Sept 11 header
MARCH, 2013
e-newsletter  
The Compassion To Care, The Leadership To Conquer

The Alzheimer's journey is a long one, with many twists and turns. The Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter has been here as a strong, passionate, and committed resource for over 25 years and with your support we intend to stay committed until the vision of a world without Alzheimer's is attained.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Challenge Match Banner

 

FANTASTIC NEWS - A Monthly Gift is Easy on your Wallet - 

Plus, Your Dollars Will Be Doubled! 


A group of friends who wanted to make a big difference have pledged to match and double new and increased gifts made to the Alzheimer's Association up to a total of $200,000. 
Now your gift can have twice the impact. 

 

For some individuals, it is easier on the budget to make a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly contribution. Well, we can accommodate that too!  Just think of the possibilities!  A modest $25 contribution made to the Alzheimer's Association every month will add up to $300 at year's end. And after we double it, your contribution will have grown to $600!  That's an amazing rate of return in itself - and it will make you feel great to know that your gift will help serve even more individuals living with Alzheimer's and their families.

 

We've made it easy to donate through our secure Paytrace website.  Your contribution can be debited monthly via credit card or checking account. Make A Donation Now!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today's Courage, Tomorrow's Hope
~Stories from the Alzheimer's Journey ~            
   
Gloria Hale loved her mom, Delia.  They were best friends forever, even after Delia was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.  But life wasn't easy. The demands of being a full-time caregiver required Gloria to leave her job and ultimately her source of support. Read this courageous caregiver's story here 
Delia and Gloria Hale  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mardi Gras Gala 
Makes a Grand Splash 
Raising More than a Quarter- Million Dollars for the Cause!
2013 Mardi Gras Gala
Milwaukee Art Museum
Photo courtesy of PatrickDean.com 
 
 
The Milwaukee Art Museum lit up the night in shades of purple on Fat Tuesday as more than 450 guests raised in excess of $250,000 to support research, education, care and support services provided by the Alzheimer's Association.  
 
Guests casually noshed on passed hors d'oeurvres and sipped wet 'n wild Mardi Gras Martinis as they strolled the silent auction that lined Bourbon Street.  After a Mardi Gras inspired gourmet dinner, they held their paddles high and bid on a number of exciting voice auction items.
 
We want to give our heartfelt thanks to Olympic Hall of Famer, Bonnie Blair, who served as Honorary Chair for the event. We also want to give a round of applause to all our sponsors, guests, volunteers, and vendors.  Thank you all for making Mardi Gras an elegant evening and a smashing success! 
Barb and Dan Johnson, Bonnie Blair
Barb and Dan Johnson celebrate the evening with Honorary Gala Chair, Bonnie Blair
 
SAVE THE DATE:   The 2014 Alzheimer's Association Mardi Gras Gala  is scheduled for Fat Tuesday, March 4th. To ensure you are on the mailing list or to reserve your tickets, please contact Special Events Manager, Kendra Albers at kalbers@alz.org 

To view more Mardi Gras Gala photos, like us on Facebook

 

 

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stay Tuned for Treasure - A French Soirée and Arty Party
Lavender and Lace
Lavender and Lace 
Signature Artwork of
Treasure 2013
 
  

Save the Date - June 4


You are invited to be a part of the excitement on June 4th as the Alzheimer's Association proudly presents Treasurea French 

soirée and arty party held at Cuvée Champagne Bar in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward. Treasure is a fundraising event in the Milwaukee art community that benefits the Alzheimer's Association and its signature art program, Memories In The Making®, a platform that encourages creative art expression for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. 

 

 

Last year's inaugural event raised over $47,000 and we have high expectations for 2013. We are currently looking for event sponsors, Celebrity Chefs, and businesses who have expertise in framing the art pieces that will be auctioned at the event. If you are interested in participating as a sponsor or vendor, please contact Kendra Albers at 414.479.8800 or kalbers@alz.org. If you would like to attend the event or would like to ensure you are on the invitation list, contact Kendra. 

 

Like Treasure on Facebook and stay up to date on the art, and the glitz and glam this event is generating within the art community!

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Get Ready for Gallery Night and Day - April 19 & 20  Gallery Night and Day

Join us for April Gallery Night and Day and be treated to a
preview of both the fine art and the Memories in the Making artwork to be auctioned at Treasure on June 4.  
 
This very special two-day event is scheduled for Friday, April 19 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 20 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and will be held at St. Johns on the Lake, 1840 N. Prospect Ave., on Milwaukee's fashionable east side. 
 
2012 WAMI Award winner and local country music artist, Nora Collins, will again join us to entertain on Friday evening. Mark you calendar today!   

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 

New Seminar For Latino Caregivers Rolls Out in April Hispanic Heritage Month

On April 13th, the Alzheimer's Association, in partnership with the United Community Center Latino Geriatric Center and the Sixteenth Street Community Health Center will host a seminar for Spanish-speaking caregivers in the Hispanic community.  
 
The seminar will share best practices and tips for Understanding Dementia and Caregiving. The event will be held from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Latino Geriatric Center located on 8th and Washington Streets, in Milwaukee.  Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be served. Latino caregivers interested in attending this free event should contact Virginia Zerpa at 414.479.8800 or vzerpa@alz.org 
 
Latinos have 1.5 times the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease compared to Caucasians and exhibit symptoms seven years earlier.  Hispanic caregivers have reported experiencing higher rates of physical and psychological distress related to dementia caregiving. 

 

Strengthening Dementia Caregiving in Latino Families is an on-going program at the Alzheimer's Association. A $20,000 grant from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation helped support the program. The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is a family of more than 1,100 individual charitable funds, each created by donors to serve the charitable causes of their choice. Grants from these funds serve people throughout Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties and beyond.  Started in 1915, the Foundation is one of the oldest and largest community foundations in the world.
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Makkos Family & Friends Annual Bowl-A-Thon Slated for April 28 Purple Bowling Ball

They are at it again!  The Makkos Family proudly announces their 3rd Annual Bowling for Alzheimer's fundraising event which will take place on Sunday, April 28th at Root River Center in Franklin.  The event will feature a 9 pin tap tournament, raffle prizes, 50/50 raffle, and giveaways!
 

This tourney is a great way to have a blast and raise money for the Alzheimer's Association.  Click here for more information about this incredible fundraiser and to access a registration form.

 

Our special Thanks go out to the entire Makkos Family for putting their hearts and souls into the planning and execution of this event.  

Makkos Family
Tom and Mary Makkos (center) surrounded by family on Thanksgiving Day

 

Please take some time to meet this great family, and read their personal story about this devastating disease.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Register Now for the Wisconsin Network Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias  

 

 

May 5-7 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells  Kalahari Resort - Wisconsin Dells

 

For the past 27 years, the Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter Network has hosted this comprehensive, educational forum dedicated to those who care for persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The Wisconsin conference is one of the largest statewide conferences in the United States, featuring over 44 workshops, national keynote speakers and numerous exhibits and displays. Nearly 850 professional and family care providers will gather in Wisconsin Dells for an exciting three days of learning and networking.

 

For complete information on the conference, visit the conference website at www.alzwi.org

 

Download the conference brochure, register online and get information on scholarships, exhibit opportunities and conference registration fees. For additional information, contact the Alzheimer's Association at 414.479.8800.  Registration deadline is April 9th.  Room reservations must be made by April 4th to take advantage of conference discounted rates.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Men's Monthly Caregiver Support Group 
Welcomes New Members! Support Group
 
Join the Guys as they support one another by exchanging information and sharing personal stories and lessons learned from the Alzheimer's journey. If you are seeking caregiver support and stress management, you'll find it here! 
 
The Men's Support Group, one of the few men-only groups in Southeastern Wisconsin, meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at the  Alzheimer's Association, 
620 South 76th Street, Suite 160, Milwaukee.  Entrance and parking can be accessed off of Main Street at 74th Street.   
 
If you are interested in joining the group, or would like more information, please contact co-facilitator Dave Gauger at dgauger12@earthlink.net
 
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 

Support Group Volunteer Facilitators Needed!  Volunteer

Are you interested in helping family caregivers? Do you have great listening skills? We need you! 
 
We are looking for a few great volunteers to facilitate support groups in the Greendale area and the Northwest side of Milwaukee.  Support groups are once-a-month meetings that happen throughout southeastern Wisconsin.  The Alzheimer's Association currently hosts over 60 support groups. These groups provide much needed support, education, and connections for many family caregivers. 
 
Support group facilitator volunteers will receive full training, at no charge. Our next facilitator training is March 14th. For more information or if you have questions, please contact Jim Sampson at 414.479.8800 or jsampson@alz.org.
 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Walk to End Alzheimer's is Back - Stronger Than Ever!

We are ready to kick off the 2013 Walk to End Alzheimer's season! 
Do you know where your Walk to End Alzheimer's Team is? Sign 'em up and get 'em on-board now. Our Walk websites are now LIVE and ready for you to register. Be the first in your neighborhood to REGISTER Your Team! 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barb's Buzz  
 
~A blog written by a journalist living with early stage Alzheimer's disease~
Barb's Buzz
Barbara Cheek Johnson 
 

A Simple Request

 

I suggest placing your heart and energy to a deeper cause. If you want someone, somewhere to find a cure to end Alzheimer's disease, place your heart and soul there.

 

What I am emphasizing is to stop questioning why you have been burdened with this disease and feeling sorry for yourself. Instead, find out what you can do to help find a cure. Get involved in advocacy, instead of brooding, worrying, being frustrated, scared and feeling lonely and helpless. Instead, be proactive, help find a solution. It will make you feel better.

 

Stay positive-helping find a cure for yourself and future generations. Volunteer to participate in research studies, form a Walk to End Alzheimer's team to raise awareness and funds to find a cure.

Volunteer at the activity centers for families and caregivers who need support to keep their loved one with the disease active in mind and body.

 

And learn to treat individuals with the disease with kindness and respect. Remember that they once were proud of their achievements, family, themselves. Help them feel comfortable. If you are a caregiver or a friend of someone with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, be kind and treat them with respect.

Place yourself in their shoes. Have compassion. Help them feel comfortable.

 

If you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, listen to your medical professional, take your meds,  consider giving up your driver's license for the safety of yourself and others. And do all you can to stay social, be active, stimulate your mind, eat healthy, take time to get rest, exercise your body. Keep going!

     

For the sake of future generations, place your energy to a deeper cause. If you want someone, somewhere to find a cure to end Alzheimer's disease, place your heart there.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Coming Up - Alzheimer's Association Classes 

  

Understanding Dementia

Early Stage

  • a three part workshop for family caregivers 
April 3, 10, and 17
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Aging & Disability Resource Center 
8600 Sheridan Road, Suite 500 - Kenosha 

April 11, 18 and 25
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Shorehaven Center for Life Enrichment
1306 West Wisconsin Ave. - Oconomowoc

Registration required - contact Deborah Klement at 414.479.8800 or dklement@alz.org
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer's     

  • a two part program designed to help those affected with dementia, their care partners and family members to better understand the legal and financial issues that may impact them  

April 3 and 10 

1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Waukesha Memorial Hospital

725 American Avenue  - Waukesha

 

Registration required - contact Krista Scheel at 414.479.8800 

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Living with Alzheimer's disease - Early Stage Early Stage
  • a three part program geared for individuals living with early stage Alzheimer's disease and their care partners
April 8, 15, and 22
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Family Enrichment Center

885 Badger Circle - Grafton 

 

April 8, 15, and 22

1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Community Bank & Trust

1160 Fond du Lac Avenue - Sheboygan Falls

 

Registration required - contact Ginny Nyhuis at 920.838.1311 

 

April 11, 18, and 25

3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Alzheimer's Association

620 S. 76th Street, Suite 160 - Milwaukee

 

Registration required - contact Wendy Betley at 414.479.8800

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Education, Programs, and Support

We are offering numerous education programs, conferences and support groups for caregivers in the next months. To view our education calendar which features a complete listing of the programs offered in your community, click here. For a listing of caregiver support groups, click here.
.........................................................................................................................................

Follow Us on Facebook, Twitter and Linked-In

Tell your friends that you're a part of one of the fastest growing movements in the country - the fight to end Alzheimer's.  With your help, we can increase awareness about Alzheimer's disease. Click the icons below to start! 

 

Find us on Facebook   View our profile on LinkedIn  Follow us on Twitter

Alzheimer's Association | Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter | 24/7 Helpline 800.272.3900 | www.alz.org/sewi