ELIZABETHTOWN — Judy Konowitz had been at her husband's side throughout a distinguished coaching career, experiencing all the highs and lows of 27 seasons of basketball.
And when John Konowitz switched careers, in 1995, to become a financial adviser, Judy joined him as an executive in the fledgling company.
The husband-wife team has been inseparable.
But little did they know how strong this bond would become.
Six years ago, Judy exhibited the first signs of Alzheimer's disease, which affects the parts of the brain that control thinking, memory and language.
As her condition worsened, Judy became more dependent on John and less able to rely on her memory to carry out the day-to-day activities we so often take for granted.
"It was driving me crazy," Judy acknowledged. "But you don't get mad, you just make the best of the situation."
It wasn't long before Judy's best wasn't enough and that John realized he could not leave his wife alone. She would quickly become forgetful, confused and frustrated.
John shared the pain and frustration as he watched some of the simple pleasures of life slip away from his wife.
"Judy wants me around the all time and that's fine," he said. "But I have to be thinking ahead, anticipating her next need. I have to help her pick out her clothes, get dressed ..."
Judy manages a smile, but moments later, she can't remember why.
"Whatever you do now, five minutes from now, it's forgotten. Her short-term memory is gone," John explained.
The two have learned to cope with their biggest setback in 40-plus years of marriage.
"We've been very, very lucky," John stresses, with a nod from Judy.
"It's just another step. What we've really learned is to live moment to moment, and to cherish every moment."
The Konowitzs are grateful for the many friends they've made over the years, particularly the friendships cemented during his days as a coach and teacher at Saranac, AuSable Valley and North Country Community College.
"Since Judy was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, we've been very lucky to have been surrounded by good people," John pointed out. "Everyone looks out for Judy and is there to help us. We're just very lucky."
John Konowitz has shown this appreciation by organzing the First Alzheimer's Awareness Basketball Tournament — a four-day, eight-team affair scheduled for next week in Elizabethtown and Moriah.
Not only will the two tournaments offer an early-season glimpse of area high-school basketball fortunes, it will raise money in the fight to unlock the mysteries of Alzheimer's disease. Massachusetts General Hospital has agreed to match whatever funds are raised from the tournament.
The Konowitzs were made aware of the MassGeneral program through long-time friends Roger and Darlene Long of Peru. Roger suffers from Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis — ALS or as it is commonly known, Lou Gehrig's Disease. The progressive neurodegenerative disease affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.
The Longs travel often to MassGeneral and are aware of the many disease-fighting efforts undertaken by the hospital.
"There is a study going on now to see if there is any relation between Alzheimer's and ALS," John Konowitz related.
The MassGeneral efforts on behalf of Alzheimer's Awareness already are big winners in Northern New York. The tournament already has netted more than $2,500 from corporate sponsors, according to John Konowitz.
"The response and support has been outstanding. We've had businesses donate $100 to $500 and others donate items for the raffles," he went on. "There will be raffles at both tournaments.
"We have many items — four tickets to the Syracuse vs Connecticut women's basketball game and four for the men's game between Syracuse and West Virginia. We have a lot of other nice items like a new chainsaw."
The Southern board of basketball officials has also agreed to officiate all tournament games — free of charge.
"Jim and Steve Stahl of the officials, Paul Buehler of E'town, and Brian Cross of Moriah have just been tremendous," John Konowitz added.
"And the tournaments look to be really competitive."
The girls' tourney will be Tuesday and Wednesday at Elizabethtown-Lewis with Westport, Ticonderoga and Schroon Lake joining the host Lions.
The boys' event will be Thursday and Saturday at Moriah, bringing together Peru, Ticonderoga, Westport and the host Vikings.
Nov. 29-Dec. 3
Girls' Tournament
at Elizabethtown-Lewis School
Tuesday, Nov. 29
Westport vs. Ticonderoga, 5 p.m.
Schroon Lake vs. Elizabethtown-Lewis, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 30
Consolation, 5 p.m.
Championship, 6:30 p.m.
Boys' Tournament
at Moriah
Thursday, Dec. 1
Peru vs. Ticonderoga, 5:30 p.m.
Moriah vs. Westport, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 3
Consolation, 5:30 p.m.
Championship, 7 p.m.
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