An Inspirational Day

Last week we had the honor of attending Mikey Hoag’s ‘Part the Cloud’ luncheon at Sharon Heights Country Club. ‘Part the Cloud’ is the Alzheimer’s Associations single largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Disease, raising over 17 million dollars to date – amazing.  Their mission is straightforward:  To fund Alzheimer’s research with the highest probability of slowing, stopping or ultimately curing Alzheimer’s disease.  This is a mission we can get behind.

The room was filled with supporters in the fight to end Alzheimer’s from all over the country and all walks of life. From caregivers to experts, from celebrities to an incredibly brave sufferer of early onset Alzheimer’s. We mingled with Kim Campbell (Glenn Campbell’s wife) and actress Sarah Rafferty from the legal TV drama, Suits – Alzheimer’s touching each of their lives in profound ways.  Stories were shared, awards were presented, Rivet Revolution bracelets were given to all in attendance and optimism that a cure is just around the corner permeated the day.

Dr. Roberta Brinton, Director of the University of Arizona Center for Innovation in Brain Science, spoke about the fact that 2/3rds of all Alzheimer’s patients are women.  You can click here to read more about her research relating to inflammation; the aging process and the link to Alzheimer’s in women.

Dr. Maria Carrillo, Chief Science Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association explained Part the Cloud’s Neuroinflamation Challenge and the 17 research grants awarded.  She spoke about the huge amounts of money and time that are needed for trials and the invaluable role that Part the Cloud’s fundraising has played in moving research forward.  We are so excited to support Part the Cloud’s efforts through our mission to donate $10 per bracelet. Click here  to read more about Part the Cloud and the fight to end Alzheimer’s.

We had the honor of listening to Pam Montana, who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s just 7 months ago.  Looking and listening to Pam, you’d never guess she was suffering from this awful disease. She’s vibrant, eloquent, poignant and funny.  Her bravery and generosity in sharing her story left a profound impression on the entire room.  Pam’s husband, Bob Linscheid, spoke as well; championing your wife’s cause is chivalry at its finest!  What and incredible couple to turn their private battle into a crusade to educate and show the world that Alzheimer’s isn’t just a disease for senior citizens.  Check out Pam’s blog.

Maria Shriver was honored for her work in championing the cause of wiping out Alzheimer’s. She spoke about her Women’s Alzheimer’s movement, a global alliance of individuals, organizations, researchers, and other influencers who are determined to lessen the impact this disease has on women. Susan and I had the chance to spend a few minutes with her, and we were left energized, excited and thrilled to be on this road to finding a cure with such an amazing spokesperson and supporter. You can read more about Maria here in the latest edition of Gentry magazine.

Such a wonderful day. A day filled with exceptional women changing the conversation about Alzheimer’s disease. So happy we could participate in this momentous occasion.