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Mary Ann Schoppman

@mschoppman

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𝒾𝓉’𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑔𝓇𝒾𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓂𝒶𝓀𝑒𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓅𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓁
📍New York, NY

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

‘My Dad died 2 years ago today from Lewy Body Dementia, but we lost him to the vicious degenerative disease five excruciating months prior to his death. In July 2018, just a few days after his 65 birthday, it was like a switch was flipped and my articulate, brilliant father was gone. A siege of abnormal proteins ravaged his brain creating a biological change that left a shell of the man who raised me.

The word dementia doesn’t embody the full spectrum of symptoms associated with degenerative brain diseases. It’s not memory loss. It’s a complete loss of reality, replaced with a construct of your mind that is filled with violent paranoia, disturbing hallucinations, extreme anxiety, insomnia and loss of appetite that should alone make anyone drop dead. But no, that’s the brutal truth of Lewy Body Dementia. Yes, it slowly kills you, but it’s not what you die from.

I experienced so many misconceptions about dementia from friends, family and even medical professionals! My Dad’s case was a complex one, but by sharing what we experienced I hope it raises awareness for Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, Mixed Dementia and others. The taboo and confusion around dementia will only end when there is compassion for those who are crippled by degenerative brain diseases and their advocates/caregivers.

I’ve experienced firsthand how quickly people can disregard what they don’t know or understand. In 2020 we have all gained a greater empathy and understanding of each other’s struggles and the impact we have on our neighbors.

My hope for the year ahead is that we raise our standards of care. In a larger sense with our healthcare system, but more importantly at the most basic, human level.’ @mschoppman 💜 #dementia #dementiaawareness #alzheimers #alzheimersawareness #alzheimersfight #endalz

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People are posting pictures of their siblings. here are mine.

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A bit of a #latergram but wow what an awesome class!!

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On stage at UCB. First takeaway: You truly never know when you're going to need a decent parrot impression.

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When one of your friends runs PR for your favorite restaurant!#tgifridays #floridagirlinnyc #stripes #fridaynight #endlesssummer #endlessapps

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playing it cool

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We be FUN, we be FEARLESS. What a send-off from such an incredible group of people who've shaped me more than they'll ever know. Trading in my Zeno green for Lyft pink for the next adventure! Xoxo #zenograms #fearlessforever #greenmachinelove💚 💚💚

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#fridayfeels with my faves #OGs #474

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Our newest team member: Jenga #longestgameever #checkforlooseones #hugastranger #fearless #teamfridays #zenogram

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We are fun, we are #fearless, we are team #Fridays...and @nickeickemeyer is #leftshark #zenogram

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In case of emergency, look for the neon city girls #nature #distractmountainlions #highfiveforhiking #fannypacks

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I'm SO glad I didn't give alcohol up for Lent! We take our Fridays (literally and figuratively) very seriously. #socialinstigators #fearlessfriends #boulder #touchthesky #thatpinkdrink

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