How many young professionals are aware of Alzheimer’s and want to do something about it?  It’s typically not one of the “sexier” causes. But while many 20-somethings are thinking about pursuing an advanced degree, the next stop on the career path, or perhaps getting ready to move out of Mom and Dad’s basement, there are a growing number of young professionals interested in raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

One such group is the Alzheimer’s Association’s NYC Chapter Junior Committee whose members are concerned about this  disease affecting their parents, grandparents, or other loved ones — and they are making a difference, New York City style.

The Committee is dedicated to raising awareness of Alzheimer’s and related dementias to individuals in their 20’s and 30’s through events, support, and education to further the efforts of the NYC Chapter. A few members of this cutting-edge group shared their thoughts: how and why they got involved, and how it has benefited them. I’m sure that you will be inspired by their stories, too!

Scott Chabina is the Events Chair, and he was inspired to take action by witnessing his grandfather’s struggle with the disease:

My grandfather, William J. Chabina, suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and passed away when I was still very young.  Unfortunately, the few memories I do have of my grandfather from my childhood are of a very different person than the loving, intelligent, and caring father and husband that the rest of my family had the pleasure of knowing.  Sadly, this realization was lost on me during my childhood and it was not until I grew older that I was able to realize just how large of an impact this disease had on my family.

The fact that I will never have the opportunity to get to know my grandfather as the person he truly was and the impact this disease continues to have on my family inspired me to get involved with the Alzheimer’s Association.  I know that my involvement with the Association is something that would have made my grandfather extremely proud, which inspires me to do anything I can to raise additional funds for Alzheimer’s research and awareness of this terrible disease.

Aimee Adler is a committee member who joined the committee following her grandmother’s recent diagnosis:

I have always been really excited about volunteering and doing charity work within my community.  My grandmother was recently diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Not really knowing anything about the disease, I talked to friends and family about it. One friend suggested I join the ALZ NYC JC as she was already a member. My grandmother inspired me my whole life to do good for others. The involvement I have in this group was inspired by her as well.

Meghann McKale is the Junior Committee’s President. She shares her inspiration for leading the cause:

I learned about the Junior Committee when I participated in the Memory Walk in 2002. My roommate at the time worked for Eisai, who had a team, and she invited me because she knew my grandmother had Alzheimer’s. When I saw the group’s table, I knew it would be a great way for me to channel my frustration at not being able to take care of my grandmother, who lived in Rhode Island.

Aimee, Scott, and Meghann have found tremendous value and personal benefit in working for the Committee and partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association:

Scott: The real benefit of being involved with the Junior Committee is that you can have a direct impact on helping those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease by raising funds for research and community outreach programs that help people who truly need assistance.  Additionally, the Junior Committee focuses specifically on a younger demographic (20 to 40 years old) that, unfortunately, will ultimately become affected by this disease in some capacity or another. It has been absolutely shocking to me to see how this disease has affected so many people my age and how it has similarly affected their relationships with family members and loved ones.

Aimee: While discussing potential ways to raise money for research and programs dedicated to helping people with the disease is an amazing benefit in of itself, the group has taught me more about Alzheimer’s and has inspired me to really become more involved by volunteering to speak about the disease to groups, help out with events, get more people involved and build awareness.

Meghann: One of the hardest things about dealing with a family member having Alzheimer’s disease is the feeling of helplessness. Being proactive is one of the few things that really combats that feeling. Plus, there’s the added benefit of working with like-minded people, who share the same passion for the cause and who have been through the same difficulties.

Serving on the Committee has also been instrumental in helping both Scott, Aimee, and Meghann cope with the impact of Alzheimer’s on their families. They explain:

Scott: In working with the Junior Committee, I have been able to see that other people my age have had similar strains on their families and have lost loved ones to this tragic disease.  As I learned more about Alzheimer’s disease I came to understand just how difficult it must have been for my grandmother, Margaret Chabina, to go through this disease with her husband.  When she called me to tell me how proud she was I was involved with the Association and how important it was to her, I knew that I was doing something important and that hopefully, there would be something positive to come from my experience with Alzheimer’s disease.

Aimee: Being involved with the Junior Committee (Since October 2008) has really opened my eyes to the disease and helped me learn how to cope with a family member who has Alzheimer’s. By meeting once a month with other people my age (ages 20- 30), the group has also taught me how to react to family members or to help my grandmother get through this.  I now talk to friends about it and learned that some of them have lost family members to this disease.  Joining this committee has also sparked conversations within my family and has opened communication pathways to talk about how we can help together as a family!

Meghann: Working with the Junior Committee has allowed me to feel that I’m making an impact. Though I lost my grandmother to the disease in May 2007, I have to believe that my small contribution may make a difference in whether or not it happens to future generations – not just of my family but everyone. Knowing that there are other young people who are actively working towards the Alzheimer’s Association’s vision of a world without Alzheimer’s is quite inspiring. While I often find myself alone among my peers when it comes to my passion for working with people affected by Alzheimer’s, I know that a striking number of people in all age groups are touched by this disease – and I would venture to say that all of those people are passionate about finding a cure.

*  *  *

Scott, Aimee, and Meghann are hard at work planning for the 7th Annual Collective Consciousness Benefit, coming up on Thursday, May 7, from 8-11 p.m., which will take place at the trendy, celebrity hotspot Tenjune in Manhattan, NY.  Funds raised will go directly to Alzheimer research and to support programs and services offered by the New York City Chapter.  Elizabeth Hasselback from ABC’s “The View” has been named Honorary Chair, and DJ Berrie will provide music that is sure to keep guests on the dance floor.  A silent auction featuring a variety of high-end items from a number of top-name retailers, jewelers, restaurants, and hotels is sure to attract many bidders.

To purchase tickets for the Collective Consciousness Benefit, or to purchase a bouquet for the event in honor of a loved one, visit http://www.alznycjc.org/. The site will also connect you to other events sponsored by the Junior Committee and more information about the group’s efforts (including details on monthly meetings).

So why not be proactive?  Educate yourself on the basics and let friends and family know about the resources available. Attend an event like the Collective Consciousness Benefit or the annual Memory Walk in your part of the world. And join with the members of the Alzheimer’s Association in realizing their vision: a world without Alzheimer’s. We may not see that world in our lifetime, but future generations will thank you. Act now!

- Michelle Seitzer