Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and for Mount Holly resident Marcella Robbins, this has been especially true. Marcella has a beautiful family, a loving marriage of 30 years with her husband Bryant “Chilly” Robbins, and a job she has cherished for the past 25 years. Yet, nothing could have prepared them for the challenges that lay ahead.
Chilly has always been the heart of their home, taking on the role of primary shopper, nightly cook, and household manager. Despite working full-time outside the home, his love language was acts of service. He celebrated every occasion with enthusiasm, from holidays to birthdays, making each event memorable. “His nickname, Chilly, was given to him early on because he was always so cool and had a gift for staying calm,” Marcella shared. “He took such great care of his family.”
In 2018, Chilly began experiencing paranoia. An avid runner, he started fearing that people were trying to run him over during his runs. This paranoia escalated, culminating in an incident during an out-of-town work trip where he ran over a mile away from his hotel, convinced people were after him.
“My husband saw a psychiatrist who prescribed medication that helped with the symptoms,” Marcella explained. “But I still sensed there was something deeper causing these changes, though I had no idea of the journey we were about to embark on.”
While on medication to manage his paranoia, Chilly began to forget things. “When the man who lived for events and celebrations couldn’t remember what day Halloween fell on, I knew something more serious was happening,” Marcella recalled.
In 2020, at the age of 48, Chilly was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s, a form of the disease affecting those under 65. Approximately 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. With no family history, the Robbins were stunned by the diagnosis, but they quickly rallied together.
Marcella and Chilly have two children: Bryanne, who lives in South Korea, but frequently visits her parents, and Bryant Jr., who lives with them to help care for his father, along with his girlfriend Tonique and their two-year-old son, Bryant III. Both Marcella and Chilly come from large families, and this support network has become their village.
Almost overnight, Chilly went from being the primary shopper and cook to needing assistance himself. “The first year of his diagnosis, my family really stepped in to help as we learned how to navigate his care needs while also maintaining our jobs outside the home. They were our village, and we couldn’t have done it without them,” Marcella shared.
“This is a heartbreaking disease, but you learn to live in the moment. There are sparks of memory that appear, and you learn to cherish them when they do. I am able to take care of him because he has been so good to me all these years. I’m just following his example,” said Marcella.
Marcella offers three recommendations for others who may find themselves on a similar path:
- Early Detection: If you think something is wrong, it probably is. Keep pushing. You know your loved one best and can be their biggest advocate.
- Find a Village: Whether it’s family, friends, or outside assistance, you can’t do it alone. Our family helped stay with Chilly initially, but now he’s able to go to an adult care center every day.
- Have an Outlet to Recharge: Spending time in God’s word is mine. Find something that you enjoy and take the time to do it.
In 2022, the Robbins family got involved with Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Gaston/Cleveland/Lincoln. “My husband and I were watching TV and saw a commercial for the Walk,” Marcella recalls. “Chilly immediately asked if we could do it. At that time, only our close family and friends knew about his diagnosis, so I explained to him that it would be great to do the Walk together. I asked if he was comfortable with more people knowing he had Alzheimer’s. He proclaimed, ‘If it helps one person, then I want to do it!’”
And they did!
They are back again this year as Team: Chilly’s Dawgs, a name that represents the unwavering support and love for Chilly. His grandson, Bryant III, even calls him Chilly Pop.
“I wish Bryant III knew what his Chilly Pop was like before Alzheimer’s,” said Marcella. “But that little boy knows he’s someone pretty special, and they have a sweet bond. He’s just drawn to him. Chilly may not always recognize us, but he knows we’re special people in his life. I’m thankful for that.”
As the Robbins continue to navigate this Alzheimer’s journey, they stay rooted in their foundation of love and family. They take each day as it comes and look forward to walking with their family, friends, and a supportive community on Saturday, October 5, in Gastonia. Their team has a goal of $2,000, and is already well on their way to hitting that goal. And they are accomplishing that through the same purpose as it was back when they participated the first time – to help at least one person through their journey.
LIKE MARCELLA & CHILLY, WE ALL HAVE A REASON TO FIGHT FOR A WORLD WITHOUT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE. Join your local Walk to End Alzheimer’s today as an individual, team, or sponsor.
The Alzheimer’s Association hosts 17 walks across North Carolina. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association® mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.
| Alamance County | 9/28/2024 |
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