Alzheimer's Orange County's 10th Annual Visionary Women Luncheon Welcomes Alzheimer's Advocate Kim Campbell, Honors Local Caregivers

    IRVINE, CA, May 26, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Hope filled the open-air theatre at Rancho Las Lomas in Silverado Canyon Friday at Alzheimer's Orange County's (AOC) 10th Annual Visionary Women Caregivers Luncheon. Special guest Kim Campbell, wife of country music legend Glen Campbell, shared her emotional journey as a caregiver to a beloved husband, now in his sixth stage of Alzheimer's. The luncheon featured awards to six local compassionate caregivers in addition to Campbell's presentation.

In 2011, when Glen was diagnosed with the disease, Campbell and her children courageously faced the tumultuous sea of adversity that follows an Alzheimer's diagnosis. Together, the family decided to "go public" to help educate others. Now married for 33 years, she goes to battle each day with Glen, and spends quality time with him at his memory support community in Nashville. Speaking to the capacity audience, she inspired hope for an end to Alzheimer's, encouraged support for all families affected, and celebrated the heroic work of local caregivers who have dedicated their lives to caring for those living with this disease.

"Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are a family disease, and affect much more than just the person diagnosed," said Jim McAleer, CEO of Alzheimer's Orange County. "Our annual Visionary Women Luncheon allows us to focus on the unsung heroes - local caregivers - who dedicate their lives to caring for those battling every stage of this cruel disease. Much more local support for caregivers and families are needed, and our work is continually inspired by them."

McAleer added, "Our annual luncheon is held to honor our local caregivers and bring our Visionary Women community together, but we were thrilled to share the day with Kim Campbell, who inspires all of us to keep going as advocates, caregivers, donors and volunteers."

One of the six local award winners, Family Caregiver Award honoree Maria Elena Flores of Santa Ana, shared another emotional caregiving journey. A mother of three, the 38-year-old has provided consistent care and compassion to two family members suffering from Alzheimer's: first, her mother-in-law, and then her 35-year-old husband, who began showing similar symptoms with early onset Alzheimer's. Since being touched by this disease, Flores has dedicated her life to caring for her young husband and family, showing strength, optimism and love as she copes with the daily challenges of Alzheimer's. Flores was recognized alongside five other extraordinary caregivers at the event. They included:

• Gincy Heins - Family Caregiver Award: When Heins' husband was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment, she knew becoming a caregiver would be the best decision she would make for her family. She ensures her husband maintains an active life and advocates for other caregivers by dedicating her time to educating them about the disease. Heins has authored several books and articles on caregiving and volunteers her time to support many AOC initiatives, including spearheading one of the largest Walk4ALZ Huntington Beach teams. She resides in Cypress.

• Aileen Gaddi - Professional Caregiver: As Program Director of Fullerton Gardens, an all-inclusive memory care community, Gaddi plans and oversees a variety of life- enriching activities for residents with various levels of cognitive impairment. Under her leadership, she provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for employees and residents, and her compassionate care has made a positive impact on the hundreds of residents and families served by the Alzheimer's residential care center. Gaddi is a Fullerton resident.

• Ellie Nixon - Administrative Professional Award: Nixon has been working with Alzheimer's and dementia patients for more than 20 years, of which more than a decade has been as a facilitator for several AOC Family Support Groups. As Senior Resources Consultant for Heritage-Dilday Memorial Services, she guides families facing the final stages of dementia through all phases of care and planning. In 2003, she was part of a team that launched an AOC bereavement program. A sought-after speaker on memory loss and dementia, Nixon understands the importance of providing support and guidance for families touched by Alzheimer's so that they do not go through their journey alone. Nixon resides in Huntington Beach.

• Joanna Manczyk - Administrative Professional Award: Manczyk followed in her mother's footsteps of being a caregiver and serves as the administrator of Lake Forest-based BASIA Residential Care, a home providing hospice and dementia care. Mancyzk ensures all residents feel safe and comfortable and goes above and beyond with personalized attention for her patients - whether helping them with their hair and makeup, to reading their favorite books and ensuring they eat their preferred meal choices. Mancyzk lives in Lake Forest.

• Kathleen Furlong - Medical Professional Award: As a nurse practitioner with St. Joseph Health, Furlong works with neurologists and provides patients and their families with insights on dealing with dementia. She proactively works with family caregivers to enhance their roles, and connects them with important community resources, including no-cost AOC programs. She is dedicated to educating others about dementia, treatment options and addresses the needs of the families she serves with sensitivity and compassion. Furlong is a Mission Viejo resident.

During the inspiring program, guests were educated about each stage of the disease - mild/early, moderate/middle and severe/late -- through powerful stories told by caregivers currently facing the disease with their partners. Each journey shed light on the challenges many caregivers face, and their courageous dedication to improving the lives of those touched by the disease.

Each year, the Visionary Women Caregivers Luncheon honors caregivers for their commitment to compassionate care. Throughout its 10-year history, the Visionary Women Caregivers Luncheon has featured celebrity speakers such as: Florence Henderson, Marion Ross, Rita Moreno, Shirley Jones, Doris Roberts, Olympia Dukakis, Ellen Burstyn and Debbie Reynolds. The event is organized by the Visionary Women Circle of Alzheimer's Orange County, an advocacy group comprised of more than 300 members who mobilize the community to elevate awareness and expand local support of AOC's no-cost programs through education, advocacy and fundraising. The group of passionate women include: Julia Argyros, Jacqueline Dupont-Carlson, Susan Johnson, Lauren Kear, Jeannie Lawrence, Kirsten Mangers, Sandra McDaniel, Diane Mondini, Beverly Newton-Redfern, Marla Robinson and Stacy Schlinger.

The 2016 event sponsors included: The Argyros Family Foundation, Assured In-Home Care, Caring Companions at Home, Chatterton & Associates, First American Trust, Irvine Cottages, San Clemente Villas by the Sea, Silverado and WCCT Global. To join Visionary Women Circle, and for information on upcoming events, call (949) 955-9000 or visit http://www.alzoc.org/get-involved/visionary-women/.

About Alzheimer's Orange County
Alzheimer's Orange County provides programs and services, free of charge, to Orange County residents with Alzheimer's and related dementia disorders, their families, caregivers, and the community. Alzheimer's Orange County began as an independent 501c3 nonprofit in 1982, became a chapter of the national Alzheimer's Association in 1984, and in December 2015, became an independent nonprofit again with all fundraising going toward care, support and research in Orange County, Calif. Alzheimer's is a devastating neurodegenerative illness that weakens the memory and other cognitive and emotional functions. For more information, call the Helpline at 1-844-HELP-ALZ (1-844-435-7249), or visit http://www.alzoc.org Find Alzheimer's Orange County on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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