Share or Print this page

 

Connie Thimmig, Support Group Facilitator, Walk Volunteer, Community Educator, Advocate Sheboygan & Manitowoc

"You can be the voice for someone who has lost theirs.”

 
Connie has been volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association for almost two decades. Her dedication to the mission is evident in the breadth of areas she volunteers, including: Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Sheboygan and Manitowoc, Support Group Facilitator, Community Educator and Advocate. “I’ve met so many fabulous people at the Alzheimer’s Association and learned so much from them over the years,” Connie says.
 
Connie has worked in the Alzheimer’s community for more than 20 years. Right out of college she began her journey at an assisted living facility and she stayed in the field throughout her career and is currently the Director of Enrichment Services at Felician Village. “Working with this disease throughout my career has given me a passion for those impacted by Alzheimer’s,” says Connie. “But it has also given me a love for the caregivers who are so affected. My heart breaks when I hear their stories, and if I can make a small difference in their journey, I’m happy to do it.”
 
Connie has been instrumental in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for 17 years. She’s been active on the Manitowoc Walk Planning Committee and served as the Chairperson in Sheboygan for five years. “Volunteering is so rewarding and there are so many ways to make a difference,” says Connie. “But most importantly, you can be the voice for someone who has lost theirs. Regardless of time or experience, there is a role for you at the Alzheimer’s Association.”
 
As a Support Group Facilitator for 13 years, Connie has learned so much from the caregivers that attend her
sessions. “My first support group was for care partners of people with early-stage Alzheimer’s,” says Connie. “Up until that point, my focus was primarily mid-late stages. Through our sessions I began to learn about early stage challenges. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone to learn more, and now I also do a support group for all caregivers.”
 
“The families impacted by Alzheimer’s are helpless to the disease,” Connie says. “I am constantly in awe of the families and caregivers who are caring for someone in a way they never thought they might. They do what they can and any support I offer them means so much.” Connie also has a personal connection to the disease with her grandmother.
 
Connie has also gotten more involved in the Advocacy efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association, attending both State Advocacy Days and the Advocacy Forum in Washington D.C. for several years. “I want to see a world for my grandchildren where this is a cure for this disease,” says Connie. “We need to educate and seek additional funding to make that happen.” Connie has also served as a Congressional Ambassador since 2016.
 
“I volunteer because this disease tugs at my heart,” says Connie.  “It robs us of the person we know and steals memories. These caregivers give of themselves so selflessly and if I can make their load any lighter, I welcome the opportunity.”