The Alzheimer’s Association acknowledges June as a month to honor those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, caregivers, and all those concerned about brain health.
Filled with exciting events, two of these happen in Winnemucca. June 1st launched our annual Sprint Triathlon, a morning jammed with swimming, biking, and running that meets three goals: physical fitness, proving power and determination, and giving to others for respite care and future brain health and dementia education presentations.
Small but mighty, participants roared with enthusiasm and strength.
June ended with our second Alzheimer Awareness/Age- and Dementia-Friendly Winnemucca Golf Scramble. With 72 diligent golfers and 18 volunteers, another fundraising experience grabbed attention as fun raced around the course.
Starting with a delicious breakfast prepared by volunteer Eleanor Taylor and ending with a yummy lunch created through the guidance of Brandie Pettis, no one left hungry. Indulgence also included goodies along the way by Alicia Cramer’s Farmers team and A & K Earth Movers.
Entrants received a goodie bag compliments of Jordan and Walt Vetter with our logo added by Natalie Betschart plus contents from Niki Rubarth and Lisa Rains of the Alzheimer’s Association, State Farm, Edward Jones, and Humboldt County Library. You understand already that a broad spectrum joined in.
Patty and Mike Ellifritz made sure everyone stayed aware of the sign-in and raffle. Raffle prizes, organized by Brandie, included a gorgeous handmade quilt by volunteer Betty Lawrence. Games by Cindy Michael, Eleanor Taylor, Lauren’s family, and more kept golfers entertained.
The Grand Prize, a trip to Hawaii sponsored by Farmers for a Hole-in-One remained elusive but it will encourage golfers to practice for next year. State Farm and Christina Cancino sponsored a girls’ and a boys’ team and Humboldt General Hospital donated water, much needed by this thirsty crew.
Matt who works at the course-maintained golf integrity as he outlined rules and later tallied the winners.
Brandie with money from Florida Canyon designed 1st Place prizes, Robinhood Realty 2nd place, and Frames ‘n Things had gifts for the putting contest winners. You know, the list goes on and on with sponsors and teams, but you get the drift…
There is something magically special about our city. I’ve received a couple of calls with questions about our Scramble and while I can offer ideas and bits of advice, you have to have the support of residents and people willing to travel from out-of-town to complete the teams, volunteers with time and energy to devote to this cause, and a community – that’s you! – that cares.
Where does this money go? First is respite care for caregivers. $100 supplies 6+ hours of care when the fulltime caregiver can run errands, attend to appointments, and maybe, just maybe, rest and relax.
Funds also support our weekly respite care each Thursday at Pleasant Senior Center. Attendees enjoy lunch, conversation, arts and crafts, games, puzzles, and camaraderie.
Finally, education – the more you know about Alzheimer’s and other dementias the better prepared you are to take care of yourself or a loved one and to offer insight and assistance to those in need. Our Brain Health Summit now an annual May event, our Caregiver Celebration each December, and requested presentations by communities or faith, businesses, and loving groups have materials paid for thanks to your donations.
Many ask me, “Why get a diagnosis?” Early detection allows for preparation for the future, making intentions known to others, and participation, if desired, in clinical studies.
We know much about mid- and late-stage Alzheimer’s and other dementias – most of us have witnessed these tragic times for both the individual, family members, and friends.
Unfortunately, less is known about very early stage. Yes, you recognize signs and symptoms, but much is hidden. There is an outrageous stigma attached to forgetfulness and confusion. It happens, life changes, but admitting a struggle early on can create radical hope for the future. It’s tough – I know. Every time a forget something, especially something I know I know; I panic until realty returns and I can grasp the word, thought or action. But in that split second moment, terror reigns.
ADF-Winnemucca also seeks matching funds to be given to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Longest Day. The Association spends more on research, providing us with optimism for better prevention, a reversal, and a cure in the near-future. It may well occur soon – during my lifetime and definitely during the lifetimes of my children and grandchildren. That thought drives me to be a force.