Michela's 50th

Dear friends, birthdays have always been a big thing in the Iorini/Rescia family, a time of joy, fun and celebrations. This year as I turned fifty, as some of you know, my birthday was a little rocky. I was urgently called home since my dad’s health agravated. Luckily things have settled down and he is better today but I found myself contemplating something different to celebrate my milestone—a way to make it meaningful beyond my own life.

My father, a kind and strong man who loved his job, socializing, any excuse to throw a good party, telling jokes, playing his golf, celebrated his 80th birthday a few years ago. It was a beautiful day here in Dubai, surrounded by family and friends, filled with laughter and shared memories. But not long after, we began noticing changes. At first, it was small things—forgotten appointments, getting lost while driving, struggling with words. We chalked it up to age, a natural slowing down. But soon, the changes became more profound.

The diagnosis of vascular dementia hit us like a storm. The man who once recounted stories from his youth with vivid detail now struggled to remember what he had for breakfast. It was as though pieces of him were slipping away, one by one. The disease didn’t just affect him—it rippled through our family, altering dynamics and deepening the challenges we faced together.

Despite it all, my dad remains with us, stable in his condition. We cherish the good days, the moments of clarity when his eyes light up with recognition and his humor shines through. But the shadow of dementia looms large, a reminder of what it takes from those we love.

This journey has reshaped my perspective. I’ve seen firsthand how dementia strips away independence and identity, how it challenges caregivers, and how it forces families to adapt in ways they never imagined. But I’ve also witnessed resilience, love, and the enduring hope for a better future.

So, for my birthday this year, I’m asking for something unconventional. While not expected, if anyone was thinking of bringing a gift, I’m asking they donate to the Dementia Society UK instead. Their work in supporting families like mine and funding research gives me hope that one day there will be a treatment—or even a cure. I dream of a world where no family has to endure the heartbreak of watching a loved one lose themselves to this cruel disease. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to that reality.

Together, we can make a difference, not just for my family but for countless others who face this challenge. Thank you for being part of this journey and helping me turn my birthday into a gift of hope for all those affected by dementia.