New group provides support for Alzheimer’s Association

By Sophia Fischersfischer@theacorn.com

When 200 people sit down to tea and a fashion show at the Sherwood Country Club on Fri., June 24, they’ll be not only enjoying themselves, but supporting the Central Coast Alzheimer’s Association and its programs and services.

The Royal High Tea and Fashion Show is the inaugural event of the newly formed AWARE organization, a fundraising vehicle for the Alzheimer’s Association. The group represents Ventura County. A new concept, there are only six AWARE chapters nationwide, with more expected to be formed, according to Heather Frankle, AWARE Ventura County president.

“It’s a new way to fundraise and friend-raise, to make people aware of this disease and of how they can provide support for research and resources,” Frankle said.

The Ventura chapter of AWARE, which stands for Auxiliary Working for Alzheimer’s Resources and Education, formed in March and has about 50 members. Frankle would like to the see that number rise to 200 by the end of the year.

The group plans to host several fundraising events each year, develop an ambassador program to help give presentations on Alzheimer’s, and create an outreach program for local businesses.

More than $62 billion is lost each year by businesses nationwide due to employee absenteeism or early retirement to care for family members with Alzheimer’s.

“We want to help businesses examine what their cost is and provide quality programs so they can assist their employees with problems they may have as a result of Alzheimer’s care-giving,” Frankle said.

More than 15,000 adults have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in Ventura County, according to Joyce Schroeder, AWARE vice president. That number is expected to increase, creating tremendous stress on the healthcare system and on the Alzheimer’s Association. To date, there is no known cause or cure for the disease.

“Our goal is to provide additional resources so that more services are offered to a greater number of people,” Schroeder said.

Frankle credits the Alzheimer’s Association for progress made in assisting those with the disease by helping fund research and development.

“The Alzheimer’s Association really speaks to my heart,” said Frankle, whose mother suffers from the disease. “Twenty years ago people had no hope. The association has made a tremendous difference in the lives of millions of people with the disease.”