|
November 1, 2007
Alzheimer’s Memory Fair to be held November 8 at Marquette General Hospital
In honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Marquette General Neuroscience Center will be holding an Alzheimer Memory Fair fundraiser on Thursday, November 8, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MGH Neldberg Lobby, the hospital’s main entrance on College Avenue.
The Neuroscience Center will be hosting the event and additional vendors, who share the goal of helping the community develop a better understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, will be present. The Alzheimer’s Awareness Source will be selling a wide variety of items at the Memory Fair, including coffee mugs, jewelry, hand painted items, and bellaphants, and are donating 100 percent of all profits to the Marquette General Foundation to benefit local families coping with Alzheimer’s.
The Alzheimer’s Awareness Source was started by four sisters of a family that has seen first hand the effects Alzheimer’s disease not only on the person with the disease, but on their family and friends. The four sisters started the company to honor their mother, Bella, for facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s, and their father for his dedication and support. Its mission is to raise awareness and funds to support research and local programs that assist families coping with Alzheimer’s.
Beth Clark, one of the four sisters and co-owner of the Alzheimer’s Awareness Source said, “We work closely with our local Alzheimer’s Chapters to promote awareness. Our company participates in annual Alzheimer’s Memory walks, and other events. Together we can make a difference in the lives of our loved ones as well as the millions of others that are, or will be affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association will also set up an informational booth for the event. Pam Parkkila, director of the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, said, “November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month and an important time to provide pertinent information to the community on this disease.”
Julie Kemp-Havican, memory grant coordinator for the Marquette General Neuroscience Center said, “While Alzheimer's disease currently affects more than five million people in the United States, it impacts about four percent of the residents in the Upper Peninsula”
Kemp-Havican added that deaths from Alzheimer's disease have increased by 33 percent between the years 2000 and 2004, while at the same time deaths from heart disease decreased by eight percent. It is important for individuals in the community to be aware of the early warning signs and for individuals to be aware of the local agencies that serve as resources in assisting families that are dealing with this disease.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to this fund, or for more information on the Marquette General Foundation, please contact Pam Benton at (906) 225-6914 or 1-866-906-6914, or visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.mgh.org/foundation.
|
