GIVING THE GIFT OF
Hope THANK YOU
TO THE SPONSORS
OF THE WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S Platinum:
Katie Danner has volunteered with the Alzheimer's Association since her mother was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. Her mother Peggy Weber passed away in December of last year.
Promise Garden:
By Tiffany White | Photo by Melissa Donald
K
atie Danner was relieved to know her family could rely on the Alzheimer’s Association for support when her mother Peggy Weber was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s five years ago at the age of 56. Peggy and her husband became involved with the organization and attended the Memory Café program, which provides interactive sessions for caregivers and their loved one. “It is a good place to get close with people going through the same thing. If you can get groups of people together to talk about their challenges, that is good,” she says. Katie has been volunteering with the organization since her mother’s diagnosis, and her family and friends have been participating in The Walk to End Alzheimer’s for four years. This is one of 12 walks the local chapter coordinates annually to help raise funds for research, care, and support. The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is growing at a fast pace. Roberta Steutermann, senior walk manager for the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, says over 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and the number is expected to increase to 14 million by 2050. In Kentucky, 73,000 individuals are living with a diagnosed case of Alzheimer’s. The statistics are grim, but the organization’s mission remains steady. Educating caregivers about the services the chapter provides is an important part of its mission. The organization offers support groups, a 24-hour helpline, educational programs, and Memory Cafés. Peggy died in December 2018, but Katie says the organization’s services and resources helped her family navigate through the difficulties. “I think caregivers need a lot of support, because the disease can be very isolating. There are a lot of people who don’t talk about it. If we continue to support the Alzheimer’s Association, it will bring attention to the disease, help fund more programs, and find a cure,” she says.
Gold:
Special thank you to Mary Haynes of Nazareth Home, the 2019 Walk Chair. For a full list of sponsors, visit act.alz.org/louisville.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO ALZ.ORG/KYIN PROMOTION
Today’s Woman / December 2019
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