About this user
The Story of One More Memory
In January 2004, when Brenda Hounam visited a small town in Ontario Canada to speak about how Alzheimer's disease had affected her and her family, she did not realize how much her life was about to change.
As Linda Westbrook sat in the audience and watched Brenda speak, it came to her that she needed to know more about how Brenda coped from day-to-day. For Linda, the information would be invaluable for the support groups she led for the Alzheimer Society of Elgin.
Later that night, Linda spoke to Brenda about the possibility of speaking further with her. Two weeks later, Linda was sitting in Brenda's kitchen listening to her share her struggles and triumphs around Alzheimer's disease.
Brenda spoke openly of her sadness at the thought of eventually not recognizing her children and speaking inappropriately to them. She wanted to find a way to remind them that during these times, it would be the disease 'speaking' not her.
For quite some time, Brenda had been attempting to write letters to each of her children. If she could complete them, these letters would remind her children of her love for them. Linda mentioned to her the possibility of a video that her children could watch during tough days. Brenda thought that was a great suggestion, but being a music lover preferred the idea of a song.
Linda immediately felt an excitement. She then knew why her and Brenda had met. Linda told Brenda that her daughter, Sara Westbrook, was a songwriter and that she would ask her to write a song.
Three weeks later, Sara met with Brenda and they talked for hours. Sara then contacted fellow musicians, Andrew Ang and Matthew Tishler. A few months later, the song 'One More Memory' was born.
Brenda, Sara and Linda now travel as the One More Memory Team raising awareness and funds for those living with early stage Alzheimer's disease. We have been honoured to have presented our message of hope and possibility throughout Ontario Canada and in Ireland, Greece & Romania.As of Jan 2011 over 7000 CDs have been sold making One More Memory a gold record in Canada.
