INDIANA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE SCIENTIST RECEIVES RESEARCH GRANT FROM THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

The Alzheimer’s Association has awarded more than $159,000 to Claudia Mera Reina MD, M.Sc, PhD, postdoctoral research associate for the Stark Neuroscience Research Institute at Indiana University School of Medicine.

This research aims to better understand the complex relationship between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), two severe neurological disorders. TBI can trigger abnormal microglial activity, which may accelerate the development of AD-like pathology. This study focuses on Hexokinase 2 (HK2), a key glycolytic enzyme that drives inflammation in microglia. By investigating the role of HK2 in a mouse model of head injury, this research will help clarify how microglial metabolism contributes to the progression from TBI to AD, potentially uncovering mechanisms that inform future therapeutic approaches.

This grant award comes through the Association’s 2025 International Research Grant Program.

The Alzheimer’s Association funds more Alzheimer’s and dementia research than any other nonprofit globally to accelerate the field towards solutions for the global Alzheimer’s crisis. The Association is currently investing $430 million in more than 1,150 active projects in 57 countries spanning six continents.

“I’m honored to receive this recognition at this point in my career and grateful for the Alzheimer’s Association's support at such a critical moment in research,” said Mera Reina. “My passion lies in translational medicine, the critical link between scientific discovery and clinical application. We are hopeful that this research will contribute to the development of interventions that could benefit individuals at high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease after brain injury.”

Mera Reina’s passion for research began during her medical studies at Del Rosario University in Colombia. She earned a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, focusing on cardiovascular disease, and continued with postdoctoral training at the University of Chile. She is now expanding her expertise in the field of neuroscience through postdoctoral research at Indiana University. Her unique combination of clinical training and research experience in two critical areas of human health—cardiovascular and neurological diseases—fuels her commitment to advancing translational medicine.

Mera Reina actively participates in leadership development through various roles at Indiana University. She contributes to the biology efforts around TREM2 at the Target Enablement to Accelerate Therapy Development for Alzheimer's Disease (TREAT-AD) drug discovery center and serves as Mentorship International Chair for the Stark Postdoctoral Association (SPA), where she helps support fellow postdocs. Recent honors include Women in Neuroscience Research and Career Development Award from the Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, participation in the Association Research Fellowship to Promote Diversity Program (AARF-D) and more.

“Indiana has played a key role in many of the advances that are providing life-changing experiences for those living with dementia. We are thrilled to welcome Claudia Mera Reina to our community of researchers and look forward to her discoveries,” said Natalie Sutton, Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter executive. “Her work adds the exciting potential for new therapeutic strategies that could slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, inspiring hope for so many individuals and families who are affected by this terrible disease.”

Alzheimer’s Association funding has led to some of the most important research breakthroughs, including the first Alzheimer’s drug studies and recent treatment discoveries, the ability to visualize Alzheimer’s-related changes in the living brain, and advances toward blood tests. The Association also supports research that improves care for people with dementia and optimizes services for caregivers and families.

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and more than 121,000 individuals are living with Alzheimer’s in Indiana alone, according to the Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, an annual report released by the Alzheimer’s Association. By 2050, the number of people with Alzheimer's is projected to increase to nearly 13 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or stop the disease.

For more information, visit the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

Looking Back on the Fight to End Alzheimer’s in 2024

As we approach the new year, we are reflecting on some of 2024’s top accomplishments and stories here in Indiana and across the country. Join us in taking a moment to look back at the events, research, advocacy and most of all, the people who made 2024 yet another momentous year in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

January

February

March

April

June

July

August

September

October

December

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year a success. If you’re interested in getting involved in the fight to end Alzheimer’s in 2025, visit alz.org/Indiana/volunteer and fill out our interest form.

Show your END ALZ pride on the roads!

The Greater Indiana Chapter has exciting news, Hoosiers! Alzheimer’s Association END ALZ license plates will be available at the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles in 2025. This plate will raise critical awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

When you purchase an END ALZ specialty plate, $25 of your $40 specialty plate fee will serve as a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association and ensure that Hoosiers have access to information, resources and support along their journey.

It's easy - get yours upon normal renewal in 2025, online at IN.gov/BMV or ask for the specialty plate in-person at a BMV license branch at any time starting Jan. 1, 2025.

Each END ALZ specialty plate will begin with alpha indicators "ZA" followed by digits unique to your plate identification.

We hope you’ll consider joining us as we turn Indiana roads purple in the new year!

Greater Indiana Chapter thanks 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s participants, sponsors and volunteers for a job well done

We did it! The 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s event season has come to a close, and what a job well done. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs. Across the Greater Indiana Chapter, Walk to End Alzheimer’s takes place in 13 communities, with over 600 Walk locations nationwide.

Walk season wouldn't be possible without the support of so many people, including volunteers, team captains, participants, and sponsors. With the community behind us, the 2024 Walk season was yet another momentous campaign in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Take a look at some of the highlights from Greater Indiana’s 2024 Walks.

Across all 13 Walks in Greater Indiana, more than 1,100 teams and 8,200 participants have raised an outstanding $2.23 million for Alzheimer’s and dementia care, support and research. Give yourselves a pat on the back for your tremendous efforts thus far.

At our current fundraising levels, five greater Indiana Walks have surpassed their fundraising goals. Congratulations to the following Walk to End Alzheimer’s communities who have not only met, but exceeded fundraising goals already this season. Your efforts and support for our mission are greatly appreciated.

Special mention to communities at 80% or more including Bloomington, Columbus, Greater Lafayette, Indianapolis and Lake County. With the support of these communities, we know we can achieve these goals this year. 

For the second consecutive year, the Indianapolis Walk to End Alzheimer’s was also the first Walk in the nation to surpass the $1 million fundraising milestone.

On behalf of the Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter and our board of directors, we extend our heartfelt thanks for all of your amazing support of this year's Walk to End Alzheimer's. 

Thank you to our sponsors! You are one of our biggest supporters not only through Walk day activations but your year round dedication to the cause. With your support you’ve allowed us to deepen connection within our local communities and pave a path forward that includes new audiences and opportunities.

To our committee members and volunteers, you are at the core of our mission and Walk to End Alzheimer’s would not be possible without your tireless support, time and energy. Thank you for all that you do to make this campaign a success. 

For the first time, we have treatments that can change the course of Alzheimer’s. While this is a tremendous step forward, our work is far from done. We won’t rest until everyone living with the disease — at any stage — can get the treatment, care and support they need and deserve.

With the support of your participation in Walk, the Alzheimer’s Association is fueling the most promising research in the field, investing in more than 1,100 projects in 56 countries. All of your incredible efforts help fuel groundbreaking treatments like the ones now becoming available — and bring us closer to our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

Because of your efforts, in FY24, the Greater Indiana Chapter was able to reach over 10,000 hoosiers through our 24/7 Helpline, numerous education programs, awareness presentations and support groups. Our advocates were able to pass priority bills like Act 273, which requires insurance coverage of biomarker testing in Indiana. And most importantly, your support has allowed us to connect Hoosier to a community that sees them, understands them and is working towards a world without Alzheimer’s and dementia alongside them. 

Although our 2024 Walk events have come to a close, Alzheimer’s isn’t stopping, and neither are we! Fundraising for the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s season continues through Dec. 31, 2024. 

As we head into the holiday season, these are the moments our community needs our support and resources the most. If you feel so inclined, we encourage you to keep fundraising or make a self-donation now through Dec. 31 to show your continued support for our shared mission.

Walk participants also have the opportunity to be rewarded for fundraising efforts through the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s incentive program. Check out the prizes available and aim to hit your goal before Nov. 6, 2024 to earn your rewards.

The Alzheimer’s Association is excited for what the rest of 2024 holds, and we look forward to your continued participation and support through the year and beyond. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this Walk to End Alzheimer’s season a success thus far. 

Greater Indiana Chapter thanks Super Early Bird Walk Sponsors, encourages Hoosiers to register for the 2024 Walk

The Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. That wouldn't be possible without the support of so many people, including volunteers, team captains, participants, and sponsors.

The Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter wants to give a special shoutout to the Super Early Bird Sponsors for the 2024 Walk:

Ball State University Encompass Credit Union Friends Fellowship Community Gentry Park Senior Living Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana IU Health The Law Office of Claire E. Lewis OneAmerica Financial U S #1364 FEDERAL CREDIT UNION ViaQuest Hospice Voelz, Reed, & Mount, LLC

The 2024 Walk begins in Greater Indiana on Sept. 15. Find your local Walk in the schedule below:

Michiana (IN) 09/15/2024 Lake County, IN 09/15/2024 Columbus, IN 09/15/2024 Greater Lafayette, IN 09/21/2024 Terre Haute, IN 09/21/2024 Heartland (IN) 09/28/2024 Indianapolis, IN 09/28/2024 East Central Indiana (Richmond, IN) 09/28/2024 Fort Wayne, IN 10/05/2024 Kokomo, IN 10/05/2024 LaPorte County, IN 10/05/2024 Porter County, IN 10/06/2024 Bloomington, IN 10/06/2024

Be a part of the world's largest event to fight Alzheimer's and all dementia. Register for the Walk at alz.org/indiana/walk.

Longest Day Walk of Shelby County gearing up for 4th annual event

Buffy Powers understands the impact of dementia all too well. She has helped care for several family members with the disease, and she works at Infinity Home Care Plus in Shelbyville. All told, she has helped families navigate the disease through case management and care coordination for 35 years.

“It is my passion that everyone should be given ‘victories’ all their lives,” she said. “We should understand the human need to be valued and have opportunities to engage.”

Buffy created one of those opportunities when she began a fundraising event called The Longest Day Walk of Shelby County, which celebrates its 4th year on June 2, 2024. From the beginning, Buffy says service providers throughout the community rallied around the vision for the event.

Now, they fundraise all year long. Events include Paint the Town Purple set for May 15, dine to donate opportunities, raffles and auctions, and an event where people can adopt a butterfly in someone’s honor. In 2023, the event raised more than $5,200.

“At the end of the day, it is about caring for each other, the person with dementia, their families, and their caregivers as we create a community that comes together,” she said.

Her advice to those who are facing the disease is simple: don’t wait – and don’t be afraid to reach out for help.

“Planning and having those hard conversations sooner than later are so important. Being prepared to make an educated decision can help as you ensure your loved one is cared for. Take time to proceed with getting things in order legally with POA (power of attorney), living wills, and other documents as needed. Talk with others, find support and know there are resources that can help support families."

If you need support, help is available around-the-clock – free of charge. Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

To get involved with The Longest Day, visit alz.org/tld to register.

CarDon & Associates raises funds and awareness through The Longest Day

What do a fish fry, a golf tournament, and a kiss the pig contest have in common? They are all ways that CarDon & Associates Family-first Senior Living Communities raises funds to support the Alzheimer’s Association through The Longest Day.

Inspired by the summer solstice – the day with the most light – The Longest Day encourages people to get involved in the fight to end Alzheimer’s in any way they choose. In keeping with that spirit, each of CarDon’s 19 communities throughout Indiana can decide when and how to raise funds. Events include everything from community bingo games to bake sales and craft fairs.

“The work that the Alzheimer’s Association does is so vital to our communities that offer memory care. So, we really believe in the mission and want to do whatever we can at CarDon to help support that mission.” said Laura​​​​ Bedwell, Regional Director of Cherished Memories.

In the first year, they raised an impressive $5,000. Then, in 2023, CarDon created a specialized web page where teams could register – and see what other communities were doing. “It became competitive,” said Bedwell. “So that was super helpful.”

Thanks to that friendly competition, CarDon raised over $13,000. In 2024, they are hoping to cross the $20,000 mark. “I’m hearing lots of great ideas from the communities of what they have planned, so I’m really hopeful that we will reach that goal.”

In addition to spearheading CarDon’s participation, Bedwell is serving on the 2024 committee for The Longest Day in Indiana. “It has been a great experience to meet other members of the committee and discuss how to reach out and spread the word to get more people involved,” she said.

Bedwell says getting involved has been beneficial for CarDon’s staff, especially those who provide care to those living with the disease.

“It really offers hope,” she said. “I think we can see a lot of pain in the daily care of people with dementia. Getting involved in The Longest Day helps foster hope that there’s research happening, there are good things happening out there, there is support for the families we serve.”

If you are affected by Alzheimer’s or another dementia and need support, call the Alzheimer’s Association free, 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. To get involved with The Longest Day, visit alz.org/tld.

Learn about volunteer roles at the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is powered by volunteers. In honor of National Volunteer Week, learn about just a few of the many roles available and hear from volunteers about their experience. There is a way for everyone to get involved!

Advocacy

Advocates help make Alzheimer’s a priority by writing, calling, emailing or visiting government officials. Thanks to the tireless work of these volunteers, we’ve passed critical legislation in Indiana and at the federal level – and we’ve significantly increased federal research funding.

“By sharing our stories and being a voice for those affected, we have achieved public policy victories that make a difference in countless lives. I’m honored to be a part of it.” -Jeanne

Care & Support

Volunteers are needed across the Greater Indiana Chapter to provide programs for all those affected by the disease, including support group facilitators and community educators.

Support Group Facilitators create a safe, open environment where caregivers share their feelings, thoughts and experiences to better cope with and manage the shared challenges of dementia.

Community Educators are volunteer public speakers who help the Alzheimer's Association provide consumer education. These volunteers deliver prepared presentations on topics related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Health Equity Coalition

Members of the Health Equity Coalition serve as crucial links, bringing the Alzheimer's Association together with Community Health Connectors who provide vital information about Alzheimer's and Dementia. Their efforts sustain our outreach, particularly in underserved communities, supporting the chapter's broader community engagement and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives for health equity.

Development

Participants in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and The Longest Day raise funds and awareness for the care and support and research programs of the Alzheimer's Association. There are also leadership opportunities available within our volunteer committees.

“I wanted to get involved so I could do my part in raising awareness and funds to help with research so that hopefully one day there can be a cure for this very cruel disease.” - Lisa

If you’re interested in joining the fight to #ENDALZ by becoming a volunteer, click here to fill out a short form, and someone will be in touch with you soon!

Looking back on the fight to end Alzheimer's in 2023

2023 was another momentous year in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Take a look back at some of the year's top stories – here in Indiana and across the country.  

January

February

March

April

June

July  

August

September

October

November

December

Thank you

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year a success. If you’re interested in getting involved in the fight to end Alzheimer’s in 2024, visit alz.org/Indiana/volunteer and fill out our interest form.

Local artist uses talent to raise funds, uplift those affected

Artist LorieLee Andrews is a caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with dementia five years ago. One day, she was talking with a friend and fellow artist, sharing concerns about her care. “At this particular moment,” said LoriLee, “my wise friend said to me, ‘You should make art about your mother.’”

She began with an etching of a brain, then created forty mixed media pieces, each with at least one image of the etching. Her works are now on display at the Harrison Center, with proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter through The Longest Day.

“During the course of my creating, various literature and information was placed in my path that impacted the purpose of the art,” said LorieLee. She came across a quote that referenced “Amor Fati,” which is Latin for The Love of our Fate – the name of the show. The concept “set me on a path of greater acceptance regarding my journey with my mother,” she said.

While her work began with a focus on her mother, it expanded into something much bigger. “I realized that I was incorporating humor, joy, creativity, curiosity, love, patience and imagination into the making of each piece,” she said. “These are exactly the same tools that make it possible for me to live on this journey with my mom as her disease progresses, and they are qualities that she encouraged in me the whole time I was growing up and living my adult life as well.”

LorieLee is hopeful that her art will inspire others who are also affected by the disease. “My prayer is that these collages will provide uplifting feelings for those who view them,” she said. “This is my way of bringing love to the moment.”

"Caregiving is all about love" - What one dementia caregiver wants others to know about the journey

Bloomington resident Becky Boyle is a caregiver for both of her parents, including her father, who is living with Alzheimer's disease. In honor of National Family Caregivers Month in November, she shares what her journey has been like and what she wants other caregivers - and non-caregivers - to know.

What is the best thing about being a caregiver?

Caregiving is all about love – wanting what is best for the other person for their good. I sort of double care-give for both my mom and my dad. My dad has Alzheimer’s and now lives in a memory care facility. My care for him is making sure that his needs are met by the facility – and that’s not easy. I expect excellent care for my father and I have to work very hard to make sure that they are doing not only what is required by law but also just ‘caring for and about’ my dad. My care for my mom is changing a little bit. At first I was her support as she began the challenge of being the in-home care giver for Dad. Mom is now experiencing her own challenges and I need to make sure that she has everything she needs to continue to live as independently as she can for as long as she can.

What are some things you wished you had known before beginning your caregiver journey?

I wish that I had known ahead of time the places where I could go to get support; places where I could go to talk or let off steam with others experiencing similar challenges – and successes.

What are the things you do best as a caregiver?

I am an organizer. I can organize information very quickly in order to accomplish goals and execute tasks. I keep copious notes and I track all conversations. This is getting more difficult. Mom and Dad now live at two different facilities and they each have their own doctors, most of whom they visit twice a year: neurologist, primary care, cardiologist, dermatologist, dentist, and optometrist.

What are the biggest challenges of being a caregiver?

I work full time and my job is a busy job – I always have projects that I’m working on and since I work with college students it requires lots of energy – which I love. But I’m tired every day. I’m aging, too. I get the don’t-want-to's a lot. I often don’t really know what to do when I visit my dad (his speech/brain connection is pretty broken) and I am short tempered with my mom. I feel pretty guilty about both of those things.

How do you manage the stress that comes with being a caregiver?

I’ve had established care and health routines my entire adult life. I exercise, I eat healthy, I love to sleep and I have a great husband who keeps me focused on fun. It’s a blessing. If I didn’t have that already in place, with working full time, there is no way I could now begin. I love my parents very much, but I do have a husband and children who do come first – I just have to admit that and not feel guilty.

What valuable lessons have you learned as a caregiver that you would share with other caregivers?

Hands down: Every single situation and story is incredibly unique.

Oftentimes, family and friends of dementia caregivers want to help, but they may not know how. What are some of the best things people can do to help caregivers like you?

Helping a caregiver ‘like me’ might look like:

For information about dementia caregiving, visit alz.org/care. For tips on managing caregiver stress, visit alz.org/caregiverstress. For free, around-the-clock support, call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900.

“Flowers are healing.” Northwest Indiana caregiver uses grandmother’s love of flowers to fight Alzheimer’s in her honor

Sara Mason was 13 years old when her grandmother, Delphine Walton, took her in and raised her, but she was Sara’s “person” long before that. As Sara says, “My grandma is my best friend.”

Her grandma is also “strong beyond belief.” The eldest of nine children, she was just a teenager when she helped raise her siblings when their mother died. She lost two sons and her husband but “kept on charging forward.”

That began to change nine years ago, when Delphine had a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a type of stroke that lasts only a few minutes. That’s when Sara started noticing memory issues, but it took time to receive a dementia diagnosis. “She was super good at covering up the fact that she didn't know some things anymore. I also feel like I made excuses for the fact that she was forgetful. I would say, ‘Oh, she's getting older. That happens.”

But the disease continued to progress. “The pandemic took a huge toll on her because she didn't see anyone but me. I feel like the lack of social interaction progressed things.”

Then came the moment when she tried to walk to her sister’s house – all the way across town. “It was that day that I knew she couldn't be left alone.”

Sara spoke with her husband and made the difficult decision to leave her job. She has found a new way of bringing in income using something her grandmother has always loved – through flowers. She started a flower farm called The Mason Homestead, and she brings her grandmother on deliveries. “We take our road trips every week in late summer and she enjoys every minute of it,” Sara said. “People come out to get their flowers and do their quick hello to her. It brings so much joy. I'm also filling her yard up with flowers, so it's our happy place.”

She created a peony sponsorship program as a way of raising funds to fight the disease through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. She tags the sponsored flowers so that donors can come to visit them. “I've had people sponsoring them and telling me about their loved one with Alzheimer's and their story,” Sara said. “It's truly made me find a connection I didn't know I needed and not feel so alone in this journey. I would love for it to be a place where people with dementia can come out to do activities with the flowers and interact. Flowers are healing.”

She chose peonies because they are sought after by florists – and because the plant can last 100 years.

“I knew I needed to honor her legacy and pay it forward. People usually only think of legacy after a person is gone but her legacy is now. This will be Delphine's legacy.”

Her legacy is also one of love. After taking Sara in and raising her, their roles have reversed. “Being her caregiver is the hardest and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. I'm in it for the long haul and I just want her to know she's loved.”

Despite all she is juggling, Sara got involved in the Walk for the first time this year to fight back against the disease that has taken so much.

“I need what my family is going through to mean something. There has to be some good that comes from this.”

If you’re interested in joining the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Northwest Indiana, visit act.alz.org/nwiwalk. To join another Greater Indiana Chapter Walk, visit alz.org/Indiana/walk.

“Everything fell apart.” Bloomington Walk to End Alzheimer’s volunteer walks to raise awareness, reduce stigma

Like many family members of people with dementia, Bloomington Walk to End Alzheimer’s community engagement chair Bridgett DiVohl noticed signs of dementia, such as memory loss, in her parents. Her dad had Parkinson's disease dementia and passed away in January 2023. Her mom is living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s. At only 58 years of age, she began asking the same questions over and over. Then she started getting lost while driving in familiar places and forgetting about plans.   

“She called me in 2016 to say ‘I have your name on my calendar next week for something and I can’t remember why,’” Bridgett said. “It was on Feb. 16, which was my birthday.”

But there was another sign, too. They were having financial problems with their business. “We didn’t understand why they were getting letters from the IRS and debt collectors. They both worked so hard and were always so responsible,” Bridgett said.

Ultimately, they lost the business that had been in the family for three generations. “My heart breaks because I wish that our family business could have lived on through another generation,” she said. “Everything fell apart, and we as a family have had to try and pick up the pieces.”

Bridgett had support from her brother – who worked for the family business; her sister-in-law, Maddi; and her wife, Steph – with whom she owns a business herself. “If my wife and I had not had time to develop our own business and an understanding of balance sheets and other business financial literacy tools, we would not have been able to work so productively with the attorneys to manage it all.”

In addition to the financial challenges, Bridgett has also found it difficult at times to care for her parents as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Fortunately, many family members have been supportive and even expressed concern that caregiving could take a toll on her marriage. But her dad was often indifferent about homophobic comments made by others, and her mom always referred to Steph as her friend rather than her wife, despite attending their wedding. At special events Bridgett organized for her parents, while some people were eager to engage with Bridgett and Stef, others were withdrawn.

“I am confident enough now to not take it personally,” she said. “My focus has always been on my parents’ care. It just has to be.”

Despite these challenges, Bridgett knows she has been fortunate in many ways. As a successful business owner, she has financial stability, even when she had to step back to put caregiving first.

“Not everyone has that,” she said. “My heart goes out to families that are already struggling. I believe that it would be positive for more businesses to have something in place to learn how to support their employees during transitions into caretaking roles, so they don’t lose those employees altogether.”

She would also like to see less stigma surrounding the disease. “I believe that coming together at events like the Walk showcases that we are not hiding. This is not their fault and it shouldn’t be something that people feel the need to hide from the world.”

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter is hosting 13 Walk to End Alzheimer’s events this fall. To find your local Walk and register, visit alz.org/Indiana/walk.

We're so sorry to hear that. Thank you for reaching out. We do offer a free online community designed for people living with dementia, as well as caregivers at https://alzconnected.org/. Free, around-the-clock support is also available through our 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900. Hope this helps!

Former pastry chef uses passion for baking to raise awareness, funds through The Longest Day

Fort Wayne resident Lisa Stier Kidd didn’t notice when her dad, Bud Stier, started showing signs of memory loss 10 years ago. But her mom did.

It began with small signs, such as misplacing things frequently. Then his symptoms took a more serious turn. “My dad was driving and he stopped in the middle of the road and didn’t know where he was and didn’t know what to do next,” Lisa said. “Somehow, he snapped out of it and proceeded to drive, but my mom made sure I knew about it and she had my dad get an MRI of his brain at the VA hospital.”

The test didn’t show any abnormalities. But before Lisa’s mom died of ovarian cancer in 2015, she made a promise to her that she would look after her father. “She just knew something was wrong.”

Lisa made good on that promise in 2021, after her dad was diagnosed with dementia. She quit her job as a pastry chef just months after graduating from the program. “I really don’t regret this decision,” she said. “I love my dad and I will do anything to take care of my dad.”

Now, Lisa is using her baking skills in a new way – fighting the disease through The Longest Day. In addition to raising funds by selling her baked goods, she started a YouTube channel, Lisa's Virtual Kitchen, where she often includes her dad in videos. She sees it as another opportunity to raise awareness and make new memories with her dad. “I want people to see that if you do have a loved one dealing with Alzheimer’s Dementia, they aren’t useless. You can still have fun and include them in things you want to do.”

The Longest Day has given Lisa an outlet to fight back against a disease that has taken an emotional toll. “When my mom passed away from cancer, I knew how to deal with that. I knew she was sick and when she passed, I grieved. With Alzheimer’s, it feels like you are in a constant state of grief and every time you think you have a grasp on things, the disease progresses again.”

She says that while it’s difficult to watch her dad – a veteran and ordained minister – slip away, she tries to focus on the present moment. “Try and enjoy who they currently are because if you don’t you will miss out on all the little things, the smiles and the joy amongst the grief.”

To register for The Longest Day and select your activity, visit alz.org/tld.

Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter launches “ALZ Equity for Indiana” with milestone $1.2 million donation

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter is launching a four-year initiative to reach underserved communities. The plan, ALZ Equity for Indiana, is made possible with a generous $1.2 million donation from Judy and Michael Harrington. The gift is the largest donation focused on diversity, equity and inclusion made to the Alzheimer’s Association and the largest single donation of any kind to the Greater Indiana Chapter.

ALZ Equity for Indiana will focus on outreach to populations that are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia: Black, Latino and LGBTQ communities. Studies show that older Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s than older whites. Latinos are 1.5 times as likely. At the same time, they are less likely to receive a timely diagnosis. Members of the LGBTQ community may face more challenges when receiving care because of social stigma and potential isolation.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion have been a focus of the Alzheimer’s Association for many years, but we must do more to reach these communities that are both disproportionately impacted by this disease and less likely to access the resources they need,” said Natalie Sutton, executive director, Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter. “This gift will change the lives of many Hoosiers who would otherwise go through their journey alone, and we are incredibly grateful to Judy and Michael for their commitment to this cause.”

Michael Harrington is a longtime supporter of diversity, equity and inclusion. During his tenure at Eli Lilly, he served for many years as an executive champion for Lilly Pride. He lost his mother, Mary Ellen Harrington, to Alzheimer’s disease, and Judy’s father, Dr. Gilbert Small, died with a form of dementia. Michael has served on the Greater Indiana Chapter board since July 2021.

“My mom was a nurturer at heart, and she took incredible care of her family,” said Michael Harrington. “When she developed dementia, the tables were turned, and our family became her primary caregivers. The resources provided by the Alzheimer’s Association were tremendously helpful to us during that time. It is critically important that everyone have access to these resources, and that requires outreach specifically to communities that experience significant health disparities. Judy and I are grateful to be able to make this contribution to help those most in need of assistance with this disease.”

The ALZ Equity for Indiana plan will be implemented in phases over the course of four years. In early April 2023, Vivien Carter joined our team in a new position, director of diversity, equity and inclusion. In her role, she will be tasked with assessing previous outreach efforts, conducting listening sessions, building a Community Action Network and developing a business plan. In year two, the Chapter will launch an awareness campaign targeted at underserved communities and hire an additional staff member to help move the plan forward. Years three and four will involve building on the work done in the initial phases to maintain and strengthen partnerships and programs.

“This donation is just the first step,” continued Sutton. “We know that it will take time and effort to build trust and better reach underserved populations, and we are excited to begin this important work.”

Marquette and Greenwood Village South raise more than $45,000 to fight Alzheimer’s

In 2022, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® – Indianapolis raised more than $1 million for the first time in its history. This milestone could only be achieved with the help of supporters who are committed to ending Alzheimer’s and all other dementias.

Among those longtime supporters were Marquette and Greenwood Village South, who have been holding an annual golf outing for 14 years. It began when their management company, Life Care Services, requested that all their communities begin fundraisers. As it happens, the executive directors of both communities loved to play golf, so they chose the game for their fundraiser.

In the summer of 2007, they raised around $11,000 – a big success for a first-time event. Since then, it was moved to May and has grown in teams, participants, sponsors, and – ultimately – funds raised. After a two-year hiatus, their 2022 outing was held on a picturesque October day and raised more than $45,000 – a new record for the event.  

“In our business, we see the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s each day in our residents and their families,” said Casey Maish, Administrative Services Director, Marquette Senior Living. “Some of us leave work and experience it at home as well. Our goal is to keep fighting so that one day there will not be a disease to fight against.”

Some of the strategies they use to raise funds can be adopted by many businesses and organizations that want to get involved in the fight, such as posting information on social media and reaching out to board members, vendors, and residents.

In 2023, the communities plan to resume holding the golf outing in May. They will also host bake sales, Donate $1 for Casual for a Cause Fridays, a Giving Garden display in the summer and a breakfast in the fall to engage their residents and staff.

The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter thanks the Marquette and Greenwood Village South staff and all those involved for raising funds to help advance research and support those affected by the disease.

The 2023 “A Round to Remember” golf tournament will be held May 17th at Eagle Creek Golf Course. A foursome will be $800; an individual will be $200; and several sponsorships are available ranging from $200 to $2,500. All the proceeds from this event benefit the Greater Indiana Alzheimer’s Association for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s®.  If you have any questions, or need additional information, please contact Casey Maish of Marquette at 317.524.6511 or Diane Crowder of Greenwood Village South at 317.865.4622.