Warm, holiday favorites benefit Alzheimer’s research

By Shari Goldstein Stern

No one can possibly imagine what it is like to experience Alzheimer’s Disease, and you cannot depend on your loved one who is afflicted with the life-changing disorder to explain it to you. As Alzheimer’s tightens its grip, family and friends must wonder how much of their loved one is still “in there.” When the disease looks you in the eye and says, “eventually” and “soon,” it is petrifying. No one wants to hear that. It is impossible to see yourself in a constant state of confusion, disconnected from others, and eventually dependent on others’ assistance to survive. Do you know it when that is coming, or are you already unaware?

The national AWARE organization is dedicated to “fighting Alzheimer’s disease by providing funding and support to programs, projects and research provided by nonprofit organizations that actively help individuals affected by Alzheimer’s.” 

AWARE Dallas has been dedicated to fighting Alzheimer’s since 1989. During that time, the non-profit organization has raised and donated $13,500,000 in Dallas and the greater North Texas area. All funds raised in the community are used by the community toward funding and support to leading organizations and agencies, which offer programs, education and resources to caregivers and victims of Alzheimer’s disease, and to organizations doing valuable research to find prevention and ultimately a cure.

Dallas’ AWARE President Barbara Glass announces a special opportunity for the community to support AWARE in its fight against Alzheimer’s disease by purchasing holiday poinsettias for your own home and for lovely gifts. 

Priced at $25 each, cheerful, high-quality poinsettias are available in pink, red, or white. They are in 6-inch pots and protected with plastic sleeves. 

One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit AWARE’s programs and research. You can order online by Nov. 27 at awaredallas.org or contact Barbara at [email protected] 

AWARE president-elect Karisti Julia is working in partnership with Belmont Village Senior Living, 3535 N. Hall Street in East Dallas, as the pick-up point. Guests will also receive a special gift when picking up their poinsettias. Pick up times are on Tuesday, Dec. 1 from 9-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.; and on Wednesday, Dec. 2 from noon-2 p.m. 

If you are unable to pick up your order, contact AWARE and arrange for your plant to be delivered. 

According to Barbara Glass, AWARE president, “What we had envisioned was a warm holiday event with poinsettias all over and a tree decorated with the flowers there at Belmont Village. As with everyone during this pandemic, our plans had to be changed.”

“Our AWARE Vice President, Krista Julia, has been working with pleasure coordinating plans with Nancy Sanders and Lisa Mach, chief staff at Belmont, who are always so helpful and resourceful,” Glass added. She commented that the senior living facility even provided a higher technological resource than AWARE had available. Belmont let AWARE use their equipment to accommodate their Zoom meetings with higher quality. 

“We remain grateful for their support in helping us move Alzheimer’s research forward.”

For additional information, visit AWAREDallas.org.