Written by Stephanie Fisch, Director of Public Relations and Community Education.
I recently attended a concert benefitting Penn Memory Center for continued dementia research at the Newtown Theatre with Jerry, Donna, and Kathleen, where the Phil Collins tribute band, Hello I Must Be Going put on a stellar performance. Betsy Szamboti and the team at Artis Senior Living of Yardley organized a very successful event, and I found it inspiring to be in a room full of people working toward a common goal to end Alzheimer’s for future generations. We value our partnerships with both Artis Senior Living of Yardley and Penn Memory Center and are proud to support their efforts.
Lead singer of the band, Alfio Caserta, captures the true essence of Phil Collins, along with the thundering double drums and full brass section. It was a great night traveling back to the iconic ’80s through the music.
When Alfio introduced one of the final songs of the evening, he prefaced it by saying many people are familiar with this next song, maybe they sang it to their children when they were babies, and now it has another meaning for those caring for elderly loved ones with dementia.
You’ll be in My Heart
Come stop your crying
It will be alright
Just take my hand
Hold it tight
I will protect you
From all around you
I will be here
Don’t you cry
For one so small
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can’t be broken
I will be here don’t you cry
‘Cause you’ll be in my heart
Yes, you’ll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
You’ll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You’ll be here in my heart
Always
Always
Hearing this song, I was overcome with emotion at the thought of my mother, currently battling end-stage Alzheimer’s. My husband reached out his hand for mine, and my friend Donna turned to me with loving support. As the lyrics relay, I wish I could protect my mother from this awful disease and keep her safe. As my forever best friend, the bond between us cannot be broken. You’ll be in my heart, Mom, always, always.
Attending this concert excited me for the upcoming Philadelphia Walk to End Alzheimer’s and to grow our team and fundraising efforts. I invite you to walk with our team, Love 4 Lois, on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Citizen’s Bank Park.
My sister is also a team captain for the Denver, CO, Walk on Saturday, September 17, 2022, and I feel like it’s an extension of our team, all working toward the same end goal, to raise awareness and funds for continued research. Together we can make a difference.