Linda Kunz won $1,002 in a contest on Monday night. She initially planned to purchase an iPad for her husband.LEBANON, Tenn. -
A Lebanon woman who won $1,002 in a Nashville's News 2 contest on Monday night is now facing a difficult choice on what to do with the money.
When Linda Kunz of Lebanon learned she was the correct caller in the giveaway, she said the money could not come at a better time.
"I've never won anything! Anything," she exclaimed.
Upon learning of her winning, Kunz initially told Nashville's News 2 she planned to use the money to purchase an iPad for her husband Ron who suffers from Alzheimer's disease.
Linda said she had read that the devices have been known to stimulate the brain in Alzheimer's patients and wanted to get one for her husband whose condition has rapidly deteriorated over the last two years.
"There is something about the iPad [that] is helping, so this is my thing, to get an iPad, research and find out even if I have to go to a nursing home myself to find out," she said, adding, "I just feel it's important to him. It's important to me that he have one. If there's a chance, a little bit of hope to keep his brain stimulated I'll do whatever."
Nashville's News 2 contacted the Alzheimer's Association in Nashville where spokesperson Tiffany Cloud-Mann confirmed devices such as the iPad have been shown to ease the burden of Alzheimer's caregivers and help those who suffer from the disease.
"Apple has identified apps for caregivers, apps for relaxation [and] reminder type apps," she explained.
Cloud-Mann also said those who suffer from Alzheimer and dementia can look at photographs, listen to music from long ago [and] even play games.
"It's so user friendly for so many generations as well as it's so accessible, so they can have it with them at the doctor's office, or sitting on the couch with their loved one," she said.
Despite Linda's initial plans, she told Nashville's News 2 on Wednesday she and her husband discussed what to do with the money and decided they should pay on their enormous medical bills.
Linda added she doesn't know if they can afford to purchase an iPad, which starts at $300 when they have so many other pressing concerns.
