and went on to work together in 1984’s The Woman in Redand 1986’s Haunted Honeymoon, both directed by Wilder.
Then Radner began to not feel right — it would take doctors months to deliver the grim diagnosis: stage 4 ovarian cancer. For nearly three years, until her death at age 42 in 1989, Radner was in and out of treatment, and in and out of hospitals. “Gilda went through the tortures of the damned, and at the end, I felt robbed,” Wilder told People in 1991. “All along I kept hearing Gilda saying, ‘Don’t just sit there, dummy, do something!'”
Wilder would go on to testify before Congress about the importance of screenings and knowledge of family health history and co-found Gilda’s Club, a cancer-support organization that started (and remains) in New York City and spawned numerous chapters.  
Wilder, who was married and divorced twice before his union to Radner, wed Webb, a hearing specialist he’d worked with on Hear No Evil, See No Evil, in 1991.
Wilder would work in only a handful more TV and film projects, including one last comedy with Pryor, 1991’s Another You. The movie was panned and, worse, showed Pryor in marked physical decline from the multiple sclerosis that would claim him in 2005.
In 1999, Wilder was diagnosed with lymphoma, but by the time he went public with his health, in 2000, he was already said to be in remission.
Wilder began a low-key retirement after winning a Primetime Emmy for a 2003 guest-starring turn on TV’s Will & Grace.
Away from Hollywood, Wilder said he enjoyed his life, his wife, his writing, and no longer having to deal with the business of show business.
Along the way, Wilder’s old flop Willy Wonka became considered a children’s fantasy classic. The 2005 Johnny Depp-Tim Burton take, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, of which Wilder was famously no fan, served only to make the older version ever more relevant.
In the end, Wilder, who could do panic like few others onscreen, sounded serene.  
“I’ve become pretty philosophical about a lot of things, including death. It doesn’t get to me,” Wilder told London’s Telegraph in 2005. “At this point, the way I feel, if it’s over, it’s over.”

Friday, August 19, 2016

Alzheimer's Forum 2016!

Alzheimer’s Forum 2016        By: Brooke. M. Westlake
Team NEVADA at the annual ALZ Forum 2016

Cathy & I headed to ALZ Forum 2016




















I have never been to an Alzheimer’s forum. The first time I heard about this was through my Nevada Policy Committee Team.   I am so glad that I went to Forum in 2016! It was very educational, and I was able to connect with others that had experience with Alzheimer’s/dementia.
Team Nevada! Representing Nevada for the ALZ Forum 2016







My journey for forum all started when I happened to be on the same flight as my awesome teammate Cathy.  Cathy and I were able to spend time getting to know one another.  I got to hear her personal story about her mother and how Alzheimer's has effected her and her family.  Every time I heard a story about Alzheimer's, it reminded me of why I volunteer and do what I do for the cause.

Monday April 4th I attended the “First Timers” program for forum.  I listened to speakers, John Funderburk, The Director of Advocacy for the Alzheimer’s Association, Matthew Baumgart, and The Senior Director of Public Policy for the Alzheimer’s Association. Last but not least, the ending speaker Stephanie Vance, 25 year veteran of the Washington D.C. political scene. I enjoyed her the best.



     
The evening event had speaker Bob Marino, Member at large of the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM).  http://alzimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/AIM-Factsheet-2015-web.pdf

Nancy Nelson, Author Blue River Apple.
She is living with Alzheimer's.
www.blueriverapple.com
“State Roll Call” was one my favorite highlights.  Each State has an individual or individuals that came up to the microphone in front of a room filled with 2,500 people. They introduce themselves, shared what their personal connection is or was with the Alzheimer's, and then provide a fact or something interesting that their State had done the prior year in regards to Alzheimer’s.
The two most memorable “State Roll Calls” were Brandon Barkwell “Brandon Barkwell, 15, has attended two Advocacy Forums. His father, Brian, was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer's in his late ‘40s, when Brandon was 5.” Being a mom of a son and having experience with Alzheimer’s, my heart sank when Brandon spoke about his dad. I felt so broken for him. Later on, at forum I saw him and I had to give him a hug and commend him on for his courage.
Team Nevada-State Roll Call!




The other memorable “State Roll Call” was a gentleman around 40s or early 50s. I can not recall his name.  I believe he was representing the State of Arizona.   I can recall crying as he spoke. He was living with Alzheimer’s. He struggled with his speech and his wife was there to guide.  She pointed out the words on the paper one by one. At the end of his roll call the whole audience stood up and cheered for him.
Young Advocates Networking Group Photo.
To tie up the evening I got to have drinks with my Nevada team and then I attended the Young Advocates Networking program.  


This was great, because I got to meet individuals my age that all have or had a personal connections to Alzheimer’s.  I especially enjoyed meeting Brent Oldham, YPAAL Advocacy Chair for Lansing county @YPAALMichigan and Terry Steetman, Co-Chair /Co-Founder of YPAAL of Lansing county.  These two gentleman were also a hoot to hang out with.  I am so proud that they are both bringing awareness to Alzheimer’s
Fellow sister queen, Christine Williamson, Miss Mountain Empire, for MAO-Miss Tennessee 2016






Jessica Rothhaar, Manager, Policy and Advocacy, Alzheimer's Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada. Demonstrating the "Ask"


















Tuesday April 5th was a very busy day.  Presentations were provided on this day as well as break out training “Ask” sessions. The first meeting was for AIM. AIM stands for the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement. It was put together separate from the Alzheimer’s association to support both political parties who are advocates for Alzheimer’s.  This was followed up by a General session on Capitol Hill, followed by a group lunch. We had guest speaker Charlie Cook, political analyst, commentator and publisher of The Cook Political Report.  He was very comical and I enjoyed listening to him; however my highlight from my group lunch was meeting Nancy Nelson www.BlueRiverApple.com She and I had a lovely conversation. When I asked her about her connection with Alzheimer’s she looked at me and said “I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.”  Meeting her was defiantly a highlight because having an individual speak on their own experience with the disease will help break stigmas. I firmly believe that speaking out on this disease is powerful, and lots of caregivers have come forward to speak up and share their story, but the most powerful way to get the message across to the world is to have an individual who has the disease talk about it. It will break your heart, but it will also inspire you.
Pamela Brown, CNN Justice Correspondent & I
 Our afternoon was filled with our second training for “Advocacy for the Federal Ask” followed by Stat Caucuses. Then it was off to get ready for the national dinner.


Pamela Brown, CNN Justice Correspondent














National Alzheimer’s Dinner was a real delight. The Emcee was Pamela Brown, CNN’s Justice Correspondent covering law enforcement.  There were guest speakers from caregivers to individuals who shared their story in several minutes with their loved ones photo on two giant projectors in the room. These individuals brought more personal experience to the cause. Each story unique. Each background different.  I want to commend the Alzheimer’s Association for having a wide range of individuals. We had a same sex couple speak, older gentleman, younger women. The bottom line is that Alzheimer’s does not discriminate against age, sex, religion, color, or political status.
National Stage for the ALZ Dinner
Terry Steetman, Co-Chair /Co-Founder of YPAAL of Lansing county Brent Oldham, YPAAL Advocacy Chair for Lansing county & I.
 We also enjoyed Speakers: Actress and Author, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Harry Johns, President and Chief Executive Office of the Alzheimer’s Association, Barb Meehan, Alzheimer’s Advocate, Senator Roy Blunt, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Joan Uronie Alzheimer’s Association National board of directors and Advisory Group Member, Beth Kallmyer, Alzheimer’s’ Association Vice President of Constituent Services, and Patrick Peyton, Alzheimer’s Impact Movement and Alzheimer’s Association Board of Directors member.
The dinner concluded with several awards. 
The Alzheimer's Association Champion Award, This award honors an individual, organization or company whose actions have promoted greater understanding of Alzheimer's disease and its effects on diagnosed individuals, families and caregivers.
The Alzheimer's Association Outstanding Advocate of the Year Award
Actress and Author, Kimberly Williams-Paisley
Award Winners' Kimberly Williams Paisley & her father
This award is presented annually to an extraordinary Alzheimer's advocate who has shown outstanding leadership. 





The Alzheimer's Impact Movement Humanitarian of the Year Award
The Humanitarian Award is an annual award bestowed upon a public official that has made a significant policy contribution to advancements in research and enhanced care and support for people with Alzheimer's disease.














Wednesday April 6th- Capital Hill Day!
Senate Minority Leader, Harry Reid & I.
Meeting one with Congressman Mark Amodei's office
Meeting two with  Senator Dean Heller's office
Team Nevada! Cathy, Jacob & I waiting to go
into Amodei's office.
Team Nevada- Washington D.C. Alzheimer's forum 2016
Our last meeting with Senator Harry Reid's office was by far our most amazing ans successful meeting! He agreed to sponsor the HOPE act, and typically he does not sponsor bills. But they thing was, he understood the need. As we sat at the meeting table, Senator Reid told us about a friend of his that had passed away from Alzheimer's. He shared with us his last time seeing his friend and how sad he was that his friend did not know who he was. He understood the disease and knew that this is a national crisis. Its not a political crisis, race crisis, age crisis, man or woman crisis, its an everyone crisis as we continue to deal with the high medical costs.  We are all affected by this disease.