A SONG THAT BRINGS HOPE TO OTHERS.

Byline: Evan Henerson Staff Writer

``An unwanted thief has been stealing your memories, slowly away.

Bravely you hide what you're feeling with the words you don't say.''

``I Will Remember for You,'' by Deborah Franco and Phillip Ingram

The song, ``I Will Remember for You,'' was never meant to be released to the public. Singer Deborah Franco is grateful enough that the person for whom it was written and dedicated has heard it and admires it.

That person, whom Franco says is a ``close family member,'' who is the ``dearest to me in the entire world,'' was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease two years ago; Franco is the primary caregiver.

``I Will Remember for You,'' produced and co-written with Franco by Phillip Ingram, is more than simply a touching song. It's an anthem for the series of fund-raising Memory Walks for Alzheimer's held around the country. And it's a moneymaker for the cause: All proceeds from the sale of the CD single will benefit the Alzheimer's Association of America.

Franco has already performed the song in New York, Los Angeles, Ventura, San Diego and Miami.

``It was something that people responded to emotionally, both the song and the lyrics,'' said Franco, who was born in Los Angeles, grew up in Kansas City and now lives in Sierra Madre. ``I guess because the words are written from me to a family member, it's more a personal outlet, like keeping a journal.''

More than 4 million Americans are afflicted with Alzheimer's, which causes permanent memory loss, dementia and disorientation. It robs a person of his identity, leaving him incapacitated and incapable of living on his own. Its most high-profile victim is former President Ronald Reagan who, in 1994, revealed that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Yet as well-known as Reagan is, Franco said the public has not seen the impact of the disease on the former president and therefore has not learned anything about it.

``He almost went into exile, and I think there's a real tragedy in that,'' said Franco.

``In my experience, and in others who have been diagnosed and are in the earlier stages, I've noticed that people are aware of what's happening to them. One of the biggest myths is that they're not aware.

``When I did the Memories in the Making benefit, they had a silent auction of paintings done by Alzheimer's patients. These were phenomenal paintings.

``Some of these people couldn't carry on a conversation, but there is something still there able to resonate with them that they have to express.''

Shortly after Franco's family member was diagnosed, the two women were talking about a piece of clothing that Franco was wearing. Without thinking, Franco said, ``Well, you know, you bought it for me.''

``And tears welled up,'' Franco said, ``And for the first time, I think the recognition happened. I realized what it was to be involved with a person who is on that journey.''

Sharing that journey isn't simply going to doctor's appointments. Sensitivity is vital. Franco said she had to stop saying things such as, ``didn't I just tell you,'' ``remember when I said . . .'' or ``don't you remember when . . .''

``One thing in my observation as a caregiver is that the patient needs to feel that there is somebody in their world who is aware enough of what this disease does to bestow the emotional guardianship,'' Franco said. ``In my case, it's me.

``In the very beginning, I'd come home from every doctor's appointment and weep, it was just so overwhelming to me. I began to realize that you can't function on that level.''

For Franco, who is about to release her first full-length CD, ``Language of Love,'' in January, taking the time and effort to become an Alzheimer's advocate was not about enhancing her career. The time she has spent promoting or participating in the Memory Walks or other Alzheimer's Association events is time not spent in the studio or on tour.

But when the National Alzheimer's Association asked her to be the first Latina honorary co-chair for Memory Walk, Franco jumped at the opportunity.

``It's such a personally passionate thing for me,'' Franco said. ``I can completely understand now why people like Elizabeth Taylor are out there saying, `We have to find a cure!' ''

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