NOV. 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 30 years and with your support we intend to stay committed until the vision of a world without Alzheimer's is attained.

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November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

President Ronald Reagan designated November as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

in 1983. At the time, fewer than 2 million Americans had Alzheimer's; today, the number of people with the disease has soared to more than 5 million. Get involved this month, and help raise awareness for Alzheimer's disease among your friends, neighbors and professional colleagues.

Here are some great ways to go Purple for a Purpose in November!

Encourage friends to wear Purple
Host a Purple with a Purpose Event
Decorate the door of your office or home with Purple
Light your building Purple
Send email communications in Purple
Turn your Facebook icon Purple
Hang Purple Ribbons on your building or home

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November is also National Family Caregivers Month

The theme for National Family Caregivers Month this year is "Family Caregivers - Now More Than Ever!" Each year, more and more Americans are caring for a loved one with a chronic condition, disability, or the frailties of old age. According to the Caregiver Action Network there are as many as 90 million family caregivers in the U.S. today.

To honor family caregivers in the State of Wisconsin, Governor Scott Walker has issued a

proclamation declaring November, 2013 as Family Caregivers Month throughout the state:

Whereas:

39% of working adults are family caregivers who serve as the bedrock of Wisconsin's long-term care care system
at least 8 out of every 10 people receiving long-term care remain in their homes, with the majority of assistance provided by relatives and/or friends
family members are assuming more and more of the responsibility and commitment needed to care for their loved ones at home, providing care and financial support to those with long-term chronic or disabling conditions
many family caregivers do not view themselves as caregivers, nor do they identify themselves as needing support, instead, they see themselves simply as caring for loved ones

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Today's Courage, Tomorrow's Hope

~Stories from the Alzheimer's Journey ~

Gail and Harlan Mueller

Gail and Harlan Mueller share a lot of history. The couple has been together ever since they were teens and were reigning King and Queen of their high school junior prom. Last year, Gail learned she has early-stage Alzheimer's disease. It was tough news for the couple to receive, but they have found help and hope through the Early-Stage Support Group at the Alzheimer's Association.

Read their story here, and learn why Harlan has been chosen 2013 Caregiver of the Year by the Alzheimer's Association, Southeastern Wisconsin chapter.

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Caregivers Can Tap in To a Wealth of Resources!

We all have questions that need answers, and if you are caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease, you are no different. But where can you go to find those answers, at the precise moment you need them? Our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 is available day and night to provide assistance when you need it most. At your convenience. On your schedule.

The Alzheimer's Association also offers caregivers a multitude of on-line resources. About 60 percent of folks caring for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia reported being employed full or part-time. Not only do these working caregivers experience higher levels of emotional stress, they often report that caring for someone with dementia can impact their personal work setting. So easy-access resources are key, and finding them just takes a computer, a tablet or a smartphone! Find help from work, on your lunch break, at your kid's soccer game, or even as you're sitting in the drive-through of your favorite fast-food establishment!

Click here to get started. And remember, that the Alzheimer's Association also offers personalized one-on-one services including care consultations, support groups and education programs for caregivers and individuals with dementia. Find out more about these services by calling us at 800.272.3900.

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Do You Have Alzheimer's Disease?

This Website is Just for YOU!

Believe it - because it's true! There are people who understand what you are going through, and help is available. There is so much you can do in the early stage to cope with the changes ahead. That is why the Alzheimer's Association recently enhanced their website designed for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease.

It has a lot of great stuff to offer including video messages from folks who are also living with the disease, information on taking care of yourself, tips on reducing stress and living well, suggestions for sharing your diagnosis, overcoming stigma, financial planning and so much more.

And it is so easy to get started... it just takes the click of your mouse to access early stage help

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Barb's Got the Buzz - Be Thankful for Caregivers

Barbara Cheek Johnson

Barbara Cheek Johnson, a journalist living with early stage Alzheimer's disease, is thankful for many things... her care partner and kind friends top the list.

Read Barb's newest post at http://alzheimersblogger.wordpress.com/

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Alzheimer's is in the News at the

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Editorial Board Agrees - Dementia is a Coming Health Care Crisis

Alzheimer's Association Executive Director, Tom Hlavacek, met with the Editorial Board at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel last week to discuss Alzheimer's disease, the financial and personal burden it places on family caregivers, and skyrocketing medical and care costs that will only continue to escalate as the baby boomers continue to age.

Read the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Editorial here and also watch Tom's interview with Editorial director, David Haynes, on 4th and State.

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Early-Stage Holiday Social Outing - December 7th

If you are living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early stage Alzheimer's disease or dementia, join us on Saturday, December 7, from 10 am to Noon, at Hillside Community Church in Mukwonago for a free holiday party designed just or you and your care partner.

Discover ways to enjoy the holiday season in a new and different way. Mingle with others who are living with memory loss. There will be lots of laughs, along with holiday treats and cheer.

Saturday, December 7

10 AM - Noon

Hillside Community Church

S93 W30580 County Road NN - Mukwonago

Registration is required - to register contact Judy Gunkel at 262.548.7224 or jgunkel@alz.org

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For sponsorship opportunities, ticket information, or to donate an item to our auction, please contact Kendra Albers - 414.479.8800 or kalbers@alz.org.

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Schlossmann Auto Group is Sharing the Love with Us!

Subaru's Share the Love event was a huge success for us last year. So once again, Mike Schlossmann of Schlossmann's Subaru City has generously decided to include the Alzheimer's Association as a recipient of part of their "Share the Love" proceeds.

From November 21, 2013 to January 2, 2014, when you lease or buy a new Subaru from Schlossmann's Subaru City, located at 4640 S 27th Street in Milwaukee, $250 will be contributed to our chapter when you indicate that you want to support the Alzheimer's Association!

(left) Tom Hlavacek thanks our great partner and friend, Mike Schlossmann for his continuing generosity!

Special thanks to Mike Schlossmann and all our friends at the Schlossmann Auto Group for your commitment to our mission! Last year, the Subaru "Share the Love" event netted over $12,370 for our local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, thanks to the generosity of local Subaru dealers. Schlossmann's Subaru City was kind enough to hold another fundraiser later in the year that brought an additional $5,250 to us as well. That's awesome, Mike Schlossmann! Thanks for making it easy for your customers to "Share the Love" with us!

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Brentwood Church to Host Memories in the Making Art Program

(left) Memories in the Making coordinator Nancy Armitage assists a program participant

On Friday, December 6, the caregiver's group at Brentwood Church will hold a community-based Memories in the Making art session. Memories in the Making is a painting and reminiscing activity for individuals with memory loss. This free event is open to all members of the community. The program will be led by trained staff members from the Alzheimer's Association and volunteers from Brentwood Health Organization.

The program runs from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Brentwood Church, 6425 North 60th Street in Milwaukee. For more information, contact the Alzheimer's Association at 414.479.8800.

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Anita La Macchia Memorial Golf Outing Raises $16,000 for the Alzheimer's Association
Anita La Macchia

Anita La Macchia loved life and had a passion for golf. She was a long time member of the Bristol Bunnies golf league, and played golf right up until the end of her life. So, as a tribute to their beloved mother, members of the La Macchia family thought it only fitting to hold a golf outing in her honor. Their first-ever Anita La Macchia Memorial Golf Outing was held on August 6 at the Bristol Oaks Country Club in Bristol, Wisconsin.

(left to right) Mary Karnes, Anita's sister-in-law, Joseph, Teresa, Edmund, Julie and Michael La Macchia, Anita's children

The family selected two charities that were close to Anita's heart and divided the proceeds equally between the two organizations. The event had a fantastic turnout and amazing support, as a result, it was a huge success! The Alzheimer's Association of Southeastern Wisconsin is privileged to have been chosen as a recipient of this charitable fundraiser, and received a most generous contribution of $16,000 from this family-run event!

Anita's husband, Gene, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2008 and the family has been involved in the life changes that this disease brings about in the day to day lives for individuals and families living with a family member with Alzheimer's; thus, they have a passion for ending this disease.

Thanks to the La Macchia Family, their sponsors, friends, and supporters for this tremendous effort. Let's End Alzheimer's!

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Gilles Frozen Custard Declares the Alzheimer's Association "Charity of the Month" during November

They are the oldest custard stand in Milwaukee, and for 75 years the great folks at Gille's have been dishing up some of the best custard and sandwiches in Southeastern Wisconsin.

In honor of all family caregivers, Gilles owner, Tom Linscott, has named the Alzheimer's Association as "charity of the month" at Gilles. For 30 days, his generous customers will have the opportunity to make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association at the store.

So please stop by the stand, located at 7515 W. Bluemound Road in Milwaukee, just a short distance from our office, and support our cause. Load up on delicious hot soup, chili, and mouth-watering sandwiches. And don't forget those super yummy shakes, cones, and sundaes. Make your donation and thank the folks at Gilles for helping us lick Alzheimer's!

For Gilles Flavor of the Day calendar click here

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Treasure - Save the Date - June 4, 2014

Something Special is in the Air! And it all happens on June 4th at Cuvee Champagne Bar in Milwaukee's chic Third Ward. This year, Treasure, our annual art auction, to benefit the Memories in the Making program here at the Alzheimer's Association, will transport you to a Night in Venice. The event will be emceed for the second year by Lee Ann Garrison and Tom Strini.

Intriguing Art, Great Company, Mark Your Calendars, That's the Plan!

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Olympic Gold Medalist Bonnie Blair takes to the Fairway

to End Alzheimer's

(left) Paul Golomski, Dave Cruikshank, Bonnie Blair and Kevin Butler

Mardi Gras Auction Package Produces 18 Holes with a Champ!

Two employees from the Pettit National Ice Center, Paul Golomski and Kevin Butler, were treated to a day of golf and lunch with Alzheimer's Champion Bonnie Blair, and her husband Olympic speedskater, Dave Cruikshank, this summer. It was all part of an auction package purchased by Randy Dean, Executive Director, at the Pettit,at the 2013 Mardi Gras Gala.

Everyone had a great time, got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to golf with not one, but TWO Olympic athletes, and raised some money to support our mission! Thanks to everyone!

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Coming Up - Alzheimer's Association Education Programs

Understanding Dementia

a two session program for friends and family members of those experiencing memory related issues or a recent diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
offers general information about Alzheimer's disease and related dementia as well as how to better communicate and manage challenging behaviors

Monday, December 2 and 9

9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Community Bank and Trust

1160 Fond du Lac Ave. - Sheboygan Falls

Registration Required - contact Ginny Nyhuis at 920.838.1311 or gnyhuis@alz.org

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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.

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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!

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