Atheda W. Fletcher–
I grew up in the rural countryside of Seminole, Oklahoma in a very loving family that was always adamant about higher education. Each of my six siblings attended Indian Boarding Schools because that was the only available educational route for them. I was fortunate in that I only spent one-year at the Pawnee Indian Boarding School and then was allowed to attend a public school.
Both my Mother and Father only finished school through the eighth grade, but were wise in their guidance. My Mother and Father always pushed education and my Father, in particular, was adamant in his urgings that we seek any additional education after high school—no matter what it was. He was well aware of what it would take for each of us to be successful in the future. Instilling that drive to seek higher education was learned from a very young age, and all but one sought to achieve higher education. My family is proud to have a PhD, a BA, Nutritionist, Aeronautical Engineer, Welder, Certified Administrator and a stay-at-home mom.
This drive to learn more, seek more and help others along the way is one reason why I was eager to join the Brain Health Advisory Council. The other reason, having a better understanding about dementia and seeing the whole picture drives me to help in any way to bring more awareness and call to action the need for more attention to living a healthier lifestyle. I strongly believe it is so important to bring this awareness to our youth and even to older adults as it is never too late.
Previously, I didn’t have a full understanding of dementia and its effect on the individual and the family. I now know that my Mother experienced dementia and so did my oldest sister. Until I joined the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System to work on the Alzheimer’s Disease Program Initiative grant, I truly did not have a full understanding of how dementia affected individuals and families. I wish that I had this knowledge at the time that my Mom and Sister were experiencing dementia. What a difference it would have made in so many areas of our lives.
Being a partner with all the knowledgeable individuals on this advisory council is such an honor. I have a genuine interest in helping bring more awareness to our Native American populations about living a healthy lifestyle. And, dear to my heart, awareness of dementia and how it impacts the brain and each and every one of us. It is my chance to contribute to making a real impact, to share my knowledge and ideas. Health is today, not tomorrow!
