Cedar Rapids, August 27, 2008 – The Alzheimer’s Association East Central Iowa Chapter awarded their sixth annual Excellence in Caregiving Awards on August 14th. The awards were given out at a luncheon during the Alzheimer’s Association 14th annual Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Education Conference.
The Excellence in Caregiving Awards honor outstanding achievement in caregiving and recognize family caregivers, organizations and professionals who serve individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The awards and their recipients were the following:
The Professional Award recognizes an individual who has brought a sincere dedication to his or her profession that serves as a model to others who are within the field. This year’s recipient was Toni Lang, Activities Director at Lakeview Lodge-Waterloo. Toni always makes residents feel ‘included’, where they have a sense of being needed and important, which is something that can fall to the wayside with Alzheimer’s disease.
The Organization Award recognizes an organization, agency or institution that has chosen the development of exceptional programs and/or services that benefit the Alzheimer’s community and its mission. The recipient of this year’s award was Mercy Medical for their work evacuating Alzheimer’s patients during the flood.
The Family Caregiver Award recognizes an individual or family who embodies the courage to face the challenges of caregiving, the compassion to ensure dignity for their loved one, and the wisdom to reach out for support. This year’s recipient was Greg Vogt, a 23 year old who lives with and takes care of his grandmother with Alzheimer’s.
The Special Service Award recognizes an individual or a group that has made a unique contribution. The recipients of this year’s award were Jim Affeldt, Carol Daniels, Leland Freie, Allen and Sandy Harms, Pat Healy, Dave Marner Jr., John Riccolo, Steven Shelby, Tammy Van Bogart, Ron Wendt and Norma Wenzel, also known as “The Committee”. This group of individuals has consistently supported David Good since he was diagnosed Visual Variant form of Alzheimer’s disease in 2003. They have allowed him to remain an active part of the community by continuing to provide him support and assistance.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be one of the most challenging and overbearing commitments a person can take on. These recipients have truly given of themselves to provide and care for individuals with Alzheimer’s.
