We’re often used to seeing the progression of Alzheimer’s through medical imagery, statistics and various case studies. But nearly a day ago, a heartbreaking photo of crochet creations posted by Reddit user Rene Wuillermin has surfaced and changed this view by shifting it into viral visual story telling.
Since then, the photo has been shared hundreds of times, resonating as a tragic tapestry through and through, a representation of the brain’s deterioration in colourful stages, eventually leading to a dark, loose threaded scribble.
“I wanted people to really understand what’s happening for her sake and even just for my family to better understand what the process is,” Sara, now 34, told People this week.
The photo following Rene’s mum’s unraveling, has stirred quite the interest through online communities and news sources alike, with touching comments and supportive words pouring through.
“I thought about not clicking on your post cause it aches,” wrote a Facebook user, “but it’s almost comforting to know others could understand my family’s situation so well.”
“We lost our mom in September to Alzheimer’s but she had already disappeared, heartbreaking” said another.
Alzheimers to this day affects millions of people, across the globe with no cure available. This photo has brought the disease into the eyes of public in a familiar fashion, reminding everyone that Alzheimer’s is closer than you think.
“I hope sharing this story will help educate and advocate for more research for a cure.”