Terry Pratchett, revered and hilarious fantasy writer (even if you don’t like fantasy, you’d likely love his stuff), has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. He has a beautiful mind, a clever and wildly creative mind, and it’s sad to know that his mind is eventually going to suffer so much.
Pratchett has reminded hysterical fans that he’s “not dead yet” and has donated half a million pounds ($1 million US) to the Alzheimer’s Research Trust.
His fans have gotten proactive and have already matched it with $68,000 of donations, not including people who have, signed up for monthly donations. Probably tens of thousands more in that.
One website has set up a way to “Match it for Pratchett” through PayPal donations. And t-shirts. I’d feel most comfortable donating straight to the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, since I can’t vouch for the Match it for Pratchett site, though it seems quite legit.
I think it’s amazing the power one person can have for inspiring others to act. It’s hard to put a price on the amount of enjoyment I’ve gotten from Pratchett’s novels. Knowing that someday this research may save brilliant brains like his and ordinary brains like mine certainly makes it worth funding (who knows, maybe they’ll find something while he’s still sharpish!).
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I work at my local Alzheimer Society as the Visitor Program Coordinator. I was so moved by this post. How amazing is it that this man is doing this and he is right, he is not dead yet. His Alzheimer’s is one small part of who he is and I am glad that he is not letting it define him. I am sure that this fundraising is giving him a sense of purpose during one of the most challenging periods of his life. Thanks for sharing.
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