Fall 2011/Winter 2012
San Diego/Imperial Chapter
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the compassion to care, the leadership to conquer
A Family Diagnosis
our issue at a glance Goodbye to a Friend
page 3 The Wiler family is learning as they go and they’re learning together.
Joe with his family: From left to right: Lesley, Peyton and Matt Hyatt; Marty and Joe Wiler; Jen and Casey Johnson
Volunteer of the Year
page 4 NOV DEC JAN FEB
Education Calendar
page 6/7 Art Auction
page 9 Donor Profile
T
hey are advocates, fundraisers, participants and bloggers, but mostly, they are a family.
“The most frightening thing about Alzheimer’s,” says Joe Wiler, “is that the vast majority of people know little or nothing about the disease or its warning signs. As a result, countless people are effectively robbed of the chance to get help.” The Wiler family is learning as they go and they’re learning together. Joe and his wife, Marty, reached out to the Alzheimer’s Association for resources, guidance and information when Joe was diagnosed at 55. With courage, energy and conviction, Joe and Marty along with their two daughters, Lesley and Jen, have dedicated themselves not only to supporting Joe, but also to becoming the faces and voices of Alzheimer’s disease—speaking out for those who cannot.
Joe’s smile is infectious as he enters the Alzheimer’s Association’s main office. He greets staff and volunteers, as well as fellow members of the Early Stage support group that he attends. Joe retired from his job as a salesman when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but he can still light up a room and “sell” — his product now is his Walk to End Alzheimer’s team.
page 11
Don’t Miss
Last year, Joe and his family put together the top-earning individual team at the Walk, raising more than $19,000 and earning national recognition. “Dad,” writes Joe and Marty’s daughter Jen on her blog, “your positive outlook and ability to lead by example is ingrained in you and I am certain you will continue to mentor me even when you can’t remember where you put the kitchen tongs.” Last spring, Joe and Marty traveled to Sacramento as advocates to tell their story Continued on back cover
San Diego/Imperial Chapter The Shiley Center for Education & Support Serving San Diego and Imperial Counties
Published three times a year for our friends in the Alzheimer’s community.
www.sanalz.org 1.800.272.3900