My Alzheimer's Journey
Part 14 - Friday, May 1, 2026
After a few weeks of skipping Fun Friday,
let’s do it today!
There are plenty of music festivals, art shows, and food extravaganzas happening around the world this weekend. May 1 is also an important historical day.
International Worker’s Day began on May 1, 1886, in Chicago. Thousands of workers took to the streets to demand an eight-hour work day. Today, International Workers’ Day commemorates the struggle of workers to overcome labor challenges in both the past and the present.
Speaking of the present, North Carolina teachers walked out and are protesting today. North Carolina ranks 46th in the nation for teacher pay. The teachers are demanding higher pay, increased school funding, and better working conditions. Interestingly, North Carolina has not passed a budget since 2023.
Before we run back the calendar, Axsome Therapeutics announced this morning FDA approval of Auvelity for the treatment of agitation associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Look for a full report Monday.
The first adhesive postage stamp was issued May 1, 1840, in the United Kingdom.
Speaking of the Brits, on May 1, 1927, Imperial Airlines became the first British airliner to serve cooked meals. Good luck even getting a cold meal on a flight today.
Staying with transportation Amtrak began operations May 1, 1971, with its first train running from New York City to Philadelphia.
Sponge Bob SquarePants debut on Nickelodeon May 1, 1999.
Calamity Jane was born May 1, 1852. Do you not know who she is? Calamity Jane was an American frontierswoman. She participated in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show and the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, showcasing her frontier experiences. Jane claimed a close relationship with Wild Bill Hickok, though that has been disputed by history buffs. What hasn’t been disputed is her fondness for wearing men’s clothing and drinking heavily.
Need weekend plans?
My top five suggestions are:
Beachlife Festival 2026 (Redondo Beach, CA) James Taylor is one of the many performers!
Army vs. Navy Rugby Match (Allianz Stadium, London) The stadium is only six miles from Heathrow Airport.
Aotcaroa Art Festival (Auckland) This is so much more than just an art festival!
Pirates & Wenches Weekend (Seymour, IN) Don’t miss the formal Pirates Ball Saturday evening.
Faerie Fest: The Flower Moon (Duncansville, PA) “magical two days”
I think that is enough fun for this Friday.
I hope you have a great weekend, no matter what you do or don’t do. The cats and I are counting the hours until Linda comes home Sunday.
Not to be a pest, but please make a decision about your level of support for this blog. If I don’t receive monetary support for my work, I may have to find a job as a waiter at Succotash Southern and Creole Kitchen in Durham. With my failing memory, someone would get Fried Green Tomatoes when they ordered Roasted Broccoli. I think I should stick to research and writing.
From the moment I began My Alzheimer’s Journey, I knew that I wanted to build a space that was free and accessible to everyone - a resource for the patients, caregivers, researchers, and medical professionals who need this information most.
As this community has grown, so have the costs of keeping it running. Between professional journal subscriptions, scientific research purchases, and the several hours of research and writing I put into every single post, the expenses have become significant. While I’ve received occasional donations in the past, they haven’t been consistent enough to cover these mounting costs.
To ensure this blog remains a high-quality resource for the long haul, I’ve decided to formalize how you can support this mission. There are three ways you can support the publication:
Sometimes: Donate whatever you can, whenever you can. You will continue to have full access to the entire blog - nothing changes for you, and your support is deeply appreciated.
Supporters (minimum donation of $25/month): You’ll receive full access to the blog, my new Saturday feature, The Week in Review, and a permanent 5% discount at my online store.
Sponsors (minimum donation of $40/month): You’ll receive all the Supporter benefits plus a permanent 8% store discount and an invitation to a monthly live Zoom meeting. This will be an open space to talk, share, and ask me almost anything on your mind. I will schedule multiple times if needed to make sure our international friends can join in.
I never want a person’s financial situation to stand between them and the support they find here, but I also want to ensure My Alzheimer’s Journey is sustainable. If you’re able to, please consider contributing so I can continue to share insight with you and the many caregivers and families who are following My Alzheimer’s Journey.
Please support at the level that feels right for you. I am so grateful to have you alongside me on my Alzheimer’s journey.
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