11-02-2025
Forever ‘galentines:' 50-year friendship prevails despite Alzheimer's diagnosis
WATERFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Whether you're celebrating Valentines Day or Galentines Day, love is in the air and friendships are being celebrated.
Two women in Waterford have a 50 year friendship which has stood the test of time and then some.
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News 8 was able to listen in to some of their conversation during Alma Falvey's recent visit with her friend Joanne Rubin, who now suffers from Alzheimer's Disease.
'Can I have my hug?' asked Alma to her friend Joanne. 'Are you doing it for me?' asked Joanne. 'Yes. Love you,' said Alma. 'Thank you,' said Joanne.
Joanne and Alma first met five decades ago, when Joanne saw Alma's 9-year-old son at the bus stop. He was being bullied.
'She said… 'I found your son getting off the bus and he was crying and he told me where he lives so I'm bringing him back home,'' Alma said.
After that, the two women became fast friends and that friendship has never wavered.
These days, their visits are in the Alzheimer's Wing at New London Rehab & Care of Waterford, where Joanne now lives.
'She's my very best friend and I feel you don't just leave someone because they have a problem,' Alma said.
Kristen Cusato, communications director for the Alzheimer's Association of Connecticut, said that conversations with loved ones who develop Alzheimer's are not the same as when they were more lucid. She said that involves a lot more eye contact, smiling and just showing them that you care.
She says Alma, alongside Murry, Joanne's husband of almost 60 years, raised the most money in New London during the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's in September. The money provides support for caregivers and funds research.
Their conversations may not always make sense, and Joanne may not know Alma's name, but she does know what's most important about her.
Staff at the care center say there are 37 patients in this Alzheimer's wing, and visits from family and friends really make a difference in brightening many of their days.
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