There are many, many Rotarians who have experienced Alzheimer’s disease either directly or indirectly, through loved ones or friends and acquaintances. No one who has had this experience forgets the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s on everyone. Taking action to prevent, treat, or someday cure brain disease is what motivates the San Antonio West Rotary Club’s actions.
Our Alzheimer’s Research Project was motivated by two members whose spouses reside in a memory care home due to Alzheimer’s. Our efforts are focused on raising funds for research. Our primary recipient is the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases at The Center for Brain Health, UT Health San Antonio. The Biggs Institute is one of only 36 institutions designated by the National Institute of Health as a center of excellence for Alzheimer’s research. By supporting the Biggs Institute, we not only support research but our local institutions and community as well. The Biggs Institute offers comprehensive treatment, trials, and research for patients and families.
Since the start of our project just a few years ago, Blue Skies West Rotary Club has raised over $50,000 for Alzheimer’s research. Many foresee the looming negative impact of Alzheimer’s on medical institutions, the economy, and the millions of patients and caregivers if better treatments and preventative measures are not found. It is the reason this project will continue to raise money and in our small way, help put an end to Alzheimer’s.
For speakers on this topic, please contact Jane Luke Hill at janelukehill@gmail.com. She is a member of the ADRAG (Alzheimer’s/Dementia Rotary Action Group) and an ADRAG Club Champion.