Alzheimer's Association throws benefit gala at St. Andrews Country Club
Boca Raton–Living in Florida, there’s a good chance we’ve all come into contact with someone affected by Alzheimer’s. Did you know that Florida is one of the leading states for documented cases of Alzheimer’s disease? But how many know just what exactly this disease is?
Alzheimer’s is a fatal, degenerative brain disease that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It is not normal aging. It is the most common form of dementia, with symptoms developing slowly at first and gradually worsening over time. Unfortunately, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s become severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Fortunately, there’s hope. Just a few weeks ago, President Obama signed into law the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA). This act will help to coordinate all national efforts toward the disease, from research and clinical care, to in-home and community care programs, and create a national plan toward overcoming it. Here at the Alzheimer’s Association, Southeast Florida Chapter we did our part to help implement one of the largest legislative victories for the disease in years. More than 50,000 e-mails, nearly 10,000 phone calls and more than 1,000 meetings convinced Congress and the White House that Alzheimer’s and its advocates were serious.
One common misconception about Alzheimer’s is that it is an “old age” disease. While increasing age is the greatest known risk factor, up to 5% of victims have what is known as early-onset Alzheimer’s. Take 54-year-old Lighthouse Point resident Jay Jones for example. He and his wife, Laura, have been advocating for the disease since Jay’s diagnosis at the age of 49. In 2009, while attending their first Broward Memory Walk, Jay’s friends convinced him to take the stage and share his experiences. What followed was a brave and captivating account of a fit, young man’s struggles with an “old age” disease.
Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions out there when it comes to this disease. That’s why the Southeast Florida Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is proud to host “The Alzheimer’s Project,” an Emmy-award winning HBO documentary series. Parts two through four of this special four-part video series, designed with the purpose of educating those affected by Alzheimer’s, will be presented at the St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton. Part one – entitled “The Memory Loss Tapes” – showcases the struggles of seven individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, and was shown on January 18th. Part two – “Caregivers” – sponsored by The Cottages of Greenacres and Evy Boyle, depicts the sacrifices and successes made by those who care for persons affected by the disease, and will be shown on February 8th. You won’t want to miss part three, a two-part series featuring Maria Shriver, a longtime advocate for Alzheimer’s who just recently lost her father, Sargent Shriver, to the disease. Parts one and two of session three – “Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?” and “The Benefits of Diet and Exercise” – will both be shown on February 22nd, sponsored by Florida Elder Law Concepts. The date of part four – entitled “Momentum in Science” – has yet to be set, however all showings will begin at 10 a.m. and last until to 12 p.m. Please join us for light refreshments and a brief discussion to follow the presentation, as we attempt to better educate and help eliminate Alzheimer’s for good. Admission is free and open to the public. Call 800-861-7826 x200 to RSVP.
If you’re looking for more ways you can support the Alzheimer’s Association, save the date for Saturday, March 5th, when your Southeast Florida Chapter hosts “The Times of Your Life”, at the exclusive St. Andrew’s Country Club in Boca Raton. The event will feature poolside cocktails, a gourmet dinner from St. Andrew’s Finest Chefs, a tribute honoring Jay and Laura Jones and family, a live auction and a concert under the stars by The Fab Four, the ultimate Beatles cover band. Tickets are $250 and include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert and of course, the live concert.
According to Co-Founders Jill Poser and Sherri Greenblatt, Esq. The Alzheimer’s Association’s “The Times of Your Life” gala is the premiere event benefiting Alzheimer’s in southeast Florida, and for the first time, it’s happening right here in Boca Raton. “We invite the entire community to come out and have some fun, as we take a step closer towards a world without Alzheimer’s.” The generosity of many, including a $100,000 pledge to the chapter from honorary philanthropists Steven Jaffe, Esq., Steven Dunn, Esq., and Mark Fistos, Esq. are helping to bring this dream to reality. For more information or to purchase tickets log on to www.toylgala.com or call 800-861-7826.
