Collecting Memories at the Lancaster Poppy Festival
My Alzheimer’s fundraiser to raise awareness, funds, and memories has begun!
Wearing my purple Alzheimer’s gear and superhero cape, I headed with Scotty to the Lancaster Poppy Festival—ready to collect memories.
Scotty helped me redesign my business cards to include a QR code linking to my Alzheimer’s fundraising page.
Armed with purple-foiled dark chocolate kisses (brain food!), a camera, and my new cards, we entered the park. I told Scotty my easy goal: to talk to just one person about my mission.
Approaching strangers isn’t easy, especially for fundraising. I didn’t really expect to get any donations—but even without contributions, I hoped at least one person would be open to sharing a memory on video.
I ended up having success right out of the gate (literally). The security guards commented on my costume, and when I explained my mission, one guard shared that she had recently lost her mother, Star, to Alzheimer’s. “Every time I look at the sky,” she said, “I think of her.”
Before we left the park, I’d recorded two more videos—one from a group of kids sharing a wild memory about a stingray sting, and another, a touching story of brotherly love in the face of grief.
Having exceeded my goal, Scotty and I enjoyed the rest of the festival, making memories of our own.
That night, I uploaded the videos and created a YouTube playlist—a digital time capsule of sorts. My daughter-in-law, Stella, has even agreed to maintain it as part of my digital legacy.
Call to Action: Help Me Keep Memories Alive
Do you have a memory you’d like to share—about someone you’ve lost, a moment you treasure, or even a funny childhood story that still makes you smile?
Help me build a living library of moments that matter. You can record a short video (about 1 minute or less) sharing your memory and I’ll include it in my “Keeping Memories Alive” YouTube playlist.
This project supports Alzheimer’s awareness and honors the beauty and fragility of memory. Even if you can’t donate, sharing a memory helps us all stay connected to what matters most.
👉 Watch the full playlist:
🎥 Keeping Memories Alive YouTube Playlist
👉 Want to add your memory? Here’s how:
- Email memory and/or a video link to:
📧 yvette.francino@gmail.com
Include your name and a title or description for your memory if you’d like.
- Optional: Support Alzheimer’s care and research
🧠 Make a donation to my Alzheimer’s fundraiser
Together, we can preserve stories, honor loved ones, and spread hope—one memory at a time.
