Jamie introduced our speaker today Melissa Thompson from the Alzheimer’s Association. Melissa has an impressive background that includes a degree from Central Michigan University! Fire Up Chips! Melissa is also a Rotarian with the Petoskey club.
Melissa asked who knows someone who has or had dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease. Every hand went up! The costs of neurodegenerative diseases are on the rise and will cripple not only our healthcare system but also take a massive toll on family members who are also serving as caregivers.
The Alzheimer’s Association exists as a voluntary health organization that offers support, care and research for those with Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some facts:
The Alzheimer’s Association has over 20,000 educational programs and workshops exist country-wide
One of their campaigns is entitled Red + Blue = Purple
Early-onset testing can identify risk factors for people in their late 40’s
600 walks happen across the US for Alzheimer’s
That’s over 500,000 people
$86 million raised
Traverse City and Petoskey each have their own walks
Locally over 700 people will walk in both events
88 teams locally will participate
Approximately $130,000 will be raised locally
The goal for TC walk: 500 participants
68 teams
$105,000 raised
A profound question was asked by the deep thinker Sid Lammers during Q&A. He asked whether someone with Alzheimer’s can vote. Do they get an absentee ballot? Can they vote at all? Can their dog vote in their place? A very interesting question which at the moment remains unanswered.
President Homer reminded us that we are ALL going to the 9/11 Honor Run. He will be a good sport and let you pass him on the run course. Showing up in any capacity will serve as a meeting makeup and will build good karma with the Divine Being upstairs. And remember, this event was in The Rotarian so the entire worldwide Rotary family is watching us and judging us…… Let’s make sure we show up as THE BEST ROTARY CLUB IN THE WORLD!