May 4, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Minds Converge for Alzheimer’s Fundraiser

Local philanthropists bring 150 empowered women together to raise funds toward care, support, education and research. 

By Staff Writer

Alzheimer’s Association California Southland Board Member Blaire Kaplan joined forces with Author Laurie Burrows Grad, Santa Monica Resident and Judy Fund Chair Elizabeth Gelfand Stearns and Santa Monica Resident and Alzheimer’s Association California Southland Board Member George-Ann Hyams as co-chairs to bring a signature national Alzheimer’s Association event, Reason to Hope, to Beverly Hills May 10 at the Waldorf Astoria.

Reason to Hope Co-Chairs Blaire Kaplan, George-Ann Hyams, Elizabeth Gelfand Stearns and Laurie Burrow Grad. Photo: Alzheimer’s Association.

This week, the Alzheimer’s Association California Southland announced the event raised more than $160,000 toward the Association’s vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.

Reason to Hope brought to light the disproportionate impact Alzheimer’s has on women. Two-thirds of seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are women, and two-thirds of those who serve as caretakers to those battling Alzheimer’s are women.

“We are here today to address what has been declared the number one greatest public health threat of our time – Alzheimer’s disease – which is a crisis with women at the epicenter,” said Jackie Kouri, Alzheimer’s Association California Southland Board Chair. “Alzheimer’s is already the most expensive disease in America, and it’s growing. The movement to end Alzheimer’s is a race against this tidal wave that gains size and momentum every day, unrelentingly faster and larger. Because Alzheimer’s is relentless, so must we be.”

Alzheiemer’s Assn. Chief Science Officer Maria Carrillo and Academy and Tony Award Winnding Actress Marcia Gay Harden.

Throughout the event women from across entertainment, science and business gave a glimpse into the disease from a variety of perspectives.

Academy and Tony-Award winning actress Marcia Gay Harden shared insightful, moving anecdotes from her memoir, “The Seasons of My Mother,” allowing others into her journey with her mother’s Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s Association Chief Science Officer Maria Carrillo, PhD, discussed the $30 million U.S. POINTER Study, which focuses on the potential effects of multidimensional lifestyle interventions on cognitive decline. Dr. Carrillo also announced that the Association invests more than $15 million in research in the California Southland region, which is more than any other specific region in the country. Alzheimer’s Association National Early-Stage Advisor and former Intel executive Pam Montana shared her emotional experience living with Alzheimer’s, showing true strength and determination through a devastating diagnosis. These women joined the four co-chairs not just in bringing a voice to Alzheimer’s, but in also in bringing action toward care and a cure for those facing the disease.

The event was preceded by music performed by the 5th Dementia, a band of women and men facing dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.

 

For more information on Reason to Hope or additional Alzheimer’s Association events, contact 323.309.8821.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in News
Related Posts

Wise & Healthy Aging Goes Gray on Denim Day

May 3, 2024

May 3, 2024

In observance of April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a nonprofit that advances the dignity and quality of life for older...

Beck to Perform at Venice Family Clinic’s Inaugural HEART Gala

May 3, 2024

May 3, 2024

Among the expected talent attendees are Anjelica Huston, Chuck Lorre, Elisabeth Shue, Richard Chamberlain, Robby Krieger, Tom Morello Venice Family...

Santa Monica Mayor Joins Karen Bass in Urgent Talks on Homelessness Crisis

May 3, 2024

May 3, 2024

City Leaders Lobby Federal Lawmakers for Solutions During Washington DC Visit Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock joined Los Angeles Mayor...

UCLA Faculty Group Demands Amnesty for Palestine Protesters, Issues Statement of Support

May 3, 2024

May 3, 2024

Faculty Calls for Legal Protection After Violent Crackdown on Campus Demonstration A group of UCLA faculty members have issued a...

(Video) New Interactive Kiosk Gives Downtown Passerby Details on Local Attractions, Public Transit

May 3, 2024

May 3, 2024

The Kiosk Will Reportedly Give the City of Santa Monica 50% of Revenue @smmirrornews The Kiosks are a new fun...

Police Seek Suspect Who Burglarized Downtown Santa Monica Office Building

May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

The Building Houses the Offices of a Legal Services Company and a Local Newspaper By Zach Armstrong An investigation is...

Human Rights Play Center Stage with Two Award-Winning Films Opening this Weekend at Laemmle Monica Film Center

May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

Cinema Libre Studio, a Burbank-based independent distribution company with a focus on social issue films, has two powerful films opening...

UCLA Gaza Solidarity Encampment Dismantled After Night of Counter Protesters’ Violence

May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

LAPD and Other Agencies Sent in For “Student Safety”, Students Arrested  The UCLA Gaza Solidarity Encampment was removed during the...

UCLA Gaza Solidarity Encampment Attacked by Counter-Protesters During the Night/Early Morning Hours

May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

Violence Erupts as Demonstrators Face Aggression During Tense Overnight Attacks On the night and early morning of April 30 into...

(Video) Footage of the Violent Counter Protesters at UCLA. TW: For Language and Violence

May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

This reporter was grabbed and cursed at the end of the video. @smmirrornews Footage of the Violent Counter Protesters at...

Reactions From Local Authorities About the Violent Attacks April 30 at UCLA

May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

Condemnation for the Incident and How it Was Handled Pour In After the terrifying events on the night and early...

Cinco de Mayo Festival Coming to Oakwood Park This Weekend

May 1, 2024

May 1, 2024

Revelers Can Expect to Be Entertained by Aztec Dancers, Grupo la Rosa Folklorico Dancers, and Charro (Mexican Dancing Horses) The...

These Bike-Centric Events Are Coming to Santa Monica This Month

May 1, 2024

May 1, 2024

The Festivities Extend Beyond May, With the Aids/Lifecycle Finish Line Festival on June 8 As Bike Month kicks off, the...

Hotel Labor Disputes End in Santa Monica

May 1, 2024

May 1, 2024

Key Highlights of the Agreement Include $5 per Hour Raise in the First Year, and Wage Increases of up to...

“Days Like These” Art Exhibition Coming to Bruce Lurie Gallery

May 1, 2024

May 1, 2024

Featured Artists Hail From the Florida Panhandle and Cleveland, Ohio “Days Like These,” an exhibition showcasing the latest paintings from...