I received the following press release, from the Alzheimer’s Association, that I am happy to post. Congratulations to all award winners. [Quick note: I am not a member of this organization, or connected to any of its award recipients, as is true with other releases that I’ve published today.]
Milwaukee April 17, 2010 Ms. Arlene Torrenga of Delavan, Wisconsin will receive the 2010 Outstanding Family Caregiver Award at an awards ceremony to be held at the 24th Annual State Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease, May 2-4, 2010 at the Kalahari Resort Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells.
The award recognizes individuals or families who embody the courage to face the challenges of providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, the compassion to ensure dignity for their loved one and the wisdom to reach out and access support.
Shortly after Arlene and her husband, Bob, retired, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As the disease progressed, Arlene sought out resources through the Alzheimer’s Association. She joined a local support group and became an advocate for the group. She let other families know how the group helped her, and would routinely explain the challenges she faced, helping the entire group to understand and deal with their own personal challenges. After Bob’s death, Arlene took over the leadership as a facilitator for the local Alzheimer’s Association support group. She continues to provide support, connecting families with resources and help. Arlene is a leader, a facilitator, a supporter, a friend and a compassionate listener.
Award winners are selected based on their outstanding contributions as caregivers to those with Alzheimer’s disease in Wisconsin. Other award category winners include:
Professional Award: Terry Fleming (La Crosse)
Physician Award: Janelle Cooper, M.D. (La Crosse)
Advocacy Award: Senator Russ Feingold
Organization Award: Helen Bader Foundation (Milwaukee)
Special Service Award: Judy Koffarnus (Colby)
Courage Award: Jestene McCord (Milwaukee)
The Outstanding Caregiver Awards are coordinated by the Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin chapter network as part of their annual statewide conference held each May. The state conference highlights innovative approaches to Alzheimer’s care, examines critical research initiatives and facilitates the sharing of ideas among dedicated professionals and family members.
Registration materials, scholarship information and conference details are available through the Alzheimer’s Association State Conference website at www.alzwi.org. For more information contact Kathy Davies, conference planner, at kathy.davies@alz.org. Information is also available at www.alzwi.org.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and local services visit www.alz.org/sewi or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.