Sept 11 header
December 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.

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

 
And Best Wishes for a Wonderful New Year!
 
To our friends, allies, and supporters from all over Southeastern Wisconsin - Thank You!  Your generous donation of time, talents, and financial resources in 2013, has allowed us to provide care and support for thousands of individuals and their families who are living with Alzheimer's and related dementias here in Southeastern Wisconsin. Your benevolence has also enabled us to raise awareness, advance research and advocate for those affected by the disease.
 
The staff at the Alzheimer's Association, Southeastern Wisconsin chapter wishes you, your families, and employees a peaceful holiday season filled with glad tidings, joy and good cheer.  We look forward to our continued partnership in 2014 as we work towards a world without Alzheimer's.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Need to make a contribution prior to December 31?

  

Many people are interested in donating stock or making an IRA "Charitable Rollover" gift to advance our mission.

 

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 reinstated the IRA Charitable Rollover Gift for 2013. If you are age 70˝

or older, the Act allows you to donate up to $100,000 from your Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to a public charity. This distribution does not count as taxable income to you but it does count towards your required minimum distributions. Distributions must be made directly from the IRA Trustee or Plan Administrator to the Alzheimer's Association.

 

Please contact MaryAnn Vance (mvance@alz.org ) 414.431.8813 or Christina Packard (cpackard@alz.org) 414.479.8800 for more information or to make a gift by credit card. Checks mailed and postmarked on or before 12/31/13 are also gratefully accepted. Thank you for supporting the Alzheimer's Association!

 

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

 

Holiday Survival Tips
 
Holidays can be especially difficult for individuals with dementia, and their families and friends.  A lively party atmosphere filled with lots of noise and conversation may increase anxiety levels, and create challenges that don't usually exist in the normal home environment.  Memory loss in the person with dementia may also be more evident.
 
Our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 is staffed around the clock to provide personal service, answers to your questions and provide you with resources, suggestions and tools to handle almost any situation.   
 
Additional information on traveling with dementia, anxiety and agitation, and other helpful holiday information is also available at our Alzheimer's and dementia  Caregiver Center. 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Alzheimer's Association Marks 30 Years of Service in Southeastern Wisconsin

On November 12th, the Alzheimer's Association, Southeastern Wisconsin chapter, held its 30th annual meeting at ManpowerGroup in downtown Milwaukee.
 
Executive Director, Tom Hlavacek noted that we have made significant advances to the mission over 30 years, in all areas including research, care and support, advocacy and raising awareness and concern. But he also said, "We are very proud of our accomplishments, but in no way are we satisfied with the outcomes. We are still too far away from the type of scientific breakthrough that puts a serious dent in this disease.  Too many people are still out there in our communities dealing with Alzheimer's alone. Too many caregivers are under too much financial and emotional stress. Too many elected officials have failed to act on our legislative and funding initiatives. In short, this fight is not won, and we are by no means done."
 
Click here to access our FY13 annual report, Not Won. Not Done.
 
Congratulation to the following individuals and organizations that were presented with awards at the 2013 Annual Meeting:

Investigator of the Year - Alison Minkin, Ph.D., Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Practitioner of the Year - Edmund H. Duthie, M.D., Medical College of Wisconsin
Friend of the Year - the Melvin F. and Ellen L. Wagner Foundation, Sheboygan
Caregiver of the Year - Harlan Mueller, Brookfield
 
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Nancy Armitage Named 2013 Purpose Prize Fellow
Nancy Armitage, program coordinator, Memories in the Making

We are honored to announce that Encore.org has named fellow staffer Nancy Armitage as a 2013 Purpose Prize fellow. The Purpose Prize is the nation's only large-scale investment in social entrepreneurs and other creative problem solvers in the second half of life.

 

Armitage was named a fellow because of her work as Coordinator of the Memories in the Making® program at the Alzheimer's Association, Southeastern Wisconsin chapter.  Memories in the Making brings weekly painting sessions to long-term care and adult day care settings for individuals in the early to middle stages of Alzheimer's and related dementias. 

 

The Purpose Prize program is funded by the John Templeton Foundation, The Atlantic Philanthropies, and Symetra. The Prize is awarded by Encore.org, a nonprofit that promotes encore careers - work that is both personally meaningful and serves the greater good.

 

"It was a great honor to participate in the Purpose Prize process," said Armitage.  "I am humbled to be in the company of all the other participants. For me it is a confirmation that regardless of our age we can continue to make a difference. I'm just getting started."

 

A panel of 21 judges - leaders in business, politics, journalism and the nonprofit sector - chose the seven winners from a pool of more than 1,000 nominees. This year's 43 fellows are finalists for The Prize. 

 

Learn more about Nancy Armitage and her honor.

 

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

Dementia Care Network of Sheboygan County Presents First Annual "Caregiver of the Year" Award 

 

On November 21st, the Dementia Care Network of Sheboygan County held their annual educational conference for family and professional caregivers at Acuity in Sheboygan.  This year's event, titled "Forget Me Not", attracted more than 250 individuals.  

 

As a way to send a heartfelt message that thanked all caregivers for everything they do day in and day out to champion the efforts of caregivers in the community, the organizing committee developed the first annual Sheboygan County Caregiver of the Year Award.  Nominations were solicited in advance and three nominees received high honors:

  • Wayne Warnecke of Sheboygan was recognized for the care he gives to his wife.
  • Margaret Hall of Sheboygan was recognized for the care she gave to her mom and currently gives to her father.
  • James Holmes of Sheboygan was recognized for the care he gives to his wife.
The first annual Caregiver of the Year award was presented to James Holmes. Read his story below!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 Today's Courage, Tomorrow's Hope
 ~Stories from the Alzheimer's Journey ~     
(left) Amy Molepske, James Holmes, and Brenda Burgett
 

For the last 10 years, James Holmes has been a caregiver for his wife, Patti, who struggles with dementia.  But he has not been alone in his efforts.  At the Holmes house, caregiving has become a family affair with daughters Amy and Brenda taking active roles in helping both Mom and Dad succeed.
 
Read the Holmes family story here.


 
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barb's Got the Buzz - Let's Hope for Hope
Barb's Buzz
Barbara Cheek Johnson

Barbara Cheek Johnson, a journalist living with early -stage Alzheimer's disease, looks forward to the promise of a new year, while reflecting back on her positive experiences with the early-stage support group at the Alzheimer's Association.
 
Read Barb's newest post at http://alzheimersblogger.wordpress.com/  

 


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

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is there a New Vehicle in Your Holiday Plans?
 
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 local recipient of part of their "Share the Love" proceeds.
   
From now through 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! 
 

 

 

Get a great deal on a Subaru from Schlossmann's Subaru City of Milwaukee and designate the Alzheimer's Association to receive "your love" - aka a $250 donation!  Visit Subaru City's website for complete details.

 

 

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

Coming Up - Alzheimer's Association Education Programs
 
Behavior and Memory Changes in Your Loved One
  • a free half-day program featuring staff from the Alzheimer's Association and a ProHealth Care physician who will help you develop a better understanding of memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer's disease
  • complimentary continental breakfast is included
Friday, January 31 
8:30 a.m. - Noon
West Wood Health & Fitness Center
2900 Golf Road - Pewaukee

Registration is required.  To register visit ProHealthcare.org or call 262.928.2745.  
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

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