This article was originally posted on PEHAL News.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — With assist from a former dance scholar, a Lake Park ballet teacher is ready to proceed her aggressive battle with Alzheimer’s illness.
Over the final 8 years, Carissa Kranz has been caring for Joan Miller, founding father of the Palm Beach Ballet Center in Lake Park.
Miller established the studio in 1958 and spent 55 years coaching dancers to the best caliber of excellence in her pre-professional dance program.
Over a long time, a whole lot of scholars have graduated with many pursuing skilled careers within the performing arts.
Today, a number of skilled dancers who educated with Joan Miller proceed to carry out on the earth’s best ballet, fashionable, and jazz dance corporations.
However, the Palm Beach Ballet Center closed in 2013.
The iconic studio was unable to remain open without Joan Miller’s devoted oversight after she was identified with Alzheimer’s illness.
“The studio was taken from her and was closing its doors because it wasn’t going to survive without her,” Kranz stated. “Her home was in foreclosure. She had nothing.”
Carissa Kranz spent 20 years dancing with ‘Miss Joan’ on a scholarship by means of elementary, center, and high school.
To help to help with Miss Joan Miller’s full-time care and group companies, click here.
Carissa Kranz
“Anyone who knows Joan Miller remembers that she was a tough cookie,” Kranz stated. “She expected you to show up and do your best and reach your potential.”
Kranz stated Joan Miller was a stickler for perfection however instilled the ideas of self-discipline in her dancers.
Those lessons are a serious part behind Kranz and her lengthy record of accolades.
After graduating from Dreyfoos School of the Arts in 2002, she attended the University of Florida and UC Berkley School of Law.
Kranz additionally earned a grasp’s diploma from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
“Dance teaches you how to be dedicated, how to problem-solve, how to be a perfectionist,” Kranz stated.
However, when Kranz returned to Florida to observe regulation, she learned about her beloved dance academics declining well being situation.
“She was wearing an ankle monitor in a ward-room with five beds,” Kranz stated after a go to to Joan Miller’s nursing facility. “I was shocked and devastated beyond belief. Her present reality was unacceptable. I was heartbroken.”
Miller didn’t have any residing relations or an advocate on the time, so Kranz took over energy of lawyer and moved Miller into her dwelling in 2013.
Kranz stated her resolution was met with phrases of discouragement and doubt from family and friends.
“Everyone thought I was crazy,” Kranz stated.
However, Kranz moved ahead together with her plan to care for Joan Miller full-time and resigned from her full-time place at a Palm Beach County regulation agency.
Eight years later, Kranz now has her personal regulation observe and continues to be managing Miller’s care.
She believes her success and help stems from the regulation of karma.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, greater than 50 million folks worldwide live with Alzheimer’s and different dementias.
Kranz continues to spread awareness in regards to the illness and the lessons she’s learned by means of her journey as a caretaker.
“Right now is all she understands,” Kranz stated. “The past does not matter because she will not remember it. What just happened a minute ago does not matter anymore, let it go. It is over. She does not remember what is ‘real,’ as the only thing that is ‘real’ — to us both — is this present moment.”
She’s encouraging others to benefit from their life journey by carrying the NOW motion band she created.
The bracelet is formed like a watch, however the silicone band reads “NOW” as a reminder to dwell within the current second.
Linnie Supall
“What Alzheimer’s illness has taught me is that the one time that issues is now.”
100% of profits support the continued care of Joan Miller and others affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
For more information about the NOW movement band, click here.
The Alzheimer’s Association’s free 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) is available 365 days a year, with confidential support available to caregivers, families, and the public.
WPTV is also the media sponsor of the 2020 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Boca Raton on Sunday, Nov. 15.
