Just about everyone has a close relative or at least knows someone living with Alzheimer’s. According to research studies, every 67 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s. Currently, more than 340,000 Texans are living with it, and scientists say that everyone with a brain is at risk for it. Raising awareness about this most common form of dementia is vitally important and so is raising funds to support the research that could help find a cure, methods of treatment and ways to prevent it altogether. The Stayton at Museum Way life care retirement community is dedicated to helping the Fort Worth area at large learn about Alzheimer’s and is dedicated to supporting the efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association whenever possible. The Stayton has participated in the local community’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s® for the past three years and is gearing up to join once again. To get those in the area excited about the upcoming event in October, The Stayton recently collaborated with the North Central Texas Chapter of The Alzheimer’s Association to host a fun and informational kick-off celebration onsite.
Opening remarks were made by Mayor Betsy Price. Refreshments and cocktails were served, and other local vendors attended as well, including Marshall Grain Co. and its team called Nada’s Sweet Nothings, who had popular doggie bandanas with the words “Bark to End Alzheimer’s” printed on them. One of The Stayton’s residents, Winnie Klein, presented her paintings for a silent auction during the event to help raise money as well.
“We at The Stayton are huge supporters of the work being done to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia, so we were thrilled at the opportunity to be the host for this uplifting kick-off event,” said Scott Polzin, The Stayton at Museum Way’s executive director. “We are always willing to help educate the public and equip people with the proper resources so that they can be informed but also optimistic.”
As a life care community, The Stayton has not only resort-style independent living residences but also multiple levels of care, all located on the same campus. The Plaza at The Stayton provides a full range of health care services onsite, including assisted living and memory support as well as private skilled nursing and rehabilitation.
“In the weeks leading up to the local Walk to End Alzheimer’s, we’ll host multiple creative fundraisers and events to encourage donations,” said Amy Janak, resident services director of The Stayton at Museum Way. “This year, we’re putting the ‘fun’ in fundraisers by creating and selling a 2016 calendar that will have photos of ‘The Stayton’s Calendar Girls.’ I’ve been busy getting my volunteer residents together for the photos already. We’ll also hold a special ‘Bingo to End Alzheimer’s night’ during which residents and associates will gather to play bingo at $10 per card. We have such generous residents and staff members who are always willing to give toward this cause, whether it means participating in fundraisers or just making random donations along the way. I am confident that we will be raising a significant amount once again.”
Several residents and staff members have already been planning to sign up with The Stayton Steppers team and join the unifying community Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Fort Worth on October 24th.
“It is truly inspiring to see individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers working so hard to raise awareness and funds to help find a cure for this disease,” said Ashley Powell, Walk Coordinator for the Fort Worth Walk. “They participate knowing that they may not personally benefit from the research being done today or have the chance to be cured, but they are actively involved in supporting the efforts for generations to come.”
Images Courtesy of Amy Janak of The Stayton at Museum Way and Suzanne McKinney of Luminations Photography