Join the Alzheimer’s Association, West Virginia Chapter for the Partners in Progress Luncheon: Changing the Future of Alzheimer’s Together on Thursday, April 23, at 11:45 a.m. at the Embassy Suites Charleston.
“Alzheimer’s disease is the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death and affects 12 percent of West Virginia seniors,” said Laurel Kirksey, Alzheimer’s Association, West Virginia Chapter Executive Director. “Family members are often caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, which can directly impact their workplace. Today we are bringing together businesses committed to supporting employees through the Alzheimer’s Workplace Alliance, as well as honoring two of our wonderful and dedicated volunteers.”
The Partners in Progress Luncheon will bring together local businesses and community members who have shown outstanding leadership in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease for a networking lunch to honor two outstanding volunteers and learn about the Alzheimer’s Workplace Alliance (AWA).
The Alzheimer’s Workplace Alliance (AWA) provides companies and organizations with resources for their employees who are caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, as well as tools to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and engage all employees in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Among caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, 75 percent are employed while assuming care responsibilities. The toll of caregiving impacts the workplace because these employees have to make major changes to their work schedules because of their caregiving responsibilities. The AWA provides resources to help ease the burden of caregiving for employees.
- Jarrett “Jerry” Walker, longtime volunteer and advocate, will be presented with the 2015 Legacy Award for his dedication and lasting impact in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Jerry is a past president of the Alzheimer’s Association, West Virginia Chapter Board of Directors and served on the board for nearly a decade. His career in the printing industry has spanned more than fifty years. Jerry and his wife, Martha Yeager Walker, are active members of the community and have dedicated their lives to serving the Kanawha Valley. Jerry is also a trumpet player in the Charleston Metro Band and the River Rat Navy Marching Band. A full biography follows release.
Ellie Klug will be recognized as the Sylvia Watkins Walk to End Alzheimer’s® Volunteer Award. This award is named in honor of long-time Charleston Walk to End Alzheimer’s® volunteer Sylvia Watkins. It is voted upon by Walk to End Alzheimer’s® committee members from across the state and awarded to one Walk volunteer who is passionate about increasing awareness of Alzheimer’s. Ellie has been a member of the Wheeling Walk to End Alzheimer’s® planning committee for the past seven years. She is a caregiver to her husband, Terry, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2001. Ellie volunteers with the Association because she wants to see a world without Alzheimer’s.
The Partners in Progress Luncheon: Changing the Future of Alzheimer’s Together is a key fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, West Virginia Chapter. Funds raised support the Association’s critical programs and services for individuals, families and professionals facing Alzheimer’s disease in West Virginia. Nearly 40,000 West Virginians are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Funds from the luncheon directly support the Association’s 24/7 Helpline, Family Care Consultations, Support Groups, and outreach efforts.
Tickets to the event are $30 and can be purchased by calling 800.272.3900 or by visiting www.alz.org/wv.
